Internal Coaxial Member Having Straight Line Motion Patents (Class 362/424)
  • Patent number: 10473310
    Abstract: A lighting assembly can be quickly and efficiently mounted to a crown of a drilling rig derrick in order to provide wide-area illumination of the derrick and surrounding work location. An adjustable support frame member can be operationally attached to a hand rail of a derrick crown using fixed-length bracket members, adjustable-length bracket members and/or a combination(s) thereof. Lighting-emitting light source elements are adjustably attached to the support frame, and can be selectively aimed to direct light as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Location Illuminator Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Allen Carroll
  • Patent number: 9803824
    Abstract: A supplementary light module for a headlamp of a vehicle, and in particular a cornering light module, a turning light module, or a fog light module. Such module can be accommodated in a housing of the headlamp, comprising a lamp and a reflector. The light generated by the lamp can be emitted in a propagation direction. A base body is provided, on which at least the lamp and the reflector are accommodated, and wherein the base body is securely accommodated in the headlamp housing by means of a pivot axle and by means of an adjustment unit for adjusting the supplementary light module about the pivot axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Herbers
  • Patent number: 9464798
    Abstract: The invention is a household lamp switch extension apparatus that makes it easy for a user to reach across the top of the lamp shade to turn on the lamp. This keeps the user from having to bend over and awkwardly look for or blindly grope for the lamp switch that to the typical user appears hidden within the lamp shade. Various embodiments of the apparatus can work with standard on and off switches that operate by rotation of a knob, by pulling a chain, or by pushing a small button. The apparatus has a vertical member that extends a twist knob to a position at or near the top of the typical lamp shade and that connects to a horizontal member that interacts with the on and off switch for the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: James Higgs
  • Patent number: 9016908
    Abstract: Provided is an illumination device including a light emitting portion including a light source, an intermediate portion connected to the light emitting portion, a supporting portion connected to the intermediate portion and supporting the light emitting portion and the intermediate portion; a connecting portion connecting the light emitting portion and the intermediate portion to be rotatable with respect to each other, and another connecting portion connecting the intermediate portion and the supporting portion to be rotatable with respect to each other. The light emitting portion, the intermediate portion, and the supporting portion connected to the connecting portions may rotate with respect to each other based on the connecting portions to form a three-dimensional (3D) shape, and may be arranged in a single plane when the light emitting portion, the intermediate portion, and the supporting portion are unfolded based on the connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong Hun Jin, Ju Saeng Kim
  • Patent number: 8401741
    Abstract: A headlamp in an automobile, which is rotatable about a yaw axis when negotiating a bend, has a controller for controlling the rotary movement. In order to improve the illumination of a roadway lying in front of an automobile, the controller may take into account a driving profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Justus Illium, Torsten Kanning
  • Patent number: 7988343
    Abstract: An easy-glide portable light tower system having a transport enclosure for fully recessing and confining the system therein. The system includes a telescopic mast that is constructed to be stowed in a vertically upright position. The telescoping sections of the mast include frictionless pads to create frictionless surfaces between two adjacent and concentric telescoping sections or the mast base. The transport enclosure also includes stabilizing channels to stabilize arms supporting the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Lester J. Palmisano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7950834
    Abstract: A brake assembly for an adjustable downlight fixture comprises a fixture having a rotational collar assembly, the rotational collar assembly having a first race rotating relative to a second race, a brake assembly connected to one of the first race and the second race, the brake assembly frictionally engaging the other of the first race and the second race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Scott Dupre
  • Patent number: 7762686
    Abstract: A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The adjuster includes a housing having a first adjustment point, a gear having a second adjustment point, and an output shaft disposed at least partially within and functionally engaging the gear. Movement of the output shaft can be effected using either the first adjustment point or the second adjustment point. The adjuster can also include a clutching feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • Patent number: 7572032
    Abstract: A lamp assembly of a projection apparatus which has a function of adjusting the position of the lamp device is disclosed. The lamp assembly includes an outer housing, a lamp module, a transversely adjustable device and a vertically adjustable device. The lamp module is detachably disposed in the outer housing with the transversely and vertically adjustable devices disposed on the outer housing. When the lamp module is located within the outer housing, the lamp module can be adjusted by operating the transversely and vertically adjustable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Hsing Lu
  • Patent number: 7114835
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster is provided for use and access from the front of a headlamp assembly on which it is installed. The adjuster includes an input shaft and an output screw in substantially parallel, spaced arrangement. A gear train drivingly connects inner ends of the input shaft and the output screw. Rotation of the input shaft about its longitudinal axis causes axial translation of the output screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter B. Brazas
  • Patent number: 7040788
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly have a fixed annular boss, a shaft axially moveable through the boss, and a gear having a thread engagement with a threaded portion of the shaft. A cap is non-rotatably engaged with the shaft and the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Peter B. Brazas, Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 6979109
    Abstract: A sliding adjuster includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing includes mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing includes channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which is engaged in a reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Burton Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6913374
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster for adjusting the position of a reflector includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing has mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing also has channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which engages the reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.” A marked-up version showing the changes is enclosed herewith in accordance with 37 CFR §1.121 (b)(iii).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Publication number: 20040223333
    Abstract: A continuously adjustable illuminating apparatus includes a base, a light source, a reflector and a continuously adjustable mechanism. The base has a through hole, and the light source movably passes through the through hole and emits light rays. The reflector surrounds the base and is mounted to the base to collect the light rays and reflects the light rays for output. The continuously adjustable mechanism may continuously move the light source so as to continuously adjust a relative position between the light source and the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsiung Lee, Cheng Hao Lin, Devon Shyu
  • Patent number: 6814473
    Abstract: A lighting structure includes a wire collector, a lamp head, a base and a balancing device. The wire collector includes a first supporting rod and a second supporting rod which are respectively integrally formed. The balancing device includes a first hinge, a first cord, a first elastic element, a second hinge, a second cord and a second elastic element. The first and second hinges respectively drive the first and second cords to tense or release the first and second elastic elements, while the first and second elastic elements hold the first and second supporting rods. A channel is formed on each of the first and second supporting rods for receiving a power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gingko Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 6692142
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for lighting includes one or more moveable bases, one or more lighting arrays, and one or more extendable poles. The base, pole, and array are designed to allow elevation of the array to heights exceeding 35′, yet the combination is transportable by conventional over-the-road trucks. In one form, a plurality of bases, poles, and arrays are designed to fit on a conventional over-the-road trailer for transport on one trailer to a lighting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Greg Kubbe, Thomas A. Stone, James Whitson, James Marshall
  • Patent number: 6675069
    Abstract: An arm operation mechanism for an industrial robot includes a support, a first arm, a second arm, a link base, a parallel link and a conversion mechanism. The first arm has a base end pivotally connected to the support for rotation relative to the support. The second arm has a base end pivotally connected to a tip end of the first arm for rotation relative to the first arm. The link base is pivotally connected to the first arm for rotation relative to the first arm. The parallel link keeps a constant posture of the link base upon the rotation of the first arm. The conversion mechanism converts the rotation of the link base relative to the first arm into the rotation of the second arm relative to the link base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Daihen Corporation
    Inventor: Takafumi Uratani
  • Patent number: 6474850
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster for adjusting the position of a reflector includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing has mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing has channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which engages the reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6257747
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes a gear housing having a neck through which an input shaft extends in an interference fit. The interference fit provides a resistance to rotation of the input shaft. A drive gear is disposed within the gear housing and is connected to the input shaft such that rotation of the input shaft causes rotation of the drive gear. An adjustment gear is disposed within the gear housing such that it intermeshes with the drive gear. The adjustment gear has a bore therethrough that is at least partially threaded. An adjustment shaft is threaded through the bore through the adjustment gear. The adjustment shaft may include a force-limiting feature to prevent over-adjustment of the adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6142654
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing evidence of tampering with a vehicle headlamp position adjusting assembly. An indicator 30 is designed to simply slip over a drive member 2. Protrusions 38 engage a groove 44 in an enlarged portion 42 of the drive member 2 on a vehicle headlamp adjusting assembly 100. Projections 36 at an upper edge angle inwardly and are constructed to snap or break off if engaged with a rim 52 on the drive member 2, if one attempts to remove apparatus 30 from the assembly 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Trans Technology Engineered Components, LLC
    Inventor: Scott E. Ladd
  • Patent number: 6082882
    Abstract: An adjustment prevention mechanism includes a fixing member provided to a part of a headlamp, and a moving member which is movable to an adjustment position and a shipping position relative to the fixing member and covers the adjusting member. The fixing member includes a tool guide, a moving member guide and a stopper. The moving member has a tool insertion hole which permits a tool to reach the adjusting element in accordance with the tool guide in the fixing member when the moving member is in the adjustment position, and prevents the tool from reaching the adjusting element when the moving member is in the shipping position. This adjustment prevention mechanism is attachable to the headlamp prior to mount the headlamp on an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., LTD
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Akiyama, Masaki Takase, Toshikazu Iizuka
  • Patent number: 5951157
    Abstract: In an automobile headlamp, a light source unit in a lamp body is inclined vertically and horizontally with an aiming mechanism, the rotating operation sections of a vertical aiming screw and a horizontal aiming screw which form the aiming mechanism are provided outside of the lamp body, and the rotating operation sections are turned to incline the light source unit vertically and horizontally. In the automobile headlamp, a protruding wall is extended at least at the horizontal aiming screw in such a manner as to surround the rotating operation section of the horizontal aiming screw, and a part of the protruding wall extending end portion is integrated through a thin hinge with a lid, namely, a tongue-shaped plate in such a manner that the latter is extended in the same direction as the protruding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katutada Shirai, Yoshio Suehiro
  • Patent number: 5775795
    Abstract: A vehicular headlight position adjusting assembly (100) is provided that has angularly oriented drive and driven gears (4) and (8) that upon rotation in opposite directions cause an elongate adjusting member (14) to traverse in opposite axial directions through a housing (7) where adjusting member (14) is prevented from rotating by cooperation between the side walls of at least one open-ended axial extending groove (26) adapted to receive at least one protrusion (34) that extends radially inwardly from the periphery of an opening (30) in housing (7) through which adjusting member (14) extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Christian, Thomas Franz
  • Patent number: 5647659
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a lamp body, a reflector accommodated in the lamp body and tiltably supported with respect to the lamp body by an aiming mechanism, and an aiming screw which constitutes a part of the aiming mechanism and extends in a front-rear direction of the lamp body. The rear end part of the aiming screw penetrates the rear wall of the lamp body and protrudes rearward from the lamp body. An orthogonal conversion gear mechanism engaging a rear end part of the aiming screw and has a rotational operating shaft linked with the aiming screw for causing the same to rotate. The rotational operating shaft is provided on an upper end thereof with a concave engaging part engageable with the tip of a driver tool. An expanding member protruding from the rear wall of the lamp body covers the orthogonal conversion gear mechanism like a visor. The expanding member also serves as a driver guide for guiding the tip end of the driver to a concave engaging part of the rotational operating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideshi Mori
  • Patent number: 5615939
    Abstract: The headlight for a self-propelled vehicle includes a pivotable reflector (12) having a reflector pivot axis (20), a holder (10) for the reflector (12) and a compact mechanism for pivoting the reflector (12) relative to the holder (10) to adjust the orientation of the reflector. This compact adjusting mechanism for the reflector includes an adjusting element (26) having a ball end (30) and eccentrically engaged with the reflector (12) relative to the reflector pivot axis (20) and a compact double-jointed pivot joint for pivotally connecting the adjusting element (26) with the reflector (12). This compact double-jointed pivot joint includes a pivot joint mount (36) provided with a spherical receptacle (42), a socket insert (50) having a spherical-segment-shaped outer section (52) pivotally engaged in the spherical receptacle (42) of the pivot joint mount (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Otto Dobler, Wolfgang Krieg
  • Patent number: 5599090
    Abstract: Lamp with protective tube comprising a transparent lamp tube, a bulb installed therein, and multi-part cap members tightly sealing off the lamp tube at both ends. The lamp is characterized in that both cap members (20, 20') have inner and outer compression rings (22, 22'; 23, 23') with facing thrust cones (22c, 23c), between which a sealing ring (24, 24') of rubber elastic material is clamped, the inner and outer compression rings (22, 22'; 23, 23') and the sealing ring (24, 24') being located inside the lamp tube (10). The outer compression ring (22, 22') being part of an actuating ring (22a, 22a') located outside the lamp tube (10). The inner compression ring (23, 23') is moveable toward the outer compression ring (22, 22') by means of an adjusting ring (21, 21'), also located outside the lamp tube (10), and a tensioning mechanism (21d, 23d), actuateable by the adjusting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Herbert Waldmann
  • Patent number: 5573326
    Abstract: An optical axis adjusting device of a vehicle lamp is provided which comprises a reflector tiltably fixed to a lamp housing by a joint member; an aiming screw, turnably laid between the lamp housing and the reflector, for tilting the reflector; a drive gear fastened to an end of the aiming screw; a racing gear facing the drive gear and mounted on the aiming screw so as to rotate relatively with the aiming screw; toothed parts formed in respective surfaces of the drive and racing gears facing each other; and a guide, formed on the housing, for guiding a tool to be engaged with the toothed parts. When the tool is turned, the aiming screw is turned simultaneously with the rotation of the drive gear. The racing gear rotates in a direction opposite to that of the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Iijima
  • Patent number: 5546287
    Abstract: An angle adjuster for a car headlamp is provided. The adjuster includes an adjuster stand having two crossed gear holders, a vertical gear holder and a crosswise gear holder. A driving gear with an integrally formed adjusting rod is disposed in the vertical gear holder and a threaded sleeve coupled to an active gear is disposed in the crosswise gear holder. A circular toothed groove is formed along the circumferential edge of the active gear to be driven by the driving gear. The two openings defined by the holders are each covered by a respective one of two slip caps. One end of a bolt is engaged with the threads of the threaded sleeve, and the other end is connected to the body of a headlamp. The screwing in or out of the bolt responsive to rotation of the adjusting rod drives the headlamp to change its tilt, the changed angle being set exactly in a simple and easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Lin Yu C.
  • Patent number: 5544023
    Abstract: An indicator assembly, which is used with an adjusting mechanism, designates an initial or "zero" position of a movable headlamp component. The adjusting mechanism includes a housing, an adjusting screw which is disposed through the housing, and a driving mechanism which is operatively associated with the screw. A first end of the screw is operatively associated with a movable headlamp component. The indicator assembly includes a hollow, vial-like member which is attached to the housing and a follower member. The second end of the screw is enclosed within the hollow member. The follower member is operatively associated with and selectively positionable on the hollow member to provide an indication of the zero position of the adjusting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Schmitt, David M. Mosnot
  • Patent number: 5535103
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp which includes a lamp housing and a reflector tiltably supported within the lamp housing by an aiming screw and aiming fulcrums. The aiming screw penetrates the lamp housing and is rotatably supported thereby. The front end of the aiming screw engages the reflector while the rear end protrudes from the lamp housing and is secured to a gear. An adjustment shaft is rotatably supported by the lamp housing, a rear end of the adjustment shaft being fixed to a gear engaging with the gear of the aiming screw. The two gears constitute a gear section which is covered with a cover member having an opening which opens downward, thereby preventing foreign matter such as dirt, water or dust from adhering to the gear section and allowing foreign matter to be immediately discharged from the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Iiyama, Takaaki Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 5508896
    Abstract: An automobile headlamp aiming mechanism including a tilting member supported on a stationary member so as to be capable of tilting and defining the illumination angle of the headlamp beam. A cylindrical nut member is rotatably supported by a bearing formed on the stationary member. An aiming screw threadedly joined with the nut member extends forward and backward in threaded connection with the nut member, the aiming screw being prevented from moving with respect to the nut member, and moving forward and backward in the axial direction to tilt the tilting member. The aiming mechanism allows the nut member to rotate smoothly when a bevel gear formed on the nut member is engaged with a driver inserted in a direction at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aiming screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Suehiro, Katutada Shirai
  • Patent number: 5446630
    Abstract: The optical axis of the reflector is initially adjusted by operating the adjusting screw with the plate member held for a turning of the adjusting screw not to be transmitted to the plate member or with the ring member removed from the lamp housing for the turning of the adjusting screw not to be transmitted to the ring member. Therefore, after completion of the initial adjustment of the reflector optical axis, the index on the lamp housing can be easily put into coincidence with the reference point on the scale on the plate or ring member. Since the adjusting screw is isolated from the plate or ring member during the initial adjustment of the reflector optical axis, the optical axis of the reflector can be easily adjusted only by turning the adjusting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Chikada, Tadamitsu Kiryuu
  • Patent number: 5398173
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a vehicular headlamp includes a gear which, when rotated, effects linear movement of a link to adjust the headlamp. The gear is stamped from sheet metal and includes a flange with angularly spaced and axially extending teeth. A manually adjustable actuator rod is rotatably supported by the housing of the adjusting device and includes angularly spaced teeth which are adapted to drivingly engage the teeth of the gear in order to rotate the gear when the actuator rod is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Elco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddie D. Ellenberger
  • Patent number: 5381317
    Abstract: A simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aiming of a headlamp assembly in automobiles and the like includes a gear encircling a bushing and an adjustor screw that is journaled through the bushing. The adjustor mechanism is snapped into a stationary component of the headlamp assembly and the aiming of the headlamp is manually adjusted by using a drive tool. The adjustor mechanism has a series of indication lines that allow the user to adjust the aiming of the headlamp assembly back to its desired position if the headlamp assembly becomes misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Schmitt, Douglas E. Pherigo
  • Patent number: 5365415
    Abstract: A simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aiming of a headlamp assembly in automobiles and the like includes a gear encircling a bushing and an adjustor screw that is journaled through the bushing. The adjustor mechanism is snapped into a stationary component of the headlamp assembly and the aiming of the headlamp is manually adjusted by using a drive tool. The adjustor mechanism has a series of indication lines that allow the user to adjust the aiming of the headlamp assembly back to its desired position if the headlamp assembly becomes misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Schmitt, Douglas E. Pherigo
  • Patent number: 5321590
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight adjusting device includes a housing, a rotational member rotatably received in the housing, an adjusting screw with an end thereof coupled to a vehicle headlight to move therewith and passing through the housing and a threaded through hole in the rotational member, and a drive shaft with a gear securely coupled to an end thereof for engaging with annular teeth on the rotational member, whereby a rotational movement of the drive shaft is transformed into a linear movement of the adjusting screw to adjust the position of the vehicle headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Chun C. Wu
  • Patent number: 5165775
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster mechanism, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, for use with a headlamp for controlling movement thereof comprises a housing. Gear means is disposed within the housing, and an adjusting member is connected to the gear means for movement in response to rotation of the gear means. The gear means is operatively connected to the headlamp for attaining controlled positioning thereof and for providing prevailing torque for the mechanism to prevent inadvertent movement thereof. The housing comprises a main body portion and a cap for slidable engagement with the main body portion. The body and the cap have interengagable locking means for providing a snap-type interference fit therebetween to maintain the housing components in assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lisak, Larry L. Young
  • Patent number: 5161877
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster mechanism for use with a headlamp for controlling movement thereof comprises a housing. Gear means is disposed within the housing. The gear means comprises an adjusting member connected to the gear means for movement in response to rotation of the gear means, and is operatively connected to the headlamp for attaining controlled positioning thereof. Elastomeric braking means is disposed in engagement with at least one of the gear means and the adjusting member for providing prevailing torque for the mechanism to prevent inadvertent movement of the components of the gear means. The braking means is engaged at the outer periphery of the gear means to increase the moment arm associated with the force applied by the braking means such that a desired degree of prevailing torque can be attained. Further, the manner and component designs for attaining prevailing torque are such that the desired degree of said torque can be attained in each adjuster mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: David J. G. Wright, David Goss
  • Patent number: 5132887
    Abstract: A multi-articulation type robot for a laser operation by emitting a beam of laser into a desired position in a three-dimensional space, and provided with a first hollow robot arm (16) swingably pivoted to an upper end of a robot swivel body (14) mounted on a robot base (12), a second hollow robot arm (18) swingably pivoted to a front end of the first robot arm (16) and rotatable about a central axis of the second robot arm per se, and a robot wrist (20) mounted on a front end of the second robot arm (18) and provided with a laser beam collecting unit (22) having a laser beam emitting outlet (22a), the robot wrist (20) being provided with motion transmitting mechanisms for converting first and second rotative inputs transmitted by a first and second hollow rotatable drive shafts (30a and 30b) arranged inside the second robot arm (18) into motions by which the laser beam collecting unit (22) is rotated about an axis orthogonal to an axis along which a laser beam is emitted, and to move the unit (22) forward and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Fanuc Limited
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Torii, Susumu Ito, Akihiro Terada, Yasuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5079685
    Abstract: A lamp assembly has a lamp reflector body adjustably mounted on a support in the form of a housing through a horizontal screw-threaded rod which engages in an internally screw-threaded element fixed to the housing. A vertical rod is mounted in the housing and terminates in an external end portion which is located so as to be easily turned manually by a spanner, socket or screwdriver. A coil spring serves to transmit drive from the vertical rod to the screw-threaded rod to adjust the reflector body relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Carello Lighting plc
    Inventor: Graham S. Osborn
  • Patent number: 5079676
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the orientation of vehicle headlamps or the like includes a molded gear housing having a gear journaling bore for rotation of an adjusting gear journaled therein, and an adjusting member movably coupled to the adjusting gear such that rotation of the adjusting gear imparts linear movement to the adjusting member for the headlamp adjustment. The housing also includes aperture means through which the adjustment member slidably extends, and the aperture means cooperates to prevent rotation of the adjusting member during the linear movement thereof. Additional features of the preferred adjusting mechanism provide a drive shaft and drive gear meshed to drive rotation of the adjusting gear. The drive shaft extends through a cap portion of the housing for manual access to the shaft, and the cap bears against an annular retainer portion on the drive shaft in order to prevent retraction of the shaft from the drive gear and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignees: Ryder International Corporation, Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Lisak
  • Patent number: 4901208
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly in which the lamp body is connected to a support panel by three ball pivots, two of which are formed with a shaft portion which cooperates with a finger-operated slide for allowing adjustment of the lamp body about a horizontal aim axis and a vertical aim axis without the use of a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald R. DePetro
  • Patent number: 4874991
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floor lamp of novel design in which a particular forwardly extending illuminator assembly is positioned above a particular forwardly extending base assembly by a particular telescoping tube assembly in association with a particular touch responsive electrical system. The arrangement is such that manually accessible parts of the base assembly, the illuminator assembly, and the telescoping tube assembly all are composed of metal, particularly brass or chrome plated metal. The designs of all of the these assemblies are consistent with the lamp's simplicity of construction, and communicate with each other electrically to permit touch switching of the DC electronic circuit that controls the AC electrical power input to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas R. Ruskin
  • Patent number: 4794495
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly having a retainer ring for supporting a lamp unit and which includes a level device that allows the lamp unit to be readily aimed about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David R. McMahan, Richard W. Nicholas, Thomas E. Persing, John D. Geddie
  • Patent number: 4757428
    Abstract: An assembly for adjustable mounting of a headlamp assembly relative to a frame permits both vertical and horizontal pivotal movement of the headlamp assembly relative to the frame to allow aiming of the headlamp beam. The frame has an elongate slot for receiving the mounting assembly and the headlamp assembly has a housing to be coupled to the mounting assembly so as to permit pivotal motion for adjustment thereof relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignees: Ryder International Corporation, Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Ryder, Stephen P. Lisak
  • Patent number: 4713739
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a headlamp or the like, comprises a first housing piece and a second housing piece defining first and second orthogonally disposed gear-receiving bores when assembled. The bores intersect at a peripheral location with respect to each other so as to receive respectively a drive gear member and an adjusting gear member disposed with the gear members being engageable at the locations where the bores intersect. The housing pieces receive and guide a drive shaft for engagement with the drive gear and extending outwardly from the housing. The second housing piece receives an adjusting shaft for engagement with the adjusting gear and extending from the housing for engagement with a headlamp or the like, such that by rotation of the drive gear members, rotational movement will be imparted to the adjusting shaft to effect adjustment of a headlamp assembly or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignees: Ryder International Corporation, Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Ryder, Stephen P. Lisak
  • Patent number: 4674018
    Abstract: There is disclosed several forms of adjusting mechanisms for a headlamp, or the like. Basically, the mechanism includes a one-piece molded housing member defining gear receiving chambers disposed transversely to each other with said chambers intersecting at a peripheral location. A first drive gear member is disposed in a first one of said gear receiving chambers, and a second adjusting gear member is disposed in the other chamber, with said gear member being engaged at the location where said chambers intersect. A drive member is coupled with the first, drive gear and extends from the housing. An adjusting screw is coupled with said second, adjusting gear for linear movement and extends from the housing for engagement with a headlamp. Accordingly, upon rotation of the drive gear linear movement will be imparted to the adjusting screw by the gear members, which linear movement produces adjustment of a headlamp assembly relative to the automobile frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignees: Ryder Internation Corporation, Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Ryder, Stephen P. Lisak
  • Patent number: 4419721
    Abstract: A control system for positioning a searchlight (2) in azimuth and elevation including an upper torque tube (34) and a lower torque tube (39) which are coupled together; an upper push rod (46), push rod coupling (50) and lower push rod (54) which are coupled together; and control elements (65, 90 & 93, 100) operative to rotate the lower torque tube and also operative to reciprocate the lower push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Phoenix Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Gregoire, Rupert O. Yantz
  • Patent number: 4336579
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a housing, a lamp bulb carrier slidably mounted in the housing for reciprocating movement along the optical axis of the lamp bulb and an actuator mounted in the housing for annular movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lamp bulb. The actuator has an eccentric portion engaging the lamp bulb carrier to effect reciprocation of the lamp bulb carrier when the actuator is angularly moved, and a switch carried by the housing is connected to the lamp bulb and connectable to an electrical power supply. The actuator also has a cam which engages and actuates the switch over a predetermined range of annular movement of the actuator to cause the lamp to be illuminated while the lamp is reciprocated along its optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Mining Industry Research Organization of Canada
    Inventor: Ronald D. Lord
  • Patent number: 4214294
    Abstract: An adjustable reading lamp that is attachable to the back of a chair or the like for supporting the lamp in a generally vertical position regardless of the angular inclination of the mounting surface while at the same time affording an extremely wide range of adjustments whereby illumination from the lamp may be conveniently and easily directed into any desired viewing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Charles C. Bartlett