Bowl Shaped Main Surface Patents (Class 362/350)
  • Patent number: 6547423
    Abstract: An LED module that includes an LED (light-emitting diode) and a rotationally symmetrical, bowl-shaped collimator lens is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Phillips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall, Michael Pashley
  • Patent number: 6540379
    Abstract: An electric lamp/reflector unit has a molded reflector body which has a hollow neck-shaped portion. The electric lamp has a lamp vessel, enclosing a space in which an electric element is arranged. The lamp vessel has a first and a second, opposed end portion and is fixed with its first end portion within the neck-shaped portion. The molded reflector body is made of a temperature shock resistant glass-ceramic material with low coefficient of expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Leo Frans Maria Ooms, Marcus Petrus Anna Jozef Van Opstal
  • Patent number: 6523984
    Abstract: A fiber optic lamp includes a lamp housing having a stem section with a passageway therein and a reflector section having a reflective surface. The lamp housing also has first and second circular ledges for receiving and holding in place at least one lens within the lamp housing. A fiber optic cable is provided having a first end for insertion into the passageway of the lamp housing for transmitting light. The second end of the fiber optic cable is connected to a light pump having a light source therein for generating and transmitting light through the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is connected to a socket member of a fixture housing for mounting the stem section of the lamp housing in the fixture housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce D. Belfer
  • Patent number: 6494597
    Abstract: A bowl for a lead frame in a light emitting diode has a room with inner wall and the inner wall has a curved surface concave toward the center of the room. The light emitted can be concentrated as a beam of light by way of being reflected by the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: San-Hua Yu
  • Publication number: 20020149942
    Abstract: In a light source of a reflective type LED, a light-emitting element is mounted on the bottom surface of a concave reflecting mirror. Accordingly, light emitted horizontally from the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is also reflected by the reflecting mirror, so that all components of light emitting from the light-emitting element are concentrated on a region within a predetermined extent from an axis perpendicular to the light-emitting surface so as to irradiate the region. Thus, the end portion of the reflecting mirror provided in opposition to the light source need not be made close to the height of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 2 in the light source. Hence, it is possible to obtain high external radiating efficiency even in the case where the reflecting mirror is provided far from the light-emitting element. Thus, the degree of freedom for designing the reflecting mirror increases, so that the reflective type light-emitting diode can be widely applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Suehiro
  • Patent number: 6464377
    Abstract: A dual reflector lighting system having an adjusting assembly for independently adjusting an inner reflector and an outer reflector relative to a gaseous discharge lamp. The lighting system includes a housing having a ballast assembly mounted therein. An elongated tubular adjusting member has one end thereof connected to the bottom of the housing. A lamp socket for receiving a gaseous discharge lamp is mounted to the other end of the adjusting member. The lamp socket is electrically connected to the ballast assembly. The system includes both an outer reflector and an inner reflector mounted coaxially about the gaseous discharge lamp. The outer reflector is mounted to the tubular adjusting member for movement relative thereto to adjust the outer reflector relative to the gaseous discharge lamp. The inner reflector is connected to the adjusting member for adjusting the inner reflector relative to the gaseous discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Stingray Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Robson L Splane, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020141193
    Abstract: A light reflector (10) comprises a plastics reflector bowl (11) having an inner surface (21), an outer surface (23), a narrow aperture (14) and a wide lower diffuser lens (24). Mounting means (12) is provided at the narrow aperture for mounting the reflector on to a housing for control gear of a light source. The narrow aperture is adapted to house the light source. The reflector bowl (11) and mounting means (12) are formed as a single reflector unit by plastics moulding with at least one of the inner or outer surfaces being surface-metalized to a reflective finish. There is also provided an open version of the light reflector and a method of forming a light reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Kwan Yew Chong
  • Patent number: 6454433
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Alessio
  • Publication number: 20020126486
    Abstract: A light with a lamp and a reflector, includes a reflector formed by one surface of a kitchen utensil and having a reflector surface, and at least one lamp incorporated in at least one egg-shaped body which is transparent or translucent and which is fixed to the kitchen utensil in front of the reflector surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Funke
  • Patent number: 6425680
    Abstract: A unitary reflector trim to shield a viewer's line of sight past a lamp into a lighting fixture, eliminating the material and assembly expense of additional components. Included in the reflector trim are a cylindrical socket cup receiving neck which transitions into a waist section having a smaller diameter than the neck. A reflector section transitions from the waist section. A trim ring extends from the base of the reflector section to cover the edges of a ceiling opening. All of the elements are integral with each other, forming a single piece reflector trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Graham M. Rippel, Mark O. Jones
  • Patent number: 6422718
    Abstract: A light source system in which light scattered inside a chamber (2) exits from a hole (3) to provide a light output from the system. The interior wall of the chamber (2) consists of a material which is very efficient at scattering incident light. Light emitted from a light source (1) undergoes at least one scattering event within the chamber (2) before escaping from the chamber (2) through the exit hole (3). Any geometrical attributes of the light from the source (1) are removed before the light exists from the chamber (2). The exit hole (3) can have a tube inside (4) and/or outside (5) the chamber (2) for collimating the light output. A mechanical shutter (7, 8) can be used as a simple dimmer mechanism for the light output from the system. The light source (1) can be positioned inside or outside the chamber (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Integrated Systems Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Keith Anderson, Geoffrey Archenhold, Kurt Baldwin, Andrew Neal
  • Patent number: 6419378
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: 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)
  • Patent number: 6419381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohi Nino, Shinji Kagiyama, Takeshi Arai
  • Patent number: 6379026
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a housing with a rear plate and upper and lower plates extending forwardly and with side plates extending forward coupling the upper and lower plats and with a cover essentially parallel with the rear plate to define a chamber there within. A light source is formed in a generally cylindrical configuration within the chamber. The light source has an axis within a horizontal plane. A reflector includes a lower component in a semi-circular configuration with an axis of rotation coextensive with the xis of the light source. The lower component also has upper ends terminating at the horizontal plane, a forward edge adjacent to the cover, and a rearward edge adjacent to the rear plate. The reflector has an upper component extending upwardly and forwardly from the rearward edge of the lower component in a parabolic configuration and terminating above and forwardly of the forward edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Petrick
  • Patent number: 6334700
    Abstract: A system utilizing direct-view illumination of selected regions together with principles of constructive occlusion (diffuse reflectivity in a mask and cavity structure) provides a tailored radiation intensity distribution adapted to meet the requirements of certain special applications. The direct illumination provides high intensity illumination for certain desired regions. However, some radiant energy from the system source(s) reflects and diffuses within the volume between the mask and the cavity. The mask constructively occludes the aperture of the cavity. The reflected energy emerging from between the mask and cavity provides a desired illumination, for example at a much lower intensity, for regions not covered by the direct illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr., Richard S. Bagwell, George David Crowley, III
  • Patent number: 6309083
    Abstract: A pivoting light socket is used in the light pan of an up-light fixture of a low clearance ceiling fan, the light pan is positioned above the fan blades to provide indirect lighting which reflects from the ceiling above the fan blades. The circular, trough-shaped light pan surrounds, and is coupled to, the top circumference of the ceiling fan's motor stator, with the trough shaped portion positioned below the top of the stator. The light bulbs have a pivoting light socket that allows the bulb and socket to be positioned substantially below the top surface of the stator when the light socket is in its horizontal position, parallel to the top of the stator. Tilting the light socket upward, toward a vertical position, allows the light bulbs to be easily replaced, especially if the trough-shaped light pan is deep or narrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: David Lathrop, Craig Phillip Johnson, Ed Springer
  • Patent number: 6286978
    Abstract: An illumination system and method for providing wide angle illumination to objects to be inspected. The illumination system includes a dome light array having a plurality of rows where each row includes a plurality of lamps arranged in an arc about an imaging area (so that each lamp in the row is approximately the same distance from the imaging area) and all of the lamps in a row point to and illuminate the same point within the image area. The illumination system can include an aperture in the top of the dome light array through which a camera can image the object. Positioning each row of lamps in an arc about the image point provides various illumination angles to give a relatively uniform wide angle, yet intense, illumination to enhance automated PWB defect inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Intelligent Reasoning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Tait, Alvaro D. Lewin, Mark R. DeYong
  • Patent number: 6288408
    Abstract: An infrared countermeasures system is provided by ganging a plurality of modulators each of which modulates the output of a radiant source to generate at least one collimated beam of radiation. The modulators are so disposed with respect to each other that the beams generated the reby are staggered in angular phase. When the modulators are rotated together they will provide at a point in space remote therefrom a signal comprising a burst of pulses followed by a dead time when no signal is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: BAE Systems Information, Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Hector R. Durocher, John R. Kreick
  • Patent number: 6254256
    Abstract: A reflector for an illumination source manufactured by a spin chuck having an edge surface. The reflector includes a body having a contiguous portion composed of an endless outer surface and a reflective endless inner surface. The body further includes an opening communicating with the endless inner surface. The endless inner surface possesses a relatively fine pattern of depressions and protuberances derived from an edged surface of the spin chuck. The edge surface permits release of the body from the spin chuck although the body may be formed into a rounded or curved member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Prescolite, Inc.
    Inventor: Denis Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6238066
    Abstract: A two-dimensional area tilted illumination system has a long light source for emitting a light flux and a reflecting mirror having a generating line generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the light source. A surface of the reflecting mirror has a first area for illuminating an illumination area after the light flux is first reflected and converged. The first area is shaped such that an intersection point of the light rays, reflected at two ends of the first area, is a position which results in the light rays impinging a center of the illumination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6206549
    Abstract: A light reflector for use in a lighting device including a light bulb having a filament. The reflector includes a cup-shaped body having a parabolic internal reflective surface divided transversely into an inner portion surrounding the light bulb to focus light from the light bulb into a parallel light beam to produce a bright spot and an outer portion adjoining the inner portion. The outer portion is faceted to smooth blurring around the bright spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: World Hint Limited
    Inventor: Ying Hung Li
  • Patent number: 6203176
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the efficiency of reflectors used in high intensity wide area lighting includes a reflector with an interior surface and a very high total reflectivity material overlaid on at least part of the interior surface of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron K. Gordin
  • Patent number: 6193388
    Abstract: A flashlight in accordance with the present invention includes a chamber, end cap, head assembly and lamp holder assembly. The end cap includes a bowed tripod portion to facilitate standing the flashlight on a flat surface. The head assembly includes a reflector and a lens. In one embodiment of the invention, the head assembly includes an elliptical reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a elliptical reflector is matched with a negative or planar lens. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the head assembly includes an hyperbolic reflector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight having a hyperbolic reflector is matched with a positive or planar lens. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flashlight includes electrode connections which prevent the conduction of electrical energy from batteries which are improperly aligned within the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Bison Sportslights, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Halasz, Stephen Sandor Halasz
  • Patent number: 6183114
    Abstract: A light having a shielded fixture housing which comprises a tapered reflector a halogen lamp at the narrowed end, a tempered glass shield at the light-emitting end at a selected distance from the halogen bulb, and vents disposed about the fixture to provide an airflow therethrough. Embodiments according to the present invention pass the Underwriters Laboratory “Cheesecloth Test” and provide a light with significantly reduced fire hazard. Further improvements include specifically disposed temperature sensors to interrupt the power to the lamp if the light is accidentally or intentionally misused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: Kermit J. Cook, Paul Krakow, Myles Merrell, Darren Perry
  • Patent number: 6161941
    Abstract: An illumination system and method for providing wide angle illumination to objects to be inspected. The illumination system includes a dome light array having a plurality of rows where each row includes a plurality of lamps arranged in an arc about an imaging area (so that each lamp in the row is approximately the same distance from the imaging area) and all of the lamps in a row point to and illuminate the same point within the image area. The illumination system can include an aperture in the top of the dome light array through which a camera can image the object. Positioning each row of lamps in an arc about the image point provides various illumination angles to give a relatively uniform wide angle, yet intense, illumination to enhance automated PWB defect inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Intelligent Reasoning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Tait, Alvaro D. Lewin, Mark R. DeYong
  • Patent number: 6132066
    Abstract: An optical unit is provided for use in a suspended aisle luminaire. The optical unit comprises a plurality of metalized reflecting components which are operative to produce a uniform illuminance level along vertical surfaces of an aisle while minimizing glare toward workers in the aisle. Secondly, the optical unit includes a plurality of non-metalized reflecting components which are operative to illuminate the vertical and horizontal surfaces of the aisle. Additionally, the optical unit may further comprise a plurality of refracting components which are operative to illuminate vertical surfaces near the luminaire and reduce dark spots on the vertical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Holophane Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Freedman, Herbert A. Fouke, Gregory J. Subisak
  • Patent number: 6095668
    Abstract: A visual display sign having a lighting unit that provides high-efficiency light output from a non-point source of light. The reflector in the lighting unit is sealed and has a shaped reflecting surface obtained by generating a curve from a set of predetermined curve reference points. The shaped reflecting surface provides a light output efficiency of about 60 percent from a non-point source of light and spreads the emitted light about eight degrees from the plane of circumference of the reflector. The lighting units are attached to the visual display sign at a downward angle of about eight degrees from the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Radiant Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Rykowski, Richard E. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6036338
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the efficiency of reflectors used in high intensity wide area lighting includes a reflector with an interior surface and a very high total reflectivity material overlaid on at least part of the interior surface of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron K. Gordin
  • Patent number: 6024469
    Abstract: A blank for a one piece reflector for a light radiation source is formed as a unitary part having a reflecting surface. It includes a continuous elongated rim; a plurality of segments extending from one side of the rim and spaced along the length of said rim, the segments being separated by recesses each having a tip extending to the one side of the rim; and a flap extending from a side of the rim opposite the segments. The flap has notches aligned with the recess tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Greif
  • Patent number: 6019485
    Abstract: A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source 102, a light reflecting surface 108, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line 104 with the reflecting surface 108 defined in terms of the reference line 104 as a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line 104, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line 104 to the reflection surface 108 along the desired edge ray through the point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co., ARCH Development Corp.
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Harald Ries
  • Patent number: 5971569
    Abstract: A surgical lighthead having a stacked elliptical reflector (20) directs light from a lamp (10) to an illumination zone (Y) without the need for a refractor to redirect the reflected light. The reflector is formed of at least three annular reflector segments (22, 24, 26) stacked on top of each other to form a continuous reflector surface. Each of the reflector segments has a longitudinal cross section of a different conical shape such as elliptical or parabolic for directing the light to a different portion of the illumination plane. The stacked elliptical reflector provides the benefits of reduction of the image of the filament in the light field and reduction of shadowing due to objects passing between the lighthead and the illumination plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: A. Michael Smith, Henry Holt Frazier
  • Patent number: 5964522
    Abstract: The invention provides a floodlight in which the lamp axis is offset from the axis of a reflector. In the preferred embodiment an arc lamp is oriented vertically when the reflector axis is oriented at an oblique downward angle. The reflector includes a back reflector having a parabolic reflecting surface and a front reflector having at least one ellipsoidal reflecting surface disposed symmetrically about the reflector axis. In a preferred embodiment the front reflector is hinged to the back reflector and can be pivoted away from the back reflector to expose the lamp to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Eugene Schaefer, Wayne Douglas Campbell
  • Patent number: 5924789
    Abstract: A light fixture is disclosed for lighting a large area such as sporting fields. The lighting fixture has a bowl-shaped reflector with a central aiming axis and a side-mounted lamp mounting socket for a transversely supporting a single-ended lamp with the reflector. The light fixture also has a mounting arm for coupling the reflector to a support member and for supporting the lamp substantially perpendicular to the central aiming axis of the reflector. More specifically, the mounting arm has a first end coupled to the exterior of the reflector and a second end located substantially adjacent the central aiming axis of the reflector. The mounting arm also has a wiring channel extending between its first and second ends and a socket recess located at its first end for mounting the lamp mounting socket therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerry F. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5909954
    Abstract: A reflective shade for an electric table lamp includes a conventional frustrum shape but with removeable translucent plastic disks spanning the top opening for reflecting the light back down toward the table top and for transmitting colored light for creating an ambiance in the environment. The disks attached to the shade are supported on a cylindrical chimney and the lower disk may fit within the chimney to center the shade on the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5803592
    Abstract: A Lambertian light source assembly has high uniformity, large size, and high brightness, typically having a non-uniformity about 10% or less (e.g. about 5%), and a surface brightness of at least about 2000 footlamberts. The assembly includes a light emitting element (such as a single arc lamp, e.g. a metal halide lamp), a first reflector having an interior diffuse reflective surface comprising a portion of a surface of revolution and a center axis, a second reflector, and a diffuser. The diffuser is connected to the first reflector. The light emitting element is substantially centrally located on the center axis, and the second reflector is located between the diffuser and the light emitting element and reduces the apparent surface brightness at the center of the first reflector and blocks the majority (e.g. all, or almost all except adjacent the first reflector) of direct illumination of the diffuser by the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Austin Air Systems Limited
    Inventor: Lawrence Richard Lawson
  • Patent number: 5743634
    Abstract: In brief, the objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a reflector for an ornamental luminaire. The reflector includes a member formed of a metal material, the metal member having a predetermined thickness and being perforated with spaced apart apertures of a selected diameter and selected density. The metal member has a predefined reflector shape with the spaced apart apertures and the predefined reflector shape arranged to provide control of both an upper illumination distribution and a lower illumination distribution. The reflector metal member includes a plurality of positioning portions arranged for press-fit engagement within the ornamental luminaire. A hydroforming technique is used to form the metal member into the predefined reflector shape. The reflector is trimmed via a stamping process to a desired diameter and to provide the plurality of positioning portions in a precompression state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Lexalite International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sitzema, Joel E. Robinson, Robert D. Towne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5745294
    Abstract: An illuminating optical apparatus comprises a light source providing a light beam; a rotationally symmetrical mirror having an aperture of a predetermined shape; a collimating optical system for converting the light beam, coming from the light source and condensed by the rotationally symmetrical mirror, into a substantially parallel light beam; a multiple light source forming device for forming plural secondary light sources by said substantially parallel light beam; and a condenser optical system for condensing the light beam from the multiple light source forming device, thereby uniformly illuminating an object of illumination. The collimating optical system is adapted to form an image of the reflecting surface of the rotationally symmetrical mirror on a predetermined plane of the multiple light source forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Kudo
  • Patent number: 5730521
    Abstract: A luminaire especially suited for sports and roadway applications. The reflector of the luminaire has a modified parabolic shape wherein a true parabolic curve has been tipped inwardly to produce a tipped parabolic reflector having a circle of focal points centered on the focal point of the original true parabolic curve. The lamp comprises a double-ended arc lamp which is positioned transversely of the central axis of the reflector with the arc of the lamp generally tangent to top dead center of the focal point circle. The luminaire further includes a vertical black partition positioned within the reflector below and forwardly of the lamp and a specular insert in the upper front region of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Sports Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Spink, Thomas M. Lemons
  • Patent number: 5586013
    Abstract: A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source 102, a light reflecting surface 108, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line 104 with the reflecting surface 108 defined in terms of the reference line 104 as a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line 104, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line 104 to the reflection surface 108 along the desired edge ray through the point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Harald Ries
  • Patent number: 5584573
    Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles is produced so that it has a light source emitting light rays, a reflector which forms by reflection from the light rays emitted by the light source a light beam which is dispersed in horizontal planes and extends substantially parallel in vertical planes. The reflector has an optical axis, the light source is arranged so that its longitudinal axis extends parallel to the optical axis of the reflector. The reflector has an apex region which is formed so that the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the apex region as light rays converging in horizontal longitudinal planes which produce great images of the light source in lateral edge regions of a measuring screen arranged in front of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes-Gerhard Bertling, Henning Hogrefe, Rainer Neumann
  • Patent number: 5572342
    Abstract: A liquid crystal displaying device uses an inexpensive incandescent lamp or xenon lamp without sacrificing luminous intensity of a reflector, while maintaining an ease of installation. In the displaying device, a liquid crystal displaying panel, an incandescent lamp, a reflector, a lens and a heat-ray absorbing filter have a common optical axis and are secured to a bracket. The lamp is held by a socket and installed on the bracket transversely to the optical axis of the reflecting surface of the reflector. Further, the liquid crystal displaying panel has polarizing plates on both sides thereof. A coating to diffuse light from the lamp is disposed on one of the polarizing plates on the light incident side of the displaying panel. The polarizing direction of the polarizing plate on the other side of the displaying panel is selected so that the polarizing direction of the incident light waves on a reflective layer which is disposed on the front windshield glass provides a transversal or horizontal wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Higuchi, Hideki Okuyama, Minoru Sumiya
  • Patent number: 5555493
    Abstract: A fluid optical system for focusing all entering light whatever its direction and incidence, and having an entrance surface through which the light enters. The optical system has a volume having an optical shape generated by a logarithmic spiral so that the focusing occurs for light beams entering the entrance surface from any direction through any point of the entrance surface. There flows in the optical shape a fluid which is maintained in forced circulation to form a fluid optical system, and which is forced to enter the optical system tangentially to the optical shape and adjacent to the entrance surface which is arranged so that initial circulation is tangential and laminar. Inside the optical system, the fluid has a centripetal rotation movement until it exits through a cone end of the optical shape, thus draining off calories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Amblard, Amilcar Vide-Amblard, Roger Le Nagard, Jean Georget
  • Patent number: 5506763
    Abstract: The incandescent bulb and reflector system, and method of making, of the present invention includes a small incandescent lamp which is incorporated into one of several embodiments of a reflector base. In a first embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a single piece, in a second embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a base with a separately formed and overlying reflector, in a third embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a base with a separately formed and overlying reflector having an extended axial length land, and in a fourth embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a base with a separately formed reflector which fits within the base. The method of making involves the automated processing of a length of bar stock material, and the subsequent assembly of the component parts to form a lamp system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Curtis J. Carley
  • Patent number: 5506464
    Abstract: The electric-lamp/reflector unit has a moulded reflector body (1) comprising a hollow neck-shaped portion (5). An electric lamp having a lamp vessel (11) provided with a first (14) and a second opposed end portion (15) is fixed at its first end portion within the neck-shaped portion. The neck-shaped portion (5) has a narrowed portion (6) adjacent the reflecting surface (3) of the reflector body, from which portion the neck-shaped portion widens conically towards a cap (20) borne by the neck-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Leo F. M. Ooms
  • Patent number: 5446639
    Abstract: The improved illuminating comprises a spheroidal mirror, a light source, a spherical mirror and a condenser lens. The spheroidal mirror has such a shape that it is deficient of a portion that would otherwise reflect light that illuminates any portions other than the object to be illuminated, and that the light from the light source which is directed toward said missing portion is reflected by the spherical mirror positioned on the rear side of said missing portion as seen from the light source and makes another reflection by that part of the spheroidal mirror which faces away said missing portion, thereby illuminating the object. The light source is positioned at the first focal point of the spheroidal mirror in such a way that it faces the mirror, and the spherical mirror is positioned in such a way that its reflecting face lies at the second focal point of the spheroidal mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Hamanaka, Takashi Kishimoto, Koichi Nishizawa, Kenichi Nakama
  • Patent number: 5440463
    Abstract: A unique two filament flashlight lamp in which one filament is energized to produce a spot beam and the second filament is energized to produce a broad beam. A spot beam is formed when the filament is energized whose axis is perpendicular to the reflector axis and whose center is at the reflector focal point, a broad beam is formed when the second filament is energized whose axis coincides with the reflector axis and has one end located close to the focal point.In the second embodiment, a lamp having a single filament whose center is located at the reflector focal point and whose axis is perpendicular to the reflector axis will produce a spot beam. The lamp and filament can be reoriented so that the filament axis coincides with the reflector axis and one end of the filament is close to the reflector focal point to produce a broad beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: M. Edmund Ellion
  • Patent number: 5408363
    Abstract: A reflector for radiation disseminated by a radiation source is of a shape with which the reflector curve of intersection in a plane including an axis (A) of the reflector and the radiation source comprises segments (S1-A1, A2-B2) of different conics whose merging is edge-free. These conic segments are joined directly and the tangents at the point of contact (A1,A2) of two joined conic segments are alike. A method of generating such a reflector is indicated as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Tetsuhiro Kano
  • Patent number: 5355290
    Abstract: A lighting system employs luminaires having reflectors with a fluorescent lamp support frame at the base end of the inside of the reflector. The support frame includes a plurality of extensions for holding the bases of compact fluorescent lamps arranged in a general star configuration around the center line of the reflector. The extensions are at an angle to cause the compact fluorescent lamps to follow the outwardly-flared inside surface of the reflector. A system of luminaires then provides a substantially uniform volume of light in a facility due to the patterns of overlapping light contributed by the individual luminaires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Sportlite, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerold A. Tickner
  • Patent number: 5329438
    Abstract: A reflector for roadway use integrally spun from aluminum has a side reflector portion (A) of generally parabolic configuration, an inwardly directed flange (B) at the top for receiving a light source and a head fixture carrying same, and a lower end (C) entirely open to the atmosphere having about a 90.degree. cutoff avoiding directing light at an angle above the horizontal. The reflector is secured to the head by a fastener (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Charles O. Thompson
  • Patent number: RE36908
    Abstract: A ceiling mounted, recessed, wallwash light fixture includes a reflector having an internal reflecting surface. A wallwash segment of that reflecting surface is defined by vertically adjacent reflecting faces each arranged so that an effective lowest point of brightness seen by the reflecting face is reflected along a line passing below an opposing portion of a bottom edge of the reflector. The wallwash segment can be defined by an insert attached to the reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Ling