Patterned Surface Patents (Class 362/348)
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Publication number: 20080019138Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector having reflection prisms that has a holder for a luminous means, and to a luminaire in the case of which the reflector is permanently connected to the luminous means.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: SCHOTT AGInventors: Andreas Otte, Steffen Koerner, Eberhard Kurek, Michael Heinen, Ralf Becker
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Patent number: 7303316Abstract: A car lamp includes a lamp shell, a reflecting shade ahead of the lamp shell, a bulb on the reflecting shell, a set-off member ahead of the reflecting shade, and a pervious-to-light lamp cover secured ahead of the set-off member; the reflecting shade has several reflecting surfaces; the set-off member has a pervious-to-light cover on a middle portion, several concave portions around the pervious-to-light cover, through holes respectively connected to rear ends of the concave portions and faced with the reflecting surfaces of the reflecting shade; the set-off member further has several reflecting surfaces on each of inner sides of the concave portions, and several pervious-to-light plates respectively fitted in the through holes thereof; therefore, when the bulb shines, the whole car lamp will look like it has several light emitting diodes shining therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: Mei-Chen Liu
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Patent number: 7281833Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a set of alternatively provided first and second reflection surfaces that reflect the light emitted by a first and second respective diodes toward a lamp lens. Each of the first and second reflection surface is a part of a rotational paraboloid having a focus on a light emission source of a respective one of the first and second diodes such that the paraboloids corresponding to reflection surfaces that are farther from the their respective diodes have longer focal lengths.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kiyohiro Akiyama
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Patent number: 7281824Abstract: A luminaire has a concave reflector with an optical center on an optical main axis in an optical main plane. A screen extends along the optical main axis to a light emission window. The reflector has a first faceted reflector portion at a first side of the optical main plane, the optical center being its focus and the optical main axis being its axis. A second faceted reflector portion is present at a second side of the optical main plane, having a secondary axis passing through and a focus lying in the optical center. The secondary axis is tilted with respect to the main axis through acute angles in the main plane as well as out of the plane. The luminaire produces a screened-off light beam which is horizontally and vertically asymmetrical, which makes the luminaire suitable for an illumination of highways in a counter-traffic direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Wijbenga, Jean Paul Entrop
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Patent number: 7281818Abstract: A reflector device to be utilized with light emitting diodes (LEDs), and particularly with high-flux LEDs. In the reflector structure individual reflector portions surround at least one LED. Light output from each individual LED is reflected by sloping walls of each individual reflector portion and is redirected. As a result, light that may otherwise be lost is redirected to a more useful direction. Each individual reflector portion can have a cross-section of a conic shape, a complicated curve, and can also be oval in shape. A light device is realized by utilizing such a master reflector with an LED light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Dialight CorporationInventors: Chenhua You, Mohamed Abdelhafez, Yubo Yang, Anthony Verdes, Markus Lomberg, Michael Hertrich
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Patent number: 7282748Abstract: A light-emitting module having a light-emitting efficiency. The light-emitting module that emits light includes a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light; and a light transmission member that is provided to cover the semiconductor light-emitting element with materials for transmitting the light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element and forms a sub-wavelength grating for reducing reflection of the light on its outgoing face for sending the light incident from an interface facing said semiconductor light-emitting element to its outside in grid periods shorter than a wavelength of the light transmitted by the light transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Takeda, Hisayoshi Daichou, Tsukasa Tokida, Hiroyuki Ishida
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Patent number: 7280173Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal display device having excellent viewability by efficiently reducing or preventing the occurrence of moire fringes caused by optical interference between the repeating irregularity arrangement and the repeating pixel arrangement, and preferably having ease of fabrication, in a liquid crystal display device an irregular surface composed of a plurality of depressions is formed on the surface of a reflective layer. The irregular surface includes at least two types of irregularity groups and having different shapes or sizes. Each of the irregularity groups and is composed of the substantially randomly arranged depressions in plan view, and the irregularity groups and the irregularity groups are substantially randomly arranged.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Kimitaka Kamijo
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Patent number: 7273305Abstract: A lighting device especially suitable for automotive center-high-mounted-stop-light (CHMSL) and brake light applications is provided. The lighting device comprises a display panel having at least two interfaces therein, with at least one interface configured as a light reflective interface and at least one interface configured as a light emitting interface. At least a portion of light from a light source propagates through the display panel into contact with the light reflective interface and is reflected by the light reflective interface towards the light emitting interface using total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Development CompanyInventor: Ching Fong
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Patent number: 7150551Abstract: A reflector for a vehicle headlight is described, capable of illuminating the surrounding space according to a predetermined light distribution. The reflector is formed of a plurality of sectors capable of reflecting the light beam emitted by a light source of the headlight and directing it into predetermined regions of said light distribution. The major part of the sectors of the reflector is delimited at least in part by an edge in which the divergence value of the light beam reflected at said edge portions is constant. The sectors delimited by edge portions having lower values of the angle of spread are arranged to direct the light beam reflected thereby into the regions of the light distribution having a higher spatial gradient of illuminance.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto, Pietro Perlo
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Patent number: 7128446Abstract: A luminaire for providing increased illumination and efficiency comprising a plurality of reflectors, lamps and electrically connected lamp sockets arranged such that the light reflected off of a reflector is reflected at a generally uniform angle and does not reflect off of any other reflector or lamp surface. The luminaire results in an increased light distribution pattern and greater operational efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: LSI Industries, Inc.Inventor: James G. Vanden Eynden
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Patent number: 7125149Abstract: A lamp assembly 10 has a light source 12 having two sealed electrodes 14, 16, sealed in a seal area 17 and defining a lamp axis 18. A concave shell 20 has an internal surface 22 with a reflective surface 23 formed thereon. The concave shell 20 has a neck 24 defining a neck cavity 26 and a reflector axis 28. The neck 24 is provided with an electrical connection 30 and a mechanical support for the light source 12. The shell 20 surrounds the source 12 to reflect light from the source 12 to a field to be illuminated during lamp operation. The source 12 and the reflector surface 23 are oriented with the lamp axis 18 substantially co-axial with the reflector axis 28, and at least a portion of at least one of the electrodes, for example, 14, extends into the neck cavity 26. A zone 32 is formed in the neck cavity 26 for substantially redirecting specular reflection away from the seal area.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Kling, Jeffrey P. Buschmann
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Patent number: 7090383Abstract: The shape of a reflector is to be made conspicuous to improve the appearance of a headlamp assembly. A headlamp assembly includes electric bulbs, a reflector, a lens and a case. Between the reflector and the case are formed gaps which result from a difference in shape between the reflector and the case. Blindfold portions are formed integrally with the reflector for filling the gaps. The blindfold members are provided with reflecting surfaces which project a black portion of the ground or of an inner surface of the case. With the reflecting surfaces of the blindfold members, a contrast is created between the blindfold member and reflecting surfaces of the reflector to make the reflecting surface shape of the reflector conspicuous.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Kondo, Shigeru Kodaira, Yukimi Ase, Kenichiro Kuboshima
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Patent number: 7025476Abstract: A substantially bell-shaped light fixture component for use with a lighting fixture, the light fixture component having upper and lower openings and curved or undulating segments on the light fixture component body that diffuse light from the light source used in connection with the light fixture component. The outer surface of the light fixture component body also has a plurality of curvilinear prisms for reflecting light by internal prismatic reflection. The inner and outer surfaces of the light fixture component create an even distribution of light that emanates from the light fixture component in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.Inventor: Kevin F. Leadford
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Patent number: 7025482Abstract: The invention provides a light guide member and an illuminating device which are able to efficiently uniformly irradiate illumination light to only an area requiring illumination. Therefore, a reflection face is constructed by reflection stripes such as many grooves, etc. widened in a concentric circle shape. Light from a light source unit is widened toward this entire reflection face without irregularities by a diffusing portion such as a reflection prism, etc. Thus, only the range actually requiring the illumination can be illuminated without irregularities, and visibility of the illumination range using a front light is raised.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsumaro Yamashita, Yuzo Hayashi
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Patent number: 7021813Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for improving brightness of light, a backlight assembly and an LCD device having the same are provided. The LCD device includes a backlight unit having a lamp for emitting a first light, a light guiding plate for guiding the first light, and a lamp reflector disposed adjacent to the lamp to partially cover the lamp and receiving the first light exited from the lamp, the lamp reflector having a plurality of protrusion portions for diffusing and reflecting the received first light to generate a second light; and a display unit for displaying images in response to the second light, the display unit having a lower substrate, an upper substrate opposite to the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower and the upper substrates.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Duk Lee, Jin-Hyuk Park
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Patent number: 6991359Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Charles Leu, Ga-Lane Chen, Tai-Cheng Yu
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Patent number: 6971782Abstract: An illumination device includes a light source and a planar illuminator for emitting light of the light source portion from one surface thereby to illuminate a liquid crystal panel. The planar illuminator has a reflection surface, on which minute concavo-convex shapes are substantially randomly formed. Surface emission is performed by diffuse reflecting the light irradiated from the light source portion by the reflection surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Nagakubo, Norikazu Sato
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Patent number: 6893148Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight has a light source cooperating with optical means to produce a beam which is generally spread widthwise. The optical means, such as a reflector, are adapted to produce in the beam two separate zones of maximum light intensity. The headlight gives two alternative functions, such as a short range lighting function for negotiating bends, and a foglight function, without the need for any movable optical components. The disclosure is also directed to a pair of vehicle lights so adapted, one on the right and one on the left of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Eric Blusseau, Antoine De Lamberterie
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Patent number: 6874914Abstract: An adjustable lighting system which is particularly applicable for efficiently and effectively lighting areas of limited ceiling height such as parking garages and the like. A lamp base is supported within a housing in a manner so that it may be vertically adjustable with respect to a lower reflector carried by the housing. An upper reflector, which is vertically adjustable with respect to both the lamp base and the housing, is selected to provide a desired pattern of lighting for a particular installation. Although the lighting system may be employed with a plurality of different lamps, use of an induction lamp is preferred, and when an induction lamp is used, the combination of it with a novel, upper reflector of combined curvature having a central frustoconical downward section, is particular advantageous and provides excellent uniform distribution of illumination.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Sage Technology, LLCInventors: Albert L. Desanto, Jerry L. Wilson
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Patent number: 6851842Abstract: A vehicular lamp including a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a transparent outer lens covering the front opening of the lamp body, a light source installed in the lamp chamber, a reflecting surface formed in the lamp chamber and reflects light from the light source to radiate light in the forward direction of the lamp body, and an inner lens disposed between the light source and the outer lens, the inner having a refracting step, and the refracting step having a refracting surface that refracts light, which is from the front of the lamp body and is directly incident to the inner lens, in a direction away from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
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Patent number: 6808281Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate having opposite ends. The light guide plate has a light emitting surface and an opposite back surface connected to each other by the ends. The back surface has a concave contour whereby thickness of the light guide plate is gradually reduced from each end toward a center of the light guide plate. A light source includes a reflector mounted to each end of the light guide plate and a plurality of light tubes fixed inside the reflector and between the reflector and the end of the light guide plate. The light tubes are lined up in a direction inclined with respect to a normal direction of the light emitting surface. The reflector includes curved portions corresponding to the light tubes for reflecting light from the light tubes toward the end of the light guide plate. A reflective layer is formed on the back surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Quanta Display IncorporationInventor: Yi-Chun Ho
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Publication number: 20040196653Abstract: An exterior luminaire comprising an array of light emitting diodes (2) within an outer body (12). Also within the outer body (12) is housed apparatus (7) for collecting and converting radiation into electrical energy so as to provide at least a part of the power required by the light emitting diodes (2), at least one light reflecting member (22) for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting diodes (2) out of the outer body (12), a light diffusing member (16) in the path of the reflected light, and means for maintaining the temperature around the array of light emitting diodes (2) within a predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Kevin Clark, Carl Clarke
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Patent number: 6796694Abstract: A vehicular signal lamp providing a uniformly bright appearance even when the lamp is observed in a lateral direction. A reflecting surface of a reflector is composed of a plurality of reflecting elements for diffusing and reflecting in right and left directions the light from a light source bulb. A left direction maximum diffusion angle of the respective reflecting elements is set to a smaller value the nearer the reflecting element is located to the left end portion of the reflecting surface, and a right direction maximum diffusion angle R of the respective reflecting elements is set to a smaller value the nearer the reflecting element is located to the right end portion of the reflecting surface. Thereby, when the light is observed in a lateral direction by moving the viewing position from the light front direction to the right or left, the entire reflecting surface appears bright within a certain light viewing angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
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Patent number: 6793375Abstract: A surface mountable strobe incorporates an elongated light source and a multi-element reflector. The reflector includes a first generally circular partial parabolic reflector element with an axis of rotation which corresponds to an axis of symmetry of the source. The first reflector element produces a spike of on-axis radiant energy which substantially exceeds the off-axis output profile. A plurality of spaced apart arcuate reflector elements provides output light profiles in horizontal and vertical planes which intersect at or near the axis of the source.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Douglas J. Anderson
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Patent number: 6786619Abstract: A luminaire globe member formed of light transmissive material and having a reflector section and a refractor section, light from a light source such as a high intensity discharge lamp initially impinging on at least major portions of the reflector section being reflected back into the interior of the globe member by prisms preferably disposed on exterior surfaces of said reflector section, refractive prisms preferably disposed on interior surfaces of the reflector section redirecting said reflected light through a focal point or loci of points directly above the light source, the light thus redirected from the reflector section being incident on surfaces of the refractor section at angles similar to angles of incidence of light rays directly emanating from the light source and directly incident on said refractor section surfaces, thereby to increase light efficiency by virtue of improved light control within the globe member.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Subisak, Herbert A. Fouke
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Patent number: 6773150Abstract: The lighting device includes a light source (12) and a reflector (10), which is provided with a reflecting surface (16) with a basic shape formed so that light generated by the light source (12) is reflected from the reflecting surface (16) as a light beam with a predetermined characteristic. The reflecting surface is provided with a wave structure superimposed on the basic form and including alternating successive scattering wave sections (32; 42) and concentrating wave sections (34; 44). The extent (b) of the scattering wave section (32) perpendicular to the surface lines (33) is substantially larger than the extent (c) of the concentrating wave sections (34) perpendicular to the surface lines (35). Because of the wave structure the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface is scattered and made uniform.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Marc Giordani, Christian Lietar
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Publication number: 20040085770Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Thomas P. Tyler, Jonathan A. Connell
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Patent number: 6722777Abstract: A reflector for a light assembly of a motor vehicle has at least one reflector surface for rays emitted by an illumination element positioned at a spacing to the at least one reflector surface. The at least one reflector surface is a surface of revolution whose generatrix is part of a curve and ascends in a direction to the illumination element that is oriented toward the at least one reflector surface. The curve can be a parabola, an ellipse or a free-form curve.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Andreas Erber
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Patent number: 6715907Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toyoyuki Manabe
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Publication number: 20040062045Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Sean Chang
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Patent number: 6700315Abstract: A plasma display device including a plasma display panel, a chassis base proceeding substantially parallel to the plasma display panel, and a heat conductive medium closely adhered to the plasma display panel and the chassis base while being disposed between the plasma display panel and the chassis base. The side of the heat conductive medium facing the plasma display panel and/or chassis base is provided with a plurality of prominent portions. Depressed portions are disposed between the prominent portions to remove the gap between the heat conductive medium and the respective plasma display panel and/or chassis base. Contact area enlargement members are formed at the prominent portions to improve the attachment efficiency of the heat conductive medium to the respective plasma display panel and/or chassis base.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ki-Jung Kim, Guy-Sung Kim, Ki-Yun Joung
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Publication number: 20040012966Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: OPTREX Corporation, Tokyo, JapanInventors: Ichiro Takasaki, Masao Ozeki, Haruki Mori, Kenichi Fukuoka, Takahiro Okuda
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Patent number: 6619821Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLCInventor: William Bradley Waycaster
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Patent number: 6586864Abstract: The invention is related to a reflector lamp comprising a parabolic primary reflecting section, a parabolic or spheric secondary reflecting section joined to the primary reflecting section, a parabolic or spheric tertiary reflecting section joined to the secondary reflecting section, and an incandescent or discharge light source. The secondary and tertiary reflecting sections have faceted surfaces which longitudinally extend along the surface thereof so that most (at least 50%) or substantially all the light reflected by the faceted surfaces avoids the light source and thus the light, which would be absorbed or scattered by the light source, is minimized or substantially eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yutao Zhou, Denis A. Lynch, Jr., Tianji Zhao, Thomas M. Golz, Rolf S. Bergman, Frank E. Zalar
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Patent number: 6582110Abstract: A motor-vehicle light comprises a hollow body with a transparent element facing a main reflective structure which reflects the light rays coming from a source arranged at one side of the main reflective structure towards the transparent element, an auxiliary reflective element being associated with the light source. The main reflective structure has a shell-like configuration, which is visible from the outside since the transparent element has no optical elements. The shell-like configuration comprises a plurality of optically active surface sectors alternated to connecting walls which are substantially radial with respect to the source. The optically active sectors are geometrically generated by translation or rotation of a family of generating curves each having undulations with a pitch substantially lower than the pitch of the distribution of the optically active surface sectors.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Automotive Lighting Italia SpAInventors: Alessandro Negri, Maria Teresa Dalmasso
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Publication number: 20030112629Abstract: The lighting device includes a light source (12) and a reflector (10), which is provided with a reflecting surface (16) with a basic shape formed so that light generated by the light source (12) is reflected from the reflecting surface (16) as a light beam with a predetermined characteristic. The reflecting surface is provided with a wave structure superimposed on the basic form and including alternating successive scattering wave sections (32;42) and concentrating wave sections (34; 44). The extent (b) of the scattering wave section (32) perpendicular to the surface lines (33) is substantially larger than the extent (c) of the concentrating wave sections (34) perpendicular to the surface lines (35). Because of the wave structure the light beam reflected by the reflecting surface is scattered and made uniform.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Marc Giordani, Christian Lietar
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Patent number: 6543921Abstract: A vehicular indicator lamp that provides an observer with a novel visual impression even when the point of observation is moved either horizontally or vertically while ensuring clarity of the lamp. A reflective surface of a reflector is divided in an orthogonal grid into a plurality of segments, each of which is allocated a reflective element. The reflective surface is formed as a two-dimensional wavy surface in which concave surface reflective elements and convex surface reflective elements are alternatingly repeated in each of two directions. As a result, in the case where the reflective surface of the lamp is viewed from the front, when the point of observation is moved horizontally or vertically, the brightness pattern of the reflective surface changes dynamically to accompany the movement of the point of observation, causing the observer to perceive a strong glittering sensation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
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Publication number: 20030016539Abstract: A highly efficient optical device comprises two opposing active non-spherical optical surfaces defined by a two-dimensional representation that is symmetrically extended to provide a three-dimensional device. A focal area, spaced apart from the optical surface and non-contiguous therewith, is defined by the two opposing active optical surfaces. The active optical surfaces each have a continuous second derivative, and the optical surfaces are defined by a polynomial with an order of at least about twenty. The optical device may comprise a transparent dielectric core, and the optical surfaces may be formed on the core. A receiver may be situated at the focal area to provide a concentrator. An extended light source such as an LED may be situated at the focal area, to provide a collimator. Faceted embodiments can provide a low aspect optical device. In some embodiments a diffuser may be used to transform incident radiation into a predetermined shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Juan C. Minano, Pablo Benitez, Juan C. Gonzalez, Waqidi Falicoff, H. J. Caulfield
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Patent number: 6508562Abstract: A reflector for backlighting an indicating instrument has two groups of flutes arranged for evenly distributing light and reducing bright spots. A plate has a recessed portion for receiving the indicating instrument and a semi-bowl-shaped compartment extending away from the plate and opening to the indicating instrument. The compartment has a base with a central projection formed by parabolic flutes and a semi-circular wall connecting the base with the recessed portion of the plate. The semi-circular wall has an inner surface facing the parabolic flutes. The inner surface has flutes extending in a radial direction from the base. Two apertures are positioned in the compartment across a boundary between the base and semi-circular wall. The apertures each receive a light emitting diode mounted on a printed circuit board when the board is assembled on the reflector. The parabolic flutes distribute the light from the light emitting diodes to evenly backlight the indicating instrument.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventors: Sanjiv Venkatram, Ching Fong
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Patent number: 6494596Abstract: A reflector for a lighting fixture comprising a substantially bell shaped reflector wall with top and bottom openings and a substantially parabolic cross-section. The reflector wall includes an inner surface having a first top portion that is textured for diffusing light rays from the light source of the fixture, and a second bottom portion that has a smooth surface allowing the light rays to pass through the reflector. The reflector wall also has an outer surface with a plurality of curvilinear prisms for reflecting the light rays. The inner and outer surfaces of the reflector create an even distribution of light emanating therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Frederick C. Burroughs
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Publication number: 20020154506Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Hendrik Wijbenga, Jean Paul Entrop, Cornelis Johannes Maria Erkamp
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Patent number: 6461023Abstract: A focused floodlight is designed to provide uniform illumination throughout an emergency scene including a work area and an action area. The floodlight includes a light line and a reflector specially configured so that half the light illuminates the work area and half the light illuminates the action area. The reflector has four sections, each of which is shaped to reflect impinging light rays in a desired direction. Each of the four sections comprises a multitude of minute, individually aimed reflector elements which are designed so that the flux increases progressively as distance from the floodlight increases.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
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Patent number: 6454433Abstract: A reflector comprising a concave body having a first region, a second region and a third region. The first region includes first facets and the second region includes second facets. The third region has a smooth surface. The first region is separated from the second region by the third region.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventor: David J. Alessio
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Patent number: 6419378Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roadway luminaire is provided which includes the steps of molding a two part upper housing from a composite material and applying a reflective substance directly to an inner surface of a domed portion of the housing to create a reflector. The luminaire further includes a lower housing hingedly attached to the upper housing which supports a lens therein and is pivotable into an open position and latched to the upper housing in a closed position. Means are provided for mounting the luminaire to a pole.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.Inventors: Mark T. Wedell, Timothy D. Cathey, Margaret A. Self, John DeCandia, Greg Marik, Thomas A.. Zimmerman, Edward B. Bilson, R. W. Kauffman (Rick)
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Patent number: 6419381Abstract: A reflecting mirror, for a vehicle headlamp, which provides a sufficient amount of light near a slant cutoff line in downward-beam light distribution, thereby improving visibility in a long-distance region and a medium-distance region. The reflecting mirror has at least a first reflecting area and a second reflecting area. For a first reflecting area (10B—close to a horizontal reference face (x-y plane) when a reflecting face (10) is viewed from an optical axis direction—a reference curve is set in a slant reference face inclined to the horizontal reference face at an angle equal to an angle (&thgr;col) of a slant cutoff line with a horizontal line.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naohi Nino, Shinji Kagiyama, Takeshi Arai
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Patent number: 6386743Abstract: A projection-type vehicle light includes a light source, a front lens that includes a plurality of aspherical lenses, and a reflector unit for directing reflected light rays incident to a corresponding aspherical lens. A plurality of elipse group reflector units can be used having a common first focus located round the light source, and a plurality of second foci respectively positioned between a focus of a corresponding aspherical lens and a front of the corresponding aspherical lens. The projection-type vehicle light provides a unique appearance with superior transparency of the front lens and a three dimensional feeling when viewed. The projection-type vehicle light also has a high efficiency of light rays reflected by a reflecting surface incident to an aspherical lens, and provides horizontally wide and highly uniform light distribution patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Stanley Electric CorporationInventors: Takashi Futami, Teruo Koike
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Patent number: 6379016Abstract: A light distribution device having a light-redirecting surface with a plurality of light extraction structures having a riser segment, plateau segment, and facet segment, with adjacent light extraction structures being separated by lands. The light extraction structures improve extraction efficiency, thereby facilitating use of available light from a light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gary T. Boyd, Richard Miller, Leland R. Whitney, Kenneth A. Epstein
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Publication number: 20020039292Abstract: A backlight illuminator for liquid crystal displays which is capable of illuminating an illumination surface of the illuminator with uniform high brightness. The illuminator includes a plurality of light sources arranged at a predetermined interval, an illumination surface to be irradiated by both direct and reflected lights of the light sources, and a reflector arranged behind the rear surface of the light source. The reflector includes a slanted reflective surface spread from both sides of each light source having bumps at the uppermost ends of the slanted reflective surface. The illumination surface is irradiated by the reflected light from the slanted reflective surface and a concave or convex bump surface so that the illumination surface may be uniform brightness.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Hirokazu Matsui
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Patent number: 6347874Abstract: A wedge-shaped light extractor having a light-redirecting surface with a plurality of projections having a riser segment, a plateau segment, and a facet segment, with land segments flanking the projections. The projections improve extraction efficiency, thereby facilitating use of available light from a light source.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gary T. Boyd, Richard A. Miller, Leland R. Whitney
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Patent number: 6343872Abstract: A lighting device for motor-vehicle comprises a reflective element having a plurality of projecting sectors which are equi-angularly spaced from each other, located around a light source arranged at the centre of the reflective element. The projecting sectors have reflective surfaces surrounding the light source which define a theoretical secondary reflective surface which is substantially different from the primary base surface from which the sectors project. The high discontinuity created in the surface of the reflective element by the presence of the projecting sectors gives rise to a unique aesthetical effect visible both in the condition of device on and in the condition of device off, the device is provided with a transparent element which is substantially clear, i.e. with no optical prisms.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Automotive Lighting Italia S p AInventors: Roberto Cerone, Cataldo Esposito, Salvatore Pierro