Curved Surface Patents (Class 362/347)
  • Patent number: 7063423
    Abstract: A light source lamp unit (10) includes a light source lamp (11), an ellipsoidal reflector (12) and a plate body (19). The plate body (19) is provided behind the reflector (12) with a gap kept therebetween, which has a shape corresponding to the profile of a reflecting portion (122) of the reflector (12). A cooling channel for passing a cooling air is formed between the plate body (19) and the reflector (12). The width of the cooling channel in a direction along an optical axis of the light source lamp (11) is minimized at a part near a neck portion (121) of the reflecting portion (122) and enlarged toward the peripheral edge of the reflecting portion (122) of the reflector (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyuki Fujimori, Takeshi Takezawa, Hiroyuki Meguro, Masakazu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7059758
    Abstract: A lamp module comprising a lamp holder and a lamp is provided. The lamp holder has a structure with a curved arc surface such that the ends of the structure are inwardly converging. Light from the lamp impinging upon the curved arc surface is scattered out to a linear dimension greater than the original length of the lamp. The scattered light is projected onto the light-inlet surface of a light-guiding plate so that light emerges from the light-emitting surface as a planar light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Jen-Shou Tseng, Yin-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 7044609
    Abstract: A light source device includes: a light-emitting tube including a light-emitting portion that generates a light beam by an electric discharge between electrodes and sealing portions provided on both sides of the light-emitting portion; a reflector including a neck portion provided with an insertion hole to which the light-emitting tube is inserted, and a reflecting portion integrally formed with the neck portion and having an ellipsoidal curved reflecting surface that irradiates forward the light beam emitted by the light-emitting portion and aligns the light beam in a predetermined direction. The light-emitting tube has a sub-reflection mirror that covers substantially front half of the light-emitting tube. The insertion hole has a diameter that is enlarged from the base end thereof toward the distal end in a light irradiation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shohei Fujisawa, Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7036941
    Abstract: An illumination optical device is provided with a light source device and a uniform illumination optical system. To a light flux emission side of an expanded portion of the light source lamp of the light source device, which is opposite to a reflector of the illumination optical device, a reflection member is provided. An effective reflection plane diameter of an elliptical reflector of the light source device is 30 mm or more but 50 mm or less, Furthermore, assuming that a first focal distance of the elliptical reflector is f1, and a second focal distance thereof is f2, f1 becomes equal to or more than 5 mm, but equal to or less than 50 mm, and f2/f1 becomes in a range from 4 to 7 inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Akiyama, Toshiaki Hashizume
  • Patent number: 7025464
    Abstract: A projection display system has at least one light-recycling illumination system and at least one imaging light modulator. The light-recycling illumination system includes a light source that is enclosed within a light-recycling envelope. The light source is a light-emitting diode that emits light, an a fraction of that light will exit the light-recycling envelope through an aperture. The light-recycling envelope recycles a portion of the light emitted by the light source back to the light source in order to enhance the luminance of the light exiting the aperture. The fraction of the light that exits the aperture is partially collimated and is directed to the imaging light modulator. The imaging light modulator spatially modulates the partially collimated light to form an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Goldeneye, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl W. Beeson, Scott M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7008079
    Abstract: A composite reflecting surface for a linear LED array incorporates a truncated circular parabolic reflector surrounding each LED and a trough axially above the circular parabolic reflectors defined between parallel longitudinal reflecting surfaces. The short circular parabolic reflectors collimate wide angle light from the LED into a direction parallel to the LED optical axis. The longitudinal reflecting surfaces are linear parabolic surfaces altered to improve the vertical spread of the light radiation pattern. Longitudinal convex ribs project inwardly from the basic linear parabolic shape. The convex shape of the ribs “sprays” the light incident upon it in a vertically spread pattern. The composite reflecting surface makes use of light from a linear array of LEDs that would otherwise be wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6986593
    Abstract: An LED or incandescent light source is positioned in a reflector arranged to reflect light from the LED or incandescent light source which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector. A lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the LED or incandescent light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens. The apparatus comprised of the combination projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Illumination Management Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Rhoads, Ronald Garrison Holder
  • Patent number: 6976767
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a plurality of light tubes arranged in a substantially V-shaped manner, and at least one reflector located adjacent to the light tubes. The reflector has a semi-circular shape directed in an axial direction of the light tubes. Thus, the light reflected from the reflector is not directed toward the incident direction of the light tubes, so that the light reflected from the reflector is projected outward in a straight manner without being blocked and sheltered by the light tubes, thereby decreasing the optical loss to the minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Tung Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 6966683
    Abstract: The proposed device uses a plastic of any color with a cavity introduced in it and preferably with a polished inner surface, instead of a reflector or a light guide, to utilize increased reflection with grazing incidence (large angle of incidence versus the normal to the surface). The light from a light source is transported to the symbol by reflection in this cavity and on the inner surface. The light source is preferably of a flat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Haiko Glienicke
  • Patent number: 6964506
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Allied Lighting Systems, INC
    Inventors: Peter C. Sara, Steven C. Donner, Henry M. Avila
  • Patent number: 6962424
    Abstract: A reflector, light source, phase retarder, and linear polarizer configured to increase a single-polarization output beam by converting wrong-polarization light into correct-polarization light. The linear polarizer reflects the wrong-polarization light and transmits the correct-polarization light. The phase retarder converts the wrong-polarization light into correct-polarization light, which is then transmitted by the linear polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O'Connor, Clark A. Pentico
  • 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: 6948832
    Abstract: A luminaire including a lamp, reflector, collimator and optional waveguide. The waveguide can be solid or hollow or include several serially-arranged total internal reflection (TIR) components for redirecting light that has entered the waveguide. In one embodiment, the TIR components are prisms, but are provided without metallized coatings thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs. In another embodiment, components are arranged in a vertical orientation such that light is directed downward through a collimator or upward, either directly from the lamp or as a result of reflection from the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Saccomanno, Ivan B. Steiner
  • Patent number: 6939009
    Abstract: A compact work light that generates a light beam having high brightness and high illumination uniformity is disclosed. The work light includes a housing that houses a light source, a light homogenizer and an imaging lens in an operational relationship. The housing is attached to an adjustable mount, which can be attached to a fixed region such as wall, or to a movable support member such as a lamp base. The light source generates light that is uniformized by the light homogenizer. The homogenized light is then imaged by the imaging lens as a highly uniform, bright beam spot having a sharp boundary. The beam spot is formed at a selectable distance from the work light by varying the imaging lens and/or the adjustable mount. The work light is useful for a variety of industrial, professional and personal applications, including but not limited to a reading light, a dentist light, a head lamp, a head light and an optical projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Optics 1, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischer, Joseph E. Gortych
  • Patent number: 6918684
    Abstract: Luminaires for illumination of vertical surfaces of predetermined dimensions such as billboards or similar signs, the invention in several embodiments takes the form of reflector assemblies capable of directing light from a light source disposed within each of said luminaires either directly to the vertical surface or to refractive structures located on the luminaires for redirection of light to the vertical surface for even illumination of said surface with minimal light pollution from “spill” light. Lamps used in embodiments capable of providing asymmetrical light distributions are located toward one or the other of side portions and are preferably vertically oriented. A main reflector is curvilinear in conformation and functions in concert with a secondary reflector located directly behind the lamp to direct light onto desired portions of a vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: John Bryan Harvey
  • Patent number: 6910783
    Abstract: Illuminators include transparent light emitting members having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces of the members for causing internally reflected light to be emitted from the members. The notches or grooves may be cut using a circular cutting tool. The relative speed of the cutting tool and feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the members may be controlled to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Mezei, Rick Lockwood, David J. Page, David B. Larson
  • Patent number: 6908218
    Abstract: A light source unit is provided which includes a lamp and a reflector for reflecting rays of light emitted by a light emitting element of the lamp and for focusing the reflected rays of light. In order to focus on a predetermined focal point the rays of light emitted by the light emitting element of the lamp and refracted by a cross-sectional shape of the lamp, the reflector has a concave reflective shape formed so as to satisfy a predetermined calculation expression. Alternatively, a reflective surface shape of the reflector may be obtained by shifting portions of an ellipse and rotating a curve of the shifted portions around the optical axis of the light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sato, Hideki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6886962
    Abstract: In a shielded reflective LED, each of light sources can be surface-mounted substantially without being influenced by heat distortion based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between resin and metal because the light source is so small-sized that only one light-emitting element is sealed with a resin. Moreover, variations in luminous intensity and chromaticity of each of light-emitting elements used in three-color light sources can be examined in advance. Hence, well-matched three-color light sources can be mounted in combination so that display unevenness of a full color display can be reduced greatly. Further, the surface of the substrate portion on which the light source is fixed is silk-screen-printed in black. Hence, external light which enters the device through the optical opening portion when the device is turned off is reflected by the reflecting mirror and absorbed to the surface of the substrate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Suehiro
  • Patent number: 6854865
    Abstract: A reflector for flashlights and other light emitting objects is disclosed which includes a generally deep dish shaped reflector member having a reflective inner surface. The reflector member has a rear vertex end and a forward open end and has a depth greater than the average diameter of said forward open end. Preferably the depth is at least 1.2 times greater than said average diameter of the forward open end. Also the reflector preferably has an optical axis and having a focus point located thereon at a location less than 10% of the distance from the rear vertex end to the forward open end of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: W. T. Storey, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Probst, William T. Storey
  • Patent number: 6850095
    Abstract: A projector optic assembly is disclosed for use with various light emitting sources to collect direct the rays of light into a high gradient beam pattern. The projector optic assembly includes a light pipe and a projector lens. The light pipe is segregated into several regions including a reflecting region, a funneling region and a transition plane separating the two regions. At the first end of the reflecting region, closest to the light emitting source, is a connecting lens. At the second end of the funneling region is an emitting aperture that is designed to refract light into the high gradient beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Mitchell Sayers, Jeyachandrabose Chinniah
  • Publication number: 20040190295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shell-like reflector whose light-reflecting inner side is shaped in such a way that the reflector has two focal lines. In addition, the invention relates to a reflector lamp with such a reflector and an incandescent lamp, whose incandescent filament has at least two filament sections arranged in the focal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: PATENT-TREUHAND-GESELLSCHAFT FUR ELEKTRISCH GLUHLAMPEN MBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Andorfer, Axel Bunk
  • Patent number: 6793372
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn M. Wehner, David L. Rhorer
  • Patent number: 6783263
    Abstract: An adjustable reflector device is disclosed. The device consists of an adjustable double parabolic reflective skin with an adjustable lamp mount, incorporating a V-shaped perforated heat shield, attached. The two part reflective skin forms a double parabolic shape when flexed back against a reinforced spine. This flexible shape is secured by lengthwise adjustable chain retainers attached a both ends of the skin. The lamp mount slides onto a pair of threaded bolts secured to the skin and adjustment is achieved by tightening or loosening the appropriate nuts. The heat shield slides onto the lamp fitting and is positioned appropriately to deflect incident heat and light. This device can be used to provide variable conditions of artificial illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Cronk
  • 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: 6750930
    Abstract: A reflector and reflector-type LCD suppresses inter-object reflection over a wide angle, and provides particularly high reflectance in an intended range of viewing angle. The reflector includes a plurality of concave portions with an inclination angle (an angle between a plane tangential to a point on a concave surface and the surface of the base material) that is maximum on a side portion of the curved surface. The concave portions may also be formed such that an inner surface of each of the concave portions include a peripheral curved surface and a bottom curved surface are continuously connected to each other. The peripheral curved surface and the bottom curved surface are interposed partial spheres having different radii and non-collinear normal lines from the surface of each sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumasa Yoshii, Tatsuya Moriike, Kenji Omote, Mitsuru Kano
  • Patent number: 6746124
    Abstract: A flashlight that generates a flashlight beam to illuminate an object at a selectable distance from the flashlight by imaging a uniformly bright pattern of light onto the object. A light modifying component can be used to manipulate the pattern of light into particular shapes and images. In one embodiment, light from a light source is coupled into a light pipe. The light is homogenized as it travels along the light pipe. The light exits the light pipe with a more uniform intensity than when it entered. The light exiting the light pipe is then reimaged by an imaging lens onto an object. Yet in other embodiments, one or more lens arrays having two or more lenlets are used to homogenize the light originating from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischer, David Kappel, Greg Moeller
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6738200
    Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a lens which is lightweight and inexpensive and, despite this, which is large and has a high-precision aspherical reflecting surface reduced in distortion. The invention provides: a projection lens comprising a resin base having a given curved surface and a reflecting layer formed over the surface of the resin base, characterized in that the average of in-plane birefringent phase differences per unit thickness as measured with incident light from the direction perpendicular to the curved optical functional surface of the resin base is 30 nm/mm or less in a region accounting for at least 60% of the area of the optical functional surface; or a projection lens having a reflecting layer on an optical-function-imparted surface, wherein at least 60% of the optical-function-imparted surface has a surface roughness (Ra) of 200 Å or lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Keishin Handa, Manabu Nishikawa, Yasunori Matsushita, Hiroyuki Watanabe
  • 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: 6729746
    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: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Yuji Takahashi, Takemasa Yasukawa, Hideaki Kato, Hideki Omoya, Hideyuki Nakano, Hisao Yamaguchi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040066651
    Abstract: A light source system, comprising light emitting diodes with different light emitting colors arranged at a predetermined ratio of quantities of diodes, the ratio of quantities of diodes is determined based on light emitting status for each diode of each color so that a projected light has chromaticity of a desired color, and total quantity of the light emitting diodes is set so as to satisfy the ratio of quantities of diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Yuko Harumoto
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040057234
    Abstract: A high-intensity light comprising a side-emitting optoelectronic device adapted to emit light of a desired color. A heat sink is positioned adjacent the optoelectronic device and a reflector at least partially surrounds the optoelectronic device. The reflector is spaced a distance from the optoelectronic device. A window portion is sized to output the light in a desired arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ferenc Mohacsi
  • Patent number: 6702454
    Abstract: A recessed luminaire (1), has a dome-shaped reflector (6), a light source (8) arranged therein, a mounting ring (9) which engages around the reflector (6) near to its edge. A holder ring (41) for additional components, such as a glass plate or the like, to be attached to the mounting ring (9), is also provided, the holder ring (41) having connection means for fastening it on the mounting ring (9). At least two plug-in elements (45) having plug-in pins (46a) and radially developing plug-in recesses (46a) are provided on the mounting ring (9), for plugging-in of the plug-in pins (46b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Zumtobel Staff GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Grajetzky, Heike Schmidtpott
  • Patent number: 6672741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting diode reflector which is installed in portable lighting equipment such as electric torches. The light emitting diode reflector comprises a reflector which is a one piece parabolic mirror, a front cover which is placed upon the open end of the reflector and a light emitting diode which is mounted at the center of the front cover facing the reflector. The light emitting diode reflector increases the light intensity significantly to meet the user's requirement and maintains the advantage of energy saving of using a light emitting diode as the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Tony Chunlung Young
  • Patent number: 6670763
    Abstract: A low voltage display lamp is provided for use in standard threaded lamp sockets. The lamp has an IR-reflective layer, preferably gold, coated on the convex side of the reflector to reflect infrared radiation (IR) away from the ballast to reduce the ballast's operating temperature. The IR-reflective coating is effective to reflect IR radiation away from the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Golz, Denis A. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20030231498
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jih-Yung Lu, Chih-Po Yang, Rex Liao
  • Publication number: 20030218882
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) for motor vehicles comprises a light source (12) and an end cover (16) having at least a first section (18) and a second section (20). The lighting device (10) further comprises a first reflector (14), which directs light emitted by the light source (12) on to the end cover (16). A first optically active element (26) is arranged in the ray path between the light source (12) and the first reflector (14) and deflects the light rays emitted by the light source (12), so that the deflected rays strike the first reflector (14) at an angle of incidence, the associated angle of reflection of which causes the rays from the first reflector (14) to be directed at least substantially on to the second section (20) of the end cover (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Joachim Wirth, Matthias Purz, Katrin Burgemeister
  • Publication number: 20030206414
    Abstract: A color changing apparatus adapted to be installed between the reflector assembly and front barrel assembly of a theatrical ellipsoidal spotlight. The color changing apparatus includes a housing for connecting to the spotlight components. Contained within the housing are a plurality of color filters, preferably dichroic color filters, serially arranged perpendicular to the light path. The color filters may include constant or variable density patterns of any desirable color and are transported into the light path to effect a change in lighting conditions. The color changing apparatus is also preferably equipped with a control system enabling remote actuation and control of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael W. Wood, Thomas Shaw Cavness, Glenn Lee Fields, Douglas K. Franklin, Mary Alice D. Goewey, Lynwood J. Norrgard, Jesse Dale Trevino
  • Patent number: 6623145
    Abstract: A light source device includes a discharge lamp having a tubular transparent bulb with sealed opposite ends for generating discharged light near a light emission center thereof, and a reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface which has a curved surface approximating a paraboloid whose focal point is positioned at the light emission center of the transparent bulb. The reflecting surface is divided by a boundary into a first curved surface extending from the boundary toward a closed end of the reflecting mirror and a second curved surface extending from the boundary toward an open end of the reflecting mirror. The first curved surface is shaped such that the angle of incidence of a ray of light emitted from the light emission center and applied to the first curved surface is progressively smaller toward the closed end, and changes of the angle of incidence are greater than changes of the angle of incidence of a ray of light on the paraboloid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Microwave Tube, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6619821
    Abstract: A parabolic reflector with an asymmetrical light distribution is disclosed. The inside surface of the reflector is divided into four quadrants, and two of the four opposing quadrants are coated with a reflective material. The two remaining quadrants are uncoated or specular. With the uncoated quadrants aligned along a longitudinal center line of a narrow area to be lit, the reflector provides an asymmetrical or elliptical light distribution for more efficient lighting of narrow hallways and passageways. The reflector is particularly useful in a warehouse environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: William Bradley Waycaster
  • Patent number: 6603243
    Abstract: Pixels for a large video display which employs solid-state emitters, such as colored light emitting diodes, as light source are formed by outfitting each colored solid state emitter within the pixel with an individually tailored miniature intensity-enhancing optical system. Each of these miniature optical systems comprises a set of four wide field-of-view Lambertian reflectors 34, a pair of narrow field-of-view Lambertian reflectors 36, and a beam-shaping lens 38. The miniature intensity-enhancing optical system can be specifically designed to restrict emission in the vertical field-of-view, while providing a Lambertian intensity dependence throughout an unrestricted horizontal view. For example, the field-of-view in the vertical direction may be limited to about ±30° while the field-of-view is about ±90° in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: William A. Parkyn, David G. Pelka
  • Patent number: 6598994
    Abstract: An illumination system for inspection of devices is disclosed. The system includes a frame for positioning over an image area. A plurality of light source groups are coupled with the frame and are each configured to produce one or more wavelengths of light. Each light source group is configured to produce a wavelength of light which is not produced by another light source group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Intelligent Reasoning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Tait, Alvaro D. Lewin, Mark R. DeYong
  • Patent number: 6585397
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to effectively utilize the light rays emitted from a light source lamp 1, and, for accomplishing this object, a reflector 2 is made up of a first parabolic reflector 3 designed for reflecting light rays coming from the light source lamp 1 to be outputted as light rays parallel to the optical axis 6, second parabolic reflector 4 designed for reflecting light rays coming from the light source lamp 1 as outwardly inclined parallel light rays, and circular truncated conic reflector 5 for reflecting light rays coming from the second parabolic reflector 4 and outputted as light rays parallel to the optical axis 6. In this fashion, light rays which cannot be outputted due to being in the shadow of the spherical light source lamp can be outputted as light rays parallel to the optical axis 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu General Limited
    Inventor: Naoki Ebiko
  • 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: 6568835
    Abstract: The luminaire comprises a concave reflector (1) with an optical center (2) on an optical main axis (3), in an optical main plane (4). A screen (6) extends along the main axis (3) up to a light emission window (5). A panel (7) extends at a first side of the main plane (4) from the screen (6) up to the light emission window (5). The reflector (1) includes a first, faceted reflector portion (10) at the first side of the main plane (4), which extends towards the main plane (4), and which may be parabolically curved, the optical center (2) being its focus and the main axis (3) being its axis. A second, faceted reflector portion (20) is present at the other side of the main plane (4) and may be parabolically curved, which reflector portion has a side axis (22) passing through the optical center (2), and a focus lying in the optical center (2). The side axis (22) is tilted, with respect to the main axis (3), through acute angles in the main plane (4) and out of said main plane (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Wijbenga, Jean Paul Entrop, Cornelis Johannes Maria Erkamp
  • Patent number: 6561687
    Abstract: The shape of a horizontal cross section Sho including a reference axis Ax on a reflective surface 14a is set to a curved shape for focusing and reflecting light from a light source 12a closer to the reference axis Ax within the horizontal cross section Sho. The shape of a vertical cross section including the axis in the direction of emitting reflected light at each of the points on the horizontal cross section including the reference axis Ax on the reflective surface 14a is set to a curved shape for reflecting the light from the light source in substantially parallel to the axis in the direction of emitting the reflected light in a central reflective area near the lateral reference axis Ax. The shapes of peripheral reflective areas 14a2 on both sides of the central reflective area are respectively set to curved shapes for focusing and reflecting the light from the light source 12a closer to the axis in the direction of emitting the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Satsukawa, Yasuyuki Amano, Hiroshi Kawashima
  • 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