With Operating Means To Move Lamp Or Lamp Support Patents (Class 362/428)
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Patent number: 5333102Abstract: What is described is a compact, light weight and relatively small theatrical search lighting system which includes a frame having a rectangular base and four legs which embrace a lamp and its reflector, and two containers for ballast and a data receiver. Also mounted to the frame is a scroller and a motorized mirror for reflecting the light from the lamp. The frame may be suspended from a truss, or because of two projections attached to two legs and a tail, the system may be rotated through 90 degrees and positioned in a generally vertical condition if desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1993Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Inventors: Dave Oberman, Richard J. Ramano
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Patent number: 5331519Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a lamp unit coupled to a lamp housing via horizontal and vertical aiming mechanisms each including an aiming screw. At least the horizontal aiming screw is coupled to the lamp unit via a socket seat of flexible material fastened to the back of the lamp unit. The socket seat flexibly carries a socket in which the ball on one end of the horizontal aiming screw is engaged. The flexible socket seat takes up torsional stresses that are exerted on the horizontal aiming screw while this screw is being tightened or loosened for horizontally aiming the headlamp.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Fujino
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Patent number: 5325281Abstract: An adjustable lighting fixture has a power transfer means interposed between a lamp holder and the point of mounting. The power transfer means has an input shaft, which may be offset from the point of mounting, such as a fixture mounting pole, or in line therewith, and an output shaft which rotates in response to the rotation of the input shaft about its own axis. When the axis of power input is in line with the point of mounting, a physical rotation of the power transfer means will cause the rotation of the lamp holder about an axis extending through the point of mounting. When the axis of power input is offset from the point of mounting, an orbital input about the axis of the power input, or in other words an orbiting of the power input shaft about the axis extending through the point of mounting, will cause rotation of the lamp holder about said axis extending through the point of mounting.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Assignee: Thomas Industries, Inc.Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
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Patent number: 5321589Abstract: An apparatus that controls the light irradiation angle of a headlamp of vehicles including a feed screw rotatable by a motor, a movable piece that makes a reciprocating motion by the feed screw, an output shaft attached to the movable piece at one end and linked to a headlamp at another end so that the illumination angle of the headlamp is controlled by the advancing and withdrawing motion of the output shaft. The apparatus further includes an irradiation angle initial setting mechanism that is connected to the movable piece so that the irradiation angle can be set manually by adjusting the position of linkage of the headlamp and the output shaft via the movable piece. With this structure, any initial setting of the headlamp angle can be accomplished regardless of the type of vehicles via a compact and simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaki Shinkawa, Ryouichi Miyakawa, Hiroshi Komachi
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Patent number: 5319365Abstract: A portable hazard-warning light assembly (10) that is designed to warn on-coming vehicular traffic of a hazardous traffic/road condition. The assembly (10) consists of an elongated tubular body (12) having attached to its top edge (12A) a removable lens head (18) that houses an incandescent light bulb (62) that may be connected to a flasher (36). The bulb and flasher are powered by a single battery (60) that is housed within a battery compartment (20) located at the bottom edge (12D) of the body (12) and that includes a threaded battery compartment cover (28). The body (12) also has attached a slidable leg ring (34A) that has pivotally attached four retractable legs (34D) that are each supported by a leg brace (34H). To extend the legs, the ring (34A) is grasped and lowered. Conversely, to retract the legs, the ring is moved to its upward position. To apply power to the light bulb (62), the cover (28) is rotated which allows the battery (60) to move upwards and complete the electrical power circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1993Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Alltrade Inc.Inventor: George Hillinger
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Patent number: 5319529Abstract: An marker for an adjustment linkage for vehicle headlamp may be made from a cover holding a marker gear having an internal gearing. The cover includes a pivot point, and a snap hole that clips over a bolt head on a rotatable link. The cover is then clipped to the bolt head but can pivot the bolt head between two positions. A marker gear with an internal gear is meshed to the linkage gear, while being held by the cover. The marker may then be zeroed when in a disengaged state, and pivoted to engage the adjustment linkage and thereby register degree changes when the adjustment linkage is rotated. The adjustment linkage is designed to be operated by a Philipshead screwdriver used as a gearing. No permanent gear box is formed in the linkage. A minimal linkage is formed that is accessible from the top of the headlamp module by the length of the screw driver. The adjustment linkage is water sealed to accommodate rotation and pivoting of the linkage.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Mark Lukkarinen, Charles M. Coushaine
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Patent number: 5317486Abstract: The present invention envisions a headlamp calibration assembly for use with an adjustable headlamp assembly. The headlamp assembly includes a housing, a reflector adjustably retained in the housing and horizontal and vertical aiming devices. The housing has a viewing port formed therethrough for viewing inside of the housing for observing the movable headlamp component, for example the reflector. The calibration assembly includes an adjustably mounted lens positioned over the viewing port, horizontal position indicia on the reflector positioned for viewing through the lens and viewing port including a zero adjustment indicator represented by a selected one of the horizontal position indicia, and sight means on the lens in the form of indicia or the like for sighting and alignment with the horizontal position indicia to attain zero adjustment as discussed above.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Karl R. Schmitt
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Patent number: 5285359Abstract: A navigation light for a boat including a base plate mounted over a hole in the deck, or over a hole in the cabin side or hull side. The base plate has an opening therein in which is pivotally mounted a bulb carrying insert, with the insert being moveable between a flush position and a projecting position relative to the base plate. A solenoid connected in series with the light bulb in the light circuit is activated when the circuit is actuated and moves the insert from its flush position to its projecting position. In a first embodiment, a bow light, a spring is provided to assist the solenoid in moving the insert to its projecting position. In a second embodiment, a side light, a spring is provided to return the insert to its flush position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Accon Inc.Inventor: John Czipri
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Integral plastic socket assembly with insert-molded metal supports for headlamp mounting arrangement
Patent number: 5270907Abstract: An integral socket assembly with insert molded metal support structure is molded as a unit and is mounted on a headlamp assembly to enable adjusting the headlamp alignment. The integral socket assembly includes a support bracket which is secured to the headlamp structure, and integrally molded with the support bracket are coupling sockets for receiving the coupling members formed on movable adjusting screws which translate to adjust the orientation of the integral socket assembly and the headlamp structure secured thereto. The support bracket has a metal reinforcing element insert molded therein to reinforce the structural integrity of the bracket and the securement to the headlamp structure. The coupling socket can also include a seal member removably covering an entrance opening to the socket cavity in order to prevent entry of debris into the coupled joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1991Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Stephen P. Lisak -
Patent number: 5260857Abstract: An adjustment linkage for vehicle headlamp having housing coupler, adjustment shaft, shaft seal, and threaded coupler for coupling to a pivotable reflector is disclosed. The adjustment linkage is designed to be operated by a Philipshead screwdriver used as a gearing. No permanent gear box is formed in the linkage. A minimal linkage is formed that is accessible from the top of the headlamp module by the length of the screw driver. The adjustment linkage is water sealed to accommodate rotation and pivoting of the linkage.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Mark A. Lukkarinen, Charles M. Coushaine
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Patent number: 5251114Abstract: An actuator for adjusting the setting of a motor vehicle headlamp includes a body which comprises a housing closed by a cover, with a sliding actuating rod mounted in the body and passing through a front wall of the housing of the body. Also within the body is a reversible electric motor for operating the sliding actuating rod through a mechanical transmission, which includes a drive member that engages with the actuating rod. The front wall of the housing carries at least one inwardly projecting lateral wall, which is arranged to support an intermediate element that forms part of the mechanical transmission device and which engages with the drive element.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Jean-Pierre Cantin, Gerard Hallier
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Patent number: 5228768Abstract: A vehicular headlamp which includes an inclination measuring unit provided between an aiming screw and the reference member of the headlamp (the lamp body in the case of a movable reflector type headlamp and the lamp housing in the case of a movable unit type headlamp), which is simple in construction and easy to adjust. The inclination measuring unit is provided between the reference member and a straight portion on a rear end portion of the aiming screw, which is threadably engaged with the reference member. The inclination measuring unit includes a guide member extending substantially parallel to the aiming screw, a slide member supported on the straight portion and slidably coupled to the guide member, and a scale provided on the guide member or slide member for indicating an amount of displacement of the inclination member, thereby to measure the inclination of the latter.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1991Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshio Suzuki
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Patent number: 5203621Abstract: A flood light assembly for mounting on the roof or top of an emergency vehicle. The flood light assembly is fully retractable and extendable and capable of complete rotation. Further, all of the components are structured and proportioned in such a manner that they fold together into a very compact, nested configuration for storage on the roof or top of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1992Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Super Vacuum Manfacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Roger Weinmeister, Donald Weinmeister
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Patent number: 5197794Abstract: A vehicle lamp aiming device is disclosed having an adjustment shaft with a first marking, and a mounting nut with a second marking. One of the other of the markings is formed on a clip firmly, but still adjustably mounted to either the shaft or nut as the case may be. Initial proper alignment of the adjustment shaft amy be made with respect to the mounting nut. The vehicle lamp is then in proper alignment. The adjustable marking clip is then moved to set the lamp calibration. A replacement lamp may then be brought into proper alignment by threading the adjustment shaft to align the alignment marks. By using a firm clip, subsequent, inadvertent resetting of the clip may be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1990Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Michael T. Scott, Robert L. King, Hugh T. Bradley
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Patent number: 5197799Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp has adjusting means for adjusting the orientation of its reflector by essentially linear displacement of an application point on the reflector. This application point is defined by one end of a threaded rod which includes at its opposite end an adjusting head, and which is threadedly mounted with a first degree of friction in a fixed part of the headlamp. The threaded rod is also threadedly engaged, but with a second degree of friction, in an adjusting cap. The second degree of friction is greater than the first degree of friction.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1991Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Guy Dehaene
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Patent number: 5193905Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the vertical or horizontal aim of a vehicle headlamp includes a rod-like link supported by a slide to move linearly relative to a housing and having an outer end connected to the headlamp. The inner end portion of the link includes a helical thread form which meshes with a second helical thread form on a rotatable driver extending perpendicular to the link. When the driver is rotated, the thread forms coact to advance or retract the link and thereby adjust the headlamp. A plastic bushing snaps onto the driver and into the housing to support the driver for rotation in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Elco Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Edwards, Arthur R. Fry
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Patent number: 5186531Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the orientation of a vehicle headlamp includes a housing enclosing a gear movably coupled to an adjusting member such that rotation of the gear imparts linear movement to the adjusting member which controls the orientation of the headlamp. The housing also includes an internally projecting journal member which supports one end of the gear. The adjusting member extends through the journal member and projects from the housing. The housing can include first and second housing portions such that the first housing portion is secured between a pair of spaced walls projecting from the second housing portion and the adjusting member projects through the first housing portion and both of the spaced walls of the second housing portion. An additional feature includes a calibrating gauge or indicator to simplify resetting the correct translational position of the adjusting member which governs the proper vertical or horizontal alignment of the headlamp.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1991Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Ryder, David C. Goss
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Patent number: 5186532Abstract: There is disclosed an improved adjusting mechanism for an articulated headlamp construction or the like. The adjusting mechanism is comprised of a minimum number of parts, namely a housing, a scroll member and an adjusting rack member. The scroll member provides the input member for the mechanism and upon rotation thereof rotative movement thereof is transformed into transitory movement of the rack member pursuant to a spiral or scroll projection that is engaged with teeth on the adjusting rack member. The transitory movement of the adjusting rack member will correspondingly produce pivotal movement of the articulated headlamp component. If desired, the adjusting rack member may be curved so that the movement of the end thereof affixed to the headlamp will closely approximate the pivotal movement of the headlamp component.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1991Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: Francis E. Ryder, Rowland W. Kanner, Stephen P. Lisak
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Patent number: 5171088Abstract: Lighting equipment, in particular a street lamp comprising a post extended at the upper end by at least one transverse arm to the free end of which is fixed a luminaire. To enable the streetlighting to be varied and to facilitate maintenance of the luminaires, the arm is pivoted to the post and the street lamp incorporates an actuator device for rotating the arm about its pivot axis in order to deploy it to a greater or lesser extent. The actuator device includes struts and a lead screw type actuator driven by an electric motor housed inside the hollow post.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: JC DecauxInventors: Daniel Tellier, Philippe Starck
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Patent number: 5163746Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for alignment of a vehicle headlamp or the like includes a molded housing in which an adjusting gear is journaled and movably coupled to an adjusting member so that rotation of the adjusting gear imparts linear movement to the adjusting member for adjusting orientation of the headlamp. The housing includes first and second portions thereof which are joined by clamping the second housing portion between the first housing portion and a support structure to which the adjusting mechanism is secured. Clamping structure can be integrally provided on the first housing portion and secured directed to the support structure so that separate fasteners are eliminated. The clamping structure on the first housing portion can be a plurality of resiliently deflectable coupling hooks projecting therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1990Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Stephen P. Lisak
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Patent number: 5150958Abstract: A vehicular headlamp having an inclination measuring unit mounted on portions of an aiming screw which extends rearward from reference member. The inclination measuring unit is interposed between a reference member and the rear end portion of the aiming screw, protruding rearward from the reference member.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1991Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Miyazawa, Hidetoshi Terao
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Patent number: 5140507Abstract: An adjustable lighting fixture having a power transfer means, such as a gearbox, interposed between the lamp holder, such as a gimbal ring, and the point of mounting, the output shaft of the gear box connected directly to the lamp holder to rotate the same about a first axis upon rotation of the input shaft of the gearbox, and the housing of the gear box being connected to the point of mounting to rotate the same about a second axis upon rotation of the housing, thereby providing for rotation of the lamp holder so mounted about two different axis from a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1991Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
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Patent number: 5138542Abstract: A headlamp for a power vehicle having a chassis comprises a reflector mounted on the chassis and turnable in a horizontal direction for adjusting a direction of light bundle produced by the reflector, reference markings arranged on a chassis part for marking a predetermined position of the reflector, and markings showing a position of the reflector relative to the reference markings, the markings being provided on an upper side of the headlamp in its lateral end regions, the chassis part extending at least partially through the headlamp, and the chassis part having two openings through which the markings can be observed from a side of the headlamp respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1990Date of Patent: August 11, 1992Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hans Daumueller, Karl-Otto Dobler, Heinz Ruckwied, Friedrich Schauwecker
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Patent number: 5124902Abstract: A retractable light fixture apparatus has a housing having sides, a bottom, and an open end having a cover attached thereto. A lamp is attached to the housing cover which is hinged to the housing and which is actuated by a lamp solenoid which is movably attached to the bottom of the housing and pinned to the housing cover and lamp.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1991Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Inventor: Daniel G. Puglisi
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Patent number: 5105342Abstract: The headlight for a motor vehicle has with an electromotive adjusting device (5) for adjusting a reflector (2). The adjusting device (5) include an electric motor (7) and a step-down gear unit which are accommodated in a housing part (12) which is arranged within the headlight housing (1). The step-down gear unit includes a small worm gear (8) and a large toothed wheel (9) with radial teeth. A rotational movement of the toothed wheel (9) is transformed via a thread between the toothed wheel (9) and the housing part (12) into a movement of the toothed wheel (9) along an axis (6) determining the adjusting direction. The toothed wheel (9) is connected with the reflector (2) a ball-ended spindle which is held pivotally with one spherical end in a spindle receptacle attached to the toothed wheel so that, when the toothed wheel moves along the axis, the spindle moves to adjust the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1991Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Zillgitt, Harald Speer, Kurt Haug, Georg Ebinger, Miervaldis Millers, Heinrich Hasselmann
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Patent number: 5095411Abstract: An adjustable headlight is described having a reflector 14 movably mounted within an outer casing 12 and an actuator 26 fitted to an opening in the outer casing 12 and having an output shaft 26 extending through the opening in the casing and connected to the reflector 14 to enable the reflector to be pivoted within the casing 12 to adjust the headlight beam, the output shaft 28 of the actuator 26 being connected to the reflector by means of a bayonet fitting 30, 32.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: John D. Peck, Stafford, Michael J.
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Patent number: 5070433Abstract: The headlight for a motor vehicle has with an electromotive adjusting device (5) for adjusting a reflector (2). The adjusting device (5) includes an electric motor (7) and a step-down gear unit which are accommodated in a housing part (12) which is arranged within the headlight housing (1). The step-down gear unit includes a small worm gear (8) and a large toothed wheel (9) with radial teeth. A rotational movement of the toothed wheel (9) is transformed via a thread between the toothed wheel (9) and the housing part (12) into a movement of the toothed wheel (9) along an axis (6) determining the adjusting direction. The toothed wheel (9) is connected with the reflector (2) via an articulated part (18). The housing part (12) is supported in the headlight housing (1) so as to be rotatable. A basic adjustment of the reflector (2) is possible from outside the headlight housing (1) via an adjusting part (26) acting on the housing part (12) by means of rotating the housing part (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Zillgitt, Harald Speer, Kurt Haug, Georg Ebinger, Miervaldis Millers, Heinrich Hasselmann
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Patent number: 5067055Abstract: An integrated combination of a headlamp section and a sidelamp section for a vehicle, with the sidelamp section being oriented and rotatable at a predetermined wrap-around side facing angle with respect to the forward lighting direction of the headlamp section. This angle may be typically on the order of 90.degree. so that the sidelamp provides good continuous wrap-around side lighting and good night vision for persons riding in the vehicle or exiting therefrom. The sidelamp section may be operated in response to the turning on and off of the dimmer bulb within the headlamp section or it may be operated independently of the operation of the dimmer bulb by the use of an OR gate logic circuit in combination with an electro-mechanical relay and switch. This circuit is operable for energizing and de-energizing the relay and switch in response to power applied to any one of a plurality of parallel connected inputs of the OR gate logic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1990Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Inventor: Elmer D. Farnsworth
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Patent number: 5060127Abstract: To facilitate aiming of a motor vehicle headlamp, e.g. as specified in U.S. Lighting Standard SAE J602, a motor vehicle headlamp having a housing with a light-transmitting front cover and a lamp reflector body mounted completely within the housing has an abutment carried by a rod at the top of the headlamp. The rod is slidable in bearings and connected with an adjusting screw for the lamp reflector body so that adjustment of the screw also moves the rod. A conventional mechanical headlamp aimer in mounted on the light-transmitting front cover of the housing in known manner and engages against the abutment.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1991Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Carello Lighting Plc.Inventor: David A. Birt
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Patent number: 5050054Abstract: An illumination apparatus adjusting structure, comprising an adjustable lamp support mounted on a stand for holding a lamp holder. The adjustable lamp support comprises an invertedly disposed U-shaped balance rack mounted on a stand for holding an adjusting ring, a lamp supporting rod and a steering rod. The lamp supporting rod and the steering rod have each an end respectively connected to the lamp holder through a steering shaft. The opposite end of the steering rod is connected to the U-shaped balance rack at a lower end. The opposite end of the lamp supporting rod is inserted through the adjusting ring and coupled with a hand-hold.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1991Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Inventor: Angela Hsu
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Patent number: 5050049Abstract: An automobile headlamp system comprising a retractable headlamp which moves between its retracted position inside the body of an automobile and its protruded position. When the headlamp is in its retracted position, it is covered by a lamp over. When the cover is moved from its closed position to its open position, especially at the beginning of this movement, the rear end of the cover is shifted slightly forwards. Therefore, the lamp cover can be opened without interfering with the body of the automobile if the rear end portion of the cover is not straight but curved to a great extent.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignees: Asmo Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Shichijoh, Shigehito Uchiyama, Yoshio Takeuchi, Hiroyasu Hayakawa
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Patent number: 5045987Abstract: A vehicular headlamp position adjustment assembly (50) is provided that features a ball and socket type connection between an adjustment screw (8) and a support member (18) for adjusting position of a headlamp (2) mounted on a movable frame (4) relative to a fixed frame (6). Support member (18) is adapted to be received through an opening in either movable frame (4) or fixed frame (6) and be releasably secured thereto by means of a clip such as a "U" shaped clip (32). Adjustment screw (8) has a boss (14) adapted to be received in a cavity (16) within support member (18) and is preferably adapted to be rotated from either end.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1990Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: David J. Hebert
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Patent number: 5034870Abstract: An adjustment device for positioning an aiming device on a support comprises a body, a clamping element provided on the body for clamping the body in a guide of a support for an aiming device, a connecting element extending through the body and connectable with its one end to an aiming device, and an element for displacing the connecting element relative to the body in a longitudinal direction so as to adjust the position of the aiming device relative to the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: KB Lighting Inc.Inventor: Walter K. Weber
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Patent number: 5032965Abstract: An adjustment insert for positioning an aiming device on a support comprises a body having a partially spherical calotte for receiving a turnable connecting element for connecting the body to a support, a clamp provided on the body for clamping the body in a guide of an aiming device, and a flexible retainer provided on the body and retaining the connecting member in the partially spherical calotte and at the same time allowing a turning of the connecting member relative to the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: KB Lifgting, Inc.Inventor: Walter K. Weber
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Patent number: 4998184Abstract: A hard plastic reflector (1) is mounted on a receiving member (4) by a joining assembly which comprises a first joining member (5) mounted on the receiving member and a second joining member (6) of plastic which flatly overlaps and lies on a wide side surface of a wall member (2) of the reflector. The overlapping portion of the wall member and the second joining member define overlapping openings (12, 13) or recesses in which a sleeve (16) of elastic material having an elongated fastening device (17) extending therethrough is positioned. The elongated fastening device presses axially, on the sleeve, or extends a bore in the sleeve outwardly, sufficiently so that an outer surface of the sleeve engages surfaces defining the openings and an inner surface of the sleeve engages the elongated fastening device in a compressed manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1990Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.Inventor: Hans-Henning Honig
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Patent number: 4984136Abstract: The automotive headlamp unit having a lamp housing formed integrally with a front lens and in which a reflector and a lamp bulb as a light source are provided is provided with an aiming adjustment device including pivot mechanisms to tilt the lamp housing about horizontal and vertical axis, respectively, in relation to the body of a car, and also the lamp housing has provided therein an aiming adjustment aid composed of a level vial supported tiltably in the vertical plane parallel to the optical axis of the reflector and a manual operating member to adjust the tilt angle of the level vial.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hirofumi Yamagishi, Shigenobu Ohtsuka, Youichi Kikuchi, Takayuki Isobe, Masato Mochizuki
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Patent number: 4980804Abstract: A headlight comprises a reflector, an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the reflector relative to a vehicle chassis, the adjusting device having an actuating element connected with the reflector and a miter gearing adjusting the actuating element, the miter gearing including a driving bevel gear connected with the actuating element and an adjusting bevel gear cooperating with the driving bevel gear, a housing receiving the miter gearing, the adjusting bevel gear having an annular groove, and a movable securing element which engages in the annular groove to secure the adjusting bevel gear and is held in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1989Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Inventor: Karl-Otto Dobler
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Patent number: 4967319Abstract: To accurately shade headlamp light for both a leading vehicle running on the same lane and an opposed vehicle running on an opposed lane, the headlight apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises a movable headlamp, a light sensor attached on the pivotal headlamp for detecting presence of a leading vehicle, an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the optical axis of the headlamp, a controller for actuating the adjusting mechanism in response to sensor signals of the light sensor to move the headlamp so that angle of headlamp optical axis can be adjusted according to distance to a leading vehicle, and a shading plate disposed independently from the optical axis motion of the headlamp for shading light for an opposed vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasutoshi Seko
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Patent number: 4965706Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting either the vertical or side-to-side tilt of a vehicle headlamp assembly of the type having two replaceable bulbs in a single housing. The adjusting mechanism comprises a housing, a horizontally movable cam mounted in the housing and operable to adjust the headlamp when shifted linearly back and forth, and a vertically movable cam adapted to be actuated by a screw and operable to shift the horizontally movable cam back and forth.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1989Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Inventor: Bernard F. Reiland
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Patent number: 4943895Abstract: A retractable lamp assembly that is combined with the front end of a vehicle and includes a pair of lamps which can be alternately located within a headlamp opening in the front end of the vehicle so as to selectively project a beam of high intensity light or a beam of low intensity light forwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1989Date of Patent: July 24, 1990Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Darrell L. Brandenburg
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Patent number: 4935855Abstract: A lamp tilting mechanism for a searchlight in which a light source including a lamp, a reflector, a socket and a socket holder is supported so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis in a housing of the searchlight. Disposed behind the light source within the housing is a motor having a horizontal output shaft to which an arm-like slotted lever is fixed at one end. A horizontal pin is received loosely in the slot and fixed at an end to the light source whereby when the motor rotates, the light beams are tilted.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1989Date of Patent: June 19, 1990Assignee: Sanshin Dengu Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuichi Narita
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Patent number: 4931916Abstract: A light projector, suitable for entertainment lighting and comprising a light source and associated light collecting means producing an elongated beam having an optical centerline that is preferably substantially horizontal, is provided with a means, typically a mirror, mounted to a first support adapted for rotation about an axis coincident with that centerline, for redirecting the beam through a first plane perpendicular to that substantially horizontal axis and centerline. A second mirror is rotatably mounted to the first support so that the redirected beam falls upon it, redirecting the beam a second time, through a second plane perpendicular to the centerline of the beam in the region between the first and second mirrors; a second plane that is also substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the first support. The first support is supported for rotation about said axis on both sides of the means for redirecting.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1988Date of Patent: June 5, 1990Inventor: Michael Callahan
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Patent number: 4928215Abstract: A vehicle lamp device in which the gap provided beside the headlamps is made inconspicuous, and rainwater or dust are prevented from entering the gap. The inventive vehicle lamp device in one embodiment includes a unit movable rectangular headlamp and a rectangular vehicle lamp arranged with a gap therebetween, and, of the confronting side walls of the front lens of at least one of the lamps, at least one has a front edge protruding outwardly so that the gap between the front lenses of the lamps is narrower at the front edge of the side wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuuji Fujino, Yasuhiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 4928211Abstract: A multi-beam surgical lighthead includes a central pod and multiple peripheral pods mounted on pivots and mechanically linked to provide synchronized adjustment of the convergence portion of the peripheral lighthead upon the axial beam of the central pod. This mechanical linkage is operated by handles mounted both axially and transverse the lighthead.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: MDT CorporationInventors: Leonard L. Hallings, Donald W. Bramer, Bruce A. Sanborn, James E. Schryver
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Patent number: 4916583Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicular headlamp which comprises a lamp housing having a front portion opened; a lens covering the opening of the front portion; a lamp bulb installed in the lamp housing for generating light when electrically energized; a light reflector installed in the lamp housing for reflecting the light from the lamp bulb toward the lens; an angular position adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angular position of the light reflector relative to the lamp housing; a spirit level fixed to an outer surface of the light reflector to move therewith; and a window structure defined by either one of the lens or the lamp housing, through which the level is viewed from the outside of the headlamp.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1988Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Koito Seisakusho Company, LimitedInventor: Hidehiko Nagasawa
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Patent number: 4893219Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a headlamp or the like is provided with a molded gear housing having a gear-journaling bore and an apertured cap portion closing the outer end of the bore. A drive gear is rotatably journaled in the bore and is coupled to a drive shaft extending through the apertured end cap portion. A retainer member is mounted within the bore and engages the shaft and bears against the interior surface of the cap portion in order to prevent correspondingly uncoupling and retraction of the shaft end from the housing and the drive gear. The drive gear is rotatably meshed with an adjusting gear which is journaled with a second bore integrally molded in the gear housing. The second gear has a nut portion which is threaded to a linearly movable screw which produces the pivoting torque for adjusting realignment of the headlamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Ryder International CorporationInventor: Stephen P. Lisak
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Patent number: 4882658Abstract: A headlamp assembly which includes a lamp body for adjustable movement about a aim axis and in which such movement is realized through a rotatable wheel accessible from above the headlamp assembly and which is rotatable about an axis normal to the aim axis and forms a part of a spur gear arrangement for realizing the adjustment of the lamp body.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1988Date of Patent: November 21, 1989Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Alfred M. Allen
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Patent number: 4881152Abstract: A headlight device for use in an automobile and of the type including a lamp body having a recess which opens forward, a lens covering the forward opening of the lamp body and a reflective mirror tiltably supported in the lamp body through one rotatable support portion and two space adjusting portions. Each space adjusting portion consists of a nut member supported on the reflective mirror, an adjusting rod rotatably supported on the lamp body and having a screw-thread portion for screw-threadingly engaging with the nut member, a gear unit consisting of two intermeshing bevel gears with one of which being connected to the rear end of the adjusting rod, and an actuating rod with the front end of which being located near to the front end of a side surface of the lamp body and the rear end of which being connected to the other bevel gear of the gear unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1988Date of Patent: November 14, 1989Assignee: Koito Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Watanabe, Akira Saijo
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Patent number: 4870544Abstract: In an optical-axis adjusting apparatus for use with automotive lights, an adjusting member is provided to orientate the lamp unit by tilting the latter about the horizontal and vertical axes. The adjusting member includes an adjusting threaded rod screwed in an internally threaded member fixed to the body of motor vehicle and which can be moved forwardly and reversely. The shank of the adjusting threaded rod has formed a ball-shaped portion at a part thereof. The ball portion is received in spherical concavities of the holder and rotatably supported in the holder. The holder is elastically fitted in a holder support member from a direction substantially perpendicular to the forwardly and reversely moving direction of the threaded rod and prevented from coming off the holder by means of stoppers. Therefore, the adjusting member can be easily and securely installed to the lamp unit and permits a smooth optical-axis adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1988Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: Ichikoh Industries LimitedInventor: Miyoshi Iwamoto
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Patent number: 4858080Abstract: The headlight moving apparatus comprises a yaw rate sensor, a headlight position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a CPU, and a headlight actuator. The CPU calculates an appropriate headlight turning position on the basis of these three sensor signals. Since the yaw rate sensor can directly detect the vehicle turning motion and direction, it is possible to move the headlights right and left more reliably. Therefore, the adjusted headlights can brighten remote forward road surface when the vehicle runs along a curved road.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1988Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Takahiro Oikawa