Plural Separate Reflectors Or Separate Sections Patents (Class 362/346)
  • Publication number: 20040179371
    Abstract: A reflector of a vehicle lamp includes a main reflector, a first sub-reflector, a second sub-reflector, and a relief portion. The main reflector includes a main reflection surface that reflects light from a light source in a forward direction. The first sub-reflector includes a first sub-reflection surface that reflects the light toward the second sub-reflector. The second sub-reflector includes a second sub-reflection surface that reflects the light reflected from the first sub-reflection surface in the forward direction. The second sub-reflector is arranged closer to the center axis than the main reflector, and the first sub-reflector is arranged farther from a center axis of the light than the main reflector, inclined inward via the relief portion, so that the light reflected from the main reflection surface is not blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaya Morishita, Masafumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6789914
    Abstract: A luminaire having a frame that includes opposite first and second ends with a connecting member extending therebetween. The frame has an opening remote from the connecting member. First and second lamps are supported by the frame adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. A main reflector extends between the first and second ends of the frame and has a reflecting surface directed towards the opening of the frame. First and second reflecting members are disposed adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, of the frame and between the first and second lamps, respectively, and the opening of the frame. Each of the first and second reflecting members includes first and second curved reflectors and a plurality of baffles extending between the first and second curved reflectors. The first and second reflecting members direct light from the first and second lamps, respectively, through the opening in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ray A. Brown, Martin C. Werr
  • Patent number: 6783262
    Abstract: A light fixture is described. The light fixture includes a socket housing and a reflector housing. The socket housing includes a socket for receipt of a lamp, and a reflector housing mounting surface. The reflector housing includes a direct reflector for providing direct light onto a target lighting area and an indirect reflector for providing indirect light onto the target lighting area. The direct reflector includes a direct reflector first end, a direct reflector second end, and a direct reflector body extended between the first end and the second end. The direct reflector body extends sufficiently far to provide a cut off angle between a lamp provided in the socket and the direct reflector second end of less than about 50°. The indirect reflector extends from the direct reflector around a circumference of the direct reflector in an amount sufficient to shield a lamp provided in the socket. A facility having a plurality of ceiling mounted light fixtures, and a reflector housing are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Orfield Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Orfield, Michael R. Role
  • Patent number: 6783250
    Abstract: A light collection for an arc lamp includes a parabolic reflector having primary and secondary parabolic reflector sections, the secondary parabolic reflector section divided into subsections, resulting in multiple arc images. The light collection system combines high efficiency and etendue preserving aperture shaping, and is particularly useful in projection display systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Peter J Janssen
  • Publication number: 20040165391
    Abstract: Linear lamp energy output is tuned by adjusting the reflectivity of reflectors or shade members used to direct, focus and filter energy output of a linear bulb. Reflectivity is reduced in areas of the reflector contributing to high irradiance levels in a target area allowing, for example, overall equalization of irradiance across the target area. An outer surface of the linear bulb may have a modified diameter, light transmission reducing surface treatment or an added sleeve to linear bulb areas contributing to irradiance levels in specific locations in the target area that are higher than desired. Alternatively and or additionally, a lens or shade member having a graduated convergence, reflectivity and or transmisivity may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: AETEK UV SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen P. Blacker, Thomas Becker
  • Patent number: 6773151
    Abstract: An automobile dome lamp assembly which includes a metal reflector unit, plastic lamp housing,cartridge lamp, and cover lens. The reflector unit comprises two concave reflector portions that are mounted on the plastic base in electrical isolation from each other. Each of the two reflector portions include a unitary electrical terminal and lamp retainer clip. The cartridge lamp is mounted to the reflector unit by the two retainer clips such that it is located in front of the reflector. Power supplied to the electrical terminals is routed to the lamp through the reflector portion and their unitary retainer clips. The reflector unit is stamped from a single pieces of metal frangible bridges interconnecting the two reflector portions. The reflector unit can be insert molded to the plastic housing and the frangible bridges are separate at that time to electrically isolate the two reflector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Christopher Brown
  • Patent number: 6773143
    Abstract: A structure for reflection of light comprising a curved surface reflector for reflecting the light emitted from a light source located on a focus of the curved surface reflector, and a semi-sphere surface for reflecting the light emitted from the light source located on a center of the semi-sphere surface. In specific, the focus of the curved surface reflector and the center of the semi-sphere surface are so positioned as to be substantially on the same location, thus after the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the semi-sphere surface, the reflected light passes through the center to illuminate on the curved surface reflector, so that all of the light emitted from the light source can pass through the center to illuminate on the curved surface reflector and is then reflected by the same so as to obtain a condensed light beam with the smaller converging angle and spot size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Chang
  • Patent number: 6771870
    Abstract: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: eele Laboratories
    Inventors: Karlheinz Strobl, Paul Gasteiger
  • Publication number: 20040145910
    Abstract: A lighting assembly comprising a housing having at least one aperture formed therein and a reflector secured to the housing. The reflector comprises at least one reflector cup having a front curved surface. The lighting assembly further comprises at least one light source, such as an LED, positioned in the at least one aperture and secured to the housing. The at least one light source is positioned to emit light toward the at least one reflector cup and the light may then be focused into a collimated beam. A plurality of light sources may be circumferentially spaced around the outer edge of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Guide Corporation (a Delaware Corporation)
    Inventor: Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 6767113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-angle reflector for use in a backlight unit. The back light unit comprises a plurality of lamps, a multi-angle reflector and a diffuser. The multi-angle reflector comprises a plate and a plurality of reflecting protrusions. The plate has a top surface toward to the lamps. The reflecting protrusions are respectively disposed on the top surface of the plate. Each reflecting protrusion has a reflecting surface. The reflecting surfaces have a plurality of reflecting angles corresponding to the top surface of the plate so that the light from lamps are adapted to reflect to the diffuser according to the reflecting angles. Therefore, according to the invention, the reflecting angles of the reflecting surfaces on the reflecting protrusions can be adjusted so as to suit to various actual conditions. The lights are uniform and the utility of the lights is improved. Because the reflecting protrusions are small, the reflector can be made into a thin type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Yao
  • Patent number: 6761475
    Abstract: A lighting device, comprising a luminous source consisting of a LED (5) that is placed between the flanges (2,3) of a primary reflector (1), which is essentially V-shaped. A secondary reflector (7), composed of an elongated element with steps (8), runs along the extension of one of the flanges (3) of the primary reflector (1), while an elongated transparent diffuser (9) runs along the extension of the other flange (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Piermario Repetto, Sabino Sinesi, Davide Capello, Daniele Pullini, Denis Bollea
  • Publication number: 20040130907
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a lighting module for a vehicle headlight for giving a light beam of the cut-off type, particularly one which is adapted to use with light-emitting diodes. The module has a second reflector having a substantially elliptical surface for reflecting light rays and at least one light source arranged close to the first focus of the first reflector. The module also includes a second reflector for producing the cut-off or dipped output beam, the focus of this reflector being arranged close to the second focus of the first reflector. The module further includes a third reflector or bender, having a reflective top face and being situated between the first and second reflectors. This third reflector has a cut-off edge arranged close to the second focus of the first reflector, whereby to form the cut-off within the light beam. The light source is a light-emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Publication number: 20040130898
    Abstract: A light fixture is described. The light fixture includes a socket housing and a reflector housing. The socket housing includes a socket for receipt of a lamp, and a reflector housing mounting surface. The reflector housing includes a direct reflector for providing direct light onto a target lighting area and an indirect reflector for providing indirect light onto the target lighting area. The direct reflector includes a direct reflector first end, a direct reflector second end, and a direct reflector body extended between the first end and the second end. The direct reflector body extends sufficiently far to provide a cut off angle between a lamp provided in the socket and the direct reflector second end of less than about 50°. The indirect reflector extends from the direct reflector around a circumference of the direct reflector in an amount sufficient to shield a lamp provided in the socket. A facility having a plurality of ceiling mounted light fixtures, and a reflector housing are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Steven J. Orfield, Michael R. Role
  • Publication number: 20040130883
    Abstract: A surface light source (3, 4, 5) includes a light guide plate (32, 42, 52), which defines an incident surface (321, 421, 521), an emitting surface and a bottom surface (323, 423, 523) opposite to the emitting surface; and a light source (31, 41, 51) adjacent to the incident surface of the light guide plate for radiating light beams into the light guide plate through the incident surface. A multiplicity of generally rectangular dots (328, 428, 528) and generally circular dots (329, 429, 529) is formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate. The rectangular and circular dots reflect and scatter the light beams in directions toward the emitting surface. The rectangular dots are distributed on the bottom surface corresponding to lower luminance areas of the light guide plate, so that the luminance over the whole emitting surface of the light guide plate is uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Leu, Ga-Lane Chen, Tai-Cheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20040125615
    Abstract: A direct-lighting type back light unit includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light outward; a reflecting plate defining a plurality of curved reflecting recesses in which the light sources are respectively arranged. Each recess forms a first convex reflecting surface at a center of the recess, a second inclined reflecting surface formed at an edge of the recess and a third inclined reflecting surface formed at the edge and extending from the second reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Ho
  • Publication number: 20040114358
    Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed which includes a housing adapted to receive one or more battery cells and having a transparent lens on a forward end thereof. An LED light source connected to the cell is utilized in conjunction with collimating optics positioned adjacent the LED to refract rays of light from the LED forwardly. A first paraboloid reflector having a concave reflective surface is positioned within said housing to receive rays of light from the collimating optics and to reflect the rays rearwardly and a second paraboloid reflector having a concave reflective surface is positioned within said housing to receive rays of light reflected rearwardly from the first paraboloid reflector and to further reflect the rays forwardly through the transparent lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: William T. Storey, Brian E. Probst, Joseph E. Gorrie
  • Publication number: 20040114366
    Abstract: A light assembly is configured to produce a large area of light emission from an LED light source. The LED light source is mounted within a concave reflector and oriented to face the rear of the reflector. A compound reflecting surface diverts axial light from the LED away from the axis of the reflector to avoid blockage by the LED support structure. A peripheral reflecting surface redirects the diverted light. The LED light source may be a linear array of LEDs aligned with a linear focal axis of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Smith, Jon H. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20040114388
    Abstract: A method for predicting headlamp reflector temperature comprising receiving a headlamp type and transmitting a request for an input parameter value responsive to the headlamp type. The input parameter value is received in response to transmitting the request. A transfer function is executed in response to the input parameter and the headlamp type and the execution results in a predicted maximum reflector temperature. The predicted maximum reflector temperature is then output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Anant Kulkarni, Eric Jaarda, James Wilson, Erwin Liang
  • Patent number: 6739739
    Abstract: A flash tube reflector able to distribute light of the flash tube evenly is disclosed. The reflector is a vertical portion of an elliptic cylinder extending along an Y-axis. A cross section of the reflector along the XY plane is a portion of an ellipse. A zenith E at the reflector intersects the X-axis. The flash tube contacts the reflector at E. A is a center of the flash tube and c is a distance between E and A. F1 is a first focus of the ellipse of the reflector and f1 is a distance between E and F1. F2 is a second focus of the ellipse and f2 is a distance between E and F2. The relations of c, f1, and f2 are 0.20 ≦c/f1≦0.45 and 0.14≦f1/f2≦1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Jih-Yung Lu, Chih-Po Yang, Rex Liao
  • Publication number: 20040095771
    Abstract: This lighting system improves the illumination of enclosed spaces by reducing undesirable shadows. Elongated curved reflective surfaces at the upper periphery of the illuminated space reflect light from a central source to the activity area. Light arriving at the activity area from many directions softens or eliminates shadows. Appropriate lighting contrast may be selected at installation and maintained by simple adjustments in response to changes in layout, furnishings, and activities conducted in the illuminated area. Contrast may be controlled as needed by varying the ratio of light reflected from the periphery to that proceeding directly from the central source to the activity area. A smaller number of efficient, powerful light sources lowers power consumption, reduces fixture installation and wiring costs, and diminishes maintenance labor compared to conventional lighting systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Global Star Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas McDonald
  • Patent number: 6733154
    Abstract: A suspended indirect linear fluorescent luminaire utilizing a parabolic reflector assembly and kick reflector members in conjunction with large luminous lenses as viewed from below. The kick reflector members are suspended from the upper section inner edges of each lens member. The parabolic reflector assembly is positioned under the linear fluorescent lamp to redirect a portion of the light emitted from the underside of the lamp toward the kick reflector members and toward the area of the lens members behind the kick reflector members. Thus, the lens members may be evenly illuminated without a shadow from the kick reflector member, and the optical system of the luminaire may provide a wide light distribution so that the luminaire may have short suspension distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Kevin S. Dahlen
  • Publication number: 20040085770
    Abstract: A luminaire for providing wide-angle illumination has a housing with an open side and an arcuate reflector with a reflecting surface that defines a plane of substantial symmetry. This reflecting surface is mounted within the housing and arranged to orient the reflecting surface towards the open side and has first and second reflector portions that are substantially mirror images of each other in relation to the plane of symmetry. The reflecting portions define a focal axis that is normal to said plane of symmetry and formed of a plurality of a substantially elongate reflecting facet surfaces or a series of reflector strips each of which is substantially parallel to the focal axis, the arcuate reflector having asymmetrical cycloidal cross sections in planes substantially normal to the focal axis, and the reflector portions forming an indentation or cusp in the direction of the light source at the point where they meet along the plane of symmetry at least in the region of the focal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas P. Tyler, Jonathan A. Connell
  • Patent number: 6729752
    Abstract: Since sub-reflectors are built on left and right of a longitudinal main reflector, respectively, a headlamp can be made compact longitudinally if viewed from the front. By making the headlamp compact longitudinally if viewed from the front, the sub-reflectors are provided longitudinally, i.e., provided to be elongated vertically. Therefore, luminous intensity distribution patterns diffused downward can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nakata
  • Publication number: 20040070976
    Abstract: A UV curing lamp is provided which includes a curved, reflective surface which redirects incident light toward a band-pass filter while bypassing the lamp. A heat sink is provided for the band-pass filter, the heat sink containing a woolen material such as aluminum wool. A portion of the light is reflected by the curved reflective surface and is transmitted through the band-pass filter and into the heat sink, the remainder of the light being reflected by the band-pass filter. The heat sink absorbs the light transmitted through the band-pass filter and dissipates the heat associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Tausch, Charles Alexander
  • Patent number: 6719444
    Abstract: A vehicular headlight includes at least one light source that emits light when in use, a reflector having a main reflection surface so positioned relative to the light source as to reflect any light reaching the same from the light source in the form of at least a low light beam delimited at least by an upper light/dark boundary at its upper region as considered in the position in which the headlight is to be used, and a light-transmitting plate extending across the path of the light beam at a distance from the light source and at least substantially devoid of any optically active profiles. A reflection element is further provided that is integral with the reflector and has an additional reflection surface deviating in configuration from that of the basic reflection surface to reflect any light reaching the same from the light source in the form of an additional light beam to an additional region situated upwardly of the upper light/dark boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frieder Alber, Henning Hogrefe
  • Patent number: 6720566
    Abstract: A shutter for use with a light source is provided. The shutter includes a first section that has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of a reflector liner. A second section is present and has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of the reflector liner. The second section is removably securable to the first section. The sections cooperate to provide adequate force to the reflector liner to cause the reflector liner to be retained on the inner receiving surfaces between engaging projections on the sections during attachment between the first and second sections. Detachment of the second section from the first section allows for the removal of the reflector liner from the receiving surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Miltec Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Michael Blandford
  • Patent number: 6715907
    Abstract: A reflective surface outline 100, on which there are restrictions due to requirements from a vehicle body constitution perspective and a design perspective, is set as a basic condition for reflective surface determination, and in addition segmentation conditions and reflection conditions are set. Then, based on these various conditions, the inside of the reflective surface outline 100 is segmented along the X-axis, which is set as a segmentation axis, to produce a plurality of reflection regions, and furthermore segment surfaces 110, 121 to 151 and 122 to 152 corresponding to the reflection regions are created based on reflection angles which have been set for the reflection regions. A surface shape for the reflective surface 10a as a whole satisfying a required light distribution condition is then determined from these segment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toyoyuki Manabe
  • Publication number: 20040062045
    Abstract: A structure for reflection of light comprising a curved surface reflector for reflecting the light emitted from a light source located on a focus of the curved surface reflector, and a semi-sphere surface for reflecting the light emitted from the light source located on a center of the semi-sphere surface. In specific, the focus of the curved surface reflector and the center of the semi-sphere surface are so positioned as to be substantially on the same location, thus after the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the semi-sphere surface, the reflected light passes through the center to illuminate on the curved surface reflector, so that all of the light emitted from the light source can pass through the center to illuminate on the curved surface reflector and is then reflected by the same so as to obtain a condensed light beam with the smaller converging angle and spot size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Sean Chang
  • Patent number: 6705742
    Abstract: A system for directing light from a luminaire. The system for directing light from a luminaire, according to the present invention, includes a source of light. A first reflecting device is installed in the luminaire for reflecting light from the source of light and directing substantially indirect lighting from the luminaire. The first reflecting device is formed with an opening. The opening allows unreflected light to pass through the first reflecting device to a second reflecting device mounted in the luminaire. The first reflecting device includes a window mountable in the opening for diffusing light. The first reflecting device also includes a lens. The second reflecting device is a multiple surface reflector assembly for directing a combination of direct lighting and luminous lighting from the luminaire through and along a fascia that is engageable with the luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Insight Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: David Patterson, Ramiro Barajas
  • Publication number: 20040042209
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a light assembly with LESDs mounted opposite to the reflective side of a reflector. A plurality of reflectors are arranged in an overlapping fashion such that the light emitted from the LESD of one reflector is directed to the reflective surface of an underlying reflector. In this fashion, a number of LESDs may be incorporated into a lighting device in a variety of patterns while maintaining the LESDs and their mountings hidden from view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: GUIDE CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn M. Wehner, David L. Rhorer
  • 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: 20040037068
    Abstract: A system for directing light from a luminaire. The system for directing light from a luminaire, according to the present invention, includes a source of light. A first reflecting device is installed in the luminaire for reflecting light from the source of light and directing substantially indirect lighting from the luminaire. The first reflecting device is formed with an opening. The opening allows unreflected light to pass through the first reflecting device to a second reflecting device mounted in the luminaire. The first reflecting device includes a window mountable in the opening for diffusing light. The first reflecting device also includes a lens. The second reflecting device is a multiple surface reflector assembly for directing a combination of direct lighting and luminous lighting from the luminaire through and along a fascia that is engageable with the luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Insight Lighting, Inc., a New Mexico corporation
    Inventors: David Patterson, Ramiro Barajas
  • Publication number: 20040032739
    Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention comprise novel reflectors for directing more light parallel to the longitudinal axis of an illumination tube. Other embodiments are directed to devices for supporting illumination tubes. Other aspects are directed to coated substrates which provide better light distribution from illumination tubes. Other aspects of the present invention provides improved light distribution systems designed to provide protection from ultra-violet rays emanating from the light source(s) used in an illumination tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Walter A. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20040027836
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp which radiates a beam forward in a predetermined low-beam light distribution pattern using a projection-type lamp unit and with which visibility to the sides of a vehicle is improved without having a significant effect on the formation of the low-beam light distribution pattern. A first additional reflector for reflecting light from a discharge light source of a discharge bulb forward is disposed below a discharge bulb of the projection-type lamp unit. A second additional reflector for reflecting reflected light from the first additional reflector to one side is provided in front of the first additional reflector. An additional light distribution pattern that partially overlaps a side portion of the low-beam light distribution pattern is formed, thereby providing improved illumination of road zones to the sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Koji Okawa
  • Publication number: 20040012966
    Abstract: In order to fabricate a light reflective structure for a liquid crystal display, a photosensitive resin layer is formed with use of a thermosetting photosensitive resin, the photosensitive resin layer is exposed through a photomask having a particular pattern by a proximity method, the exposed photosensitive resin layer is developed to form an insolubilized resin layer, and the insolubilized resin layer is subjected to a heat treatment to have surface smoothness improved and to accelerate setting of the resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: OPTREX Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
    Inventors: Ichiro Takasaki, Masao Ozeki, Haruki Mori, Kenichi Fukuoka, Takahiro Okuda
  • Patent number: 6652113
    Abstract: A dual-mode light unit, fitting closely against a vertical wall surface, indirectly illuminates a nearby ceiling region with a uniform wash and provides a functional task light component while providing an unusual luminous visual accent effect from a major lower region of the unit. A fluorescent lamp is located about one-third way down from the top of the shallow vertically-elongated enclosure. The lamp is concealed behind a lamp shield running across the front. An upper reflector, offset upwardly from the lamp and extending to the top of the unit, is made with a smooth reflective surface shaped to distribute the upward illumination field from the lamp uniformly as a ceiling wash. A lower luminance panel, offset downwardly from the lamp and extending to the bottom of the unit, a matte surface that picks up highlights from a controlled field of downward illumination from the lamp, creating 14B ′ as an unusual soft restful decorative effect while also functioning as a task light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Tant
  • Publication number: 20030214811
    Abstract: A light reflector having a row of light reflecting segments separated by fold lines, wherein one segment is located at a top of the row and another segment is located at a bottom of the row. A pair of wings is connected at the sides of the row, each one of the wings including a plurality of light reflecting segments separated by fold lines, wherein at least some of the light reflecting segments of the row and at least some of the light reflecting segments of the wings form a shell-shaped arrangement wherein at least some light reflecting segments of the row and at least some light reflecting segments of the pair of wings are bent at their respective fold lines whereby the arrangement is generally curved along an imaginary line connecting the one segment and the another segment and generally curved along an imaginary line perpendicular to the first mentioned line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Peter C. Sara, Steven C. Donner, Henry M. Avila
  • Patent number: 6644841
    Abstract: A reflector for use with light emitting devices. Multiple reflective surfaces redirect light emission components of the light emitting device, for example a light emitting diode, into a desired direction. The different light emission components including a total internal reflection light emission component. Paired light emitting devices share common reflector surfaces creating an oval light pattern. Holes in the reflector accommodate electrical components and enhance heat dissipation. A deflector pattern on non-reflector surfaces minimizes sun phantom effect when the reflector is used, for example, in a traffic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gelcore LLC
    Inventor: Patrick M. Martineau
  • Patent number: 6641287
    Abstract: In a light source of a reflective type LED, a light-emitting element is mounted on the bottom surface of a concave reflecting mirror. Accordingly, light emitted horizontally from the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is also reflected by the reflecting mirror, so that all components of light emitting from the light-emitting element are concentrated on a region within a predetermined extent from an axis perpendicular to the light-emitting surface so as to irradiate the region. Thus, the end portion of the reflecting mirror provided in opposition to the light source need not be made close to the height of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 2 in the light source. Hence, it is possible to obtain high external radiating efficiency even in the case where the reflecting mirror is provided far from the light-emitting element. Thus, the degree of freedom for designing the reflecting mirror increases, so that the reflective type light-emitting diode can be widely applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Suehiro
  • Patent number: 6641282
    Abstract: A controlled-luminance lighting device comprising a fluorescent lamp (1), which extends longitudinally between a primary reflector (2) and a secondary reflector (3). The primary reflector (2) is formed by a plurality of cup-like elements (4) set alongside one another, having a generally parabolic shape, through which there extends the lamp (1), and the secondary reflector (3) is constituted by a tray-like element with a curved surface. The primary reflector (2) further includes a tile (9), which extends longitudinally between each pair of cup-like elements (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Denis Bollea, Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto
  • Publication number: 20030202353
    Abstract: An optical device for increasing the brightness of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source and coupled into a target by folding the electromagnetic radiation back on itself. The optical device includes the source of electromagnetic radiation, which has a first width; a first light pipe with a first input end and a reflective end, the first input end having a second width; a second light pipe disposed parallel to the first light pipe, the second light pipe further having a second input end juxtaposed to the first input end of the first light pipe and an output end, the second input end having a third width; a first reflector having a first optical axis and a first focal point on the first optical axis; and a second reflector having a second optical axis and a second focal point on the second optical axis disposed substantially symmetrically to the first reflector such that the first optical axis is substantially collinear with the second optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Patent number: 6637921
    Abstract: LED lamp assembly particularly adapted for automotive applications that utilizes one or more standard replaceable LED bulbs with changeable optics to make multiple beam patterns. Preferably the optic is molded and easily replaced. An electric module is mounted directly under the LED to facilitate the electrical connection and provide good thermal contact. The LED light source(s) and interchangeable optic are positioned and sealed in the base of a main reflector or the vehicle hull by means well known to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Coushaine
  • Patent number: 6637920
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp having an improved luminous intensity of reflected light that has passed through a tinted topcoat layer. Light emitted from a light source bulb is reflected by a reflector to form an outward beam. The reflector is formed of an effective reflector portion contributing to formation of the outward beam and a non-effective reflector portion not contributing to formation of the outward beam. Only the non-effective reflector portion or only the non-effective reflector portion and an extension portion are coated with a tinted topcoat layer. The particle diameter of pigments dispersed in the tinted topcoat layer is limited to a certain range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Murakoshi, Shigeki Ono
  • Patent number: 6637923
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp which irradiates a light by means of indirect illumination employing an LED light source and having an improved appearance when the lamp is lit. Light from an LED light source is formed into an upward parallel light flux by a Fresnel lens and reflected toward the front of a lamp by a reflector. The reflecting surface of the reflector is formed in a stepped shape by providing a reflective element and a step portion in each of a plurality of segments which are sectioned at a uniform interval in a vertical direction. The width in the longitudinal direction of the lamp of each of the reflective elements is gradually increased as the distance of the reflective elements increases from the intersection of the central axis of the parallel light flux and the reflecting surface. Accordingly, the incident light flux is made substantially constant among all the reflective elements, and hence the brightness of the light emitted by the lamp is made uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Amano
  • Publication number: 20030198052
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for providing substantially uniform illumination. The apparatus includes an elongate reflector housing with an inner surface having a substantially constant profile in cross section which is generally concave, an optical center being defined at a geometric focus of the profile of the inner surface. In a preferred embodiment, substantially uniform illumination is achieved by providing an elongate light source positioned within the elongate reflector housing such that a geometric center of the light source is situated preferably spaced outwardly from the optical center of the housing, away from the inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board
    Inventor: Ireneusz Witkowski
  • Patent number: 6634759
    Abstract: A condensing and collecting optical system includes a first reflector and second reflector. The first and second reflectors and includes a portion of an ellipsoid of revolution having two focal point and an optical axis. A source of electromagnetic radiation is placed at one of the focal points of the first reflector to produce radiation that converges at the second focal point of the first reflector. The second focal points of the reflectors coincide. The second reflector is positioned to receive the radiation after it passes through a second focal point of the second reflector and focuses the radiation toward a target positioned at the first focal point of the second reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Cogent Light Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Publication number: 20030189832
    Abstract: A light module includes a light source and a reflective light transformer. The light source emits light with a limited angle omnidirectionally in a plane perpendicular to a light source optical axis. The reflective light transformer is located around the light source, and collects most of the light emitted by the light source and redirects and redistributes the collected light in a direction parallel to the light source optical axis. The light transformer includes a reflective surface with a precalculated arbitrary profile that transforms a light source spatial light distribution into a specific pattern with a generally different angular spread in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Rizkin, Robert H. Tudhope
  • 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: 6626561
    Abstract: A lamp for more uniformly irradiating surfaces of fibers (including ribbon-shaped fibers), such as optical fibers, and methods of using such lamp, are provided. The lamp has primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors, forming an elliptical space therebetween with the fibers in the vicinity of one focal point of the elliptical space, on the major axis of the elliptical space. The lamp bulb is centered on this major axis of the elliptical space, in the vicinity of the other focal point to provide a dispersed ray pattern at the fiber for more uniformity over the surfaces of the fibers. Ends of the primary reflector can be provided with end reflectors which can have mounts for the lamp bulb. The lamp can be used to cure a light curable coating (e.g., ink, polymer) on the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Sykes Carter, Robert L. Rhoades, Charles H. Wood
  • Patent number: 6626562
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that provides back light for liquid crystal displays (“LCD”). The apparatus includes an electrodeless lamp disposed in a cabinet for generating light; and a reflector disposed on one side of the electrodeless lamp for directing light from the lamp in the direction of the LCD. The reflector further includes a surface profile that provides a uniform distribution of light intensity into the LCD. The reflector further is adjacent and in near contact with the lamp to provide a minimum depth behind the lamp. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes an IR reflector disposed between the electrodeless lamp and a diffuser, which is located adjacent the LCD screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Randall D. Blanchard