Lens Holder Or Support Patents (Class 362/455)
  • Patent number: 6710947
    Abstract: A set of lens elements is assembled to form a lens by adjusting a first and a second lens element in a spaced apart optical relationship with respect to each other, then affixing the two elements in the spaced apart optical relationship by affixing a lens element holder to at least the second lens element. Further lens elements are assembled in turn and affixed in spaced apart optical relationship to the preceding lens elements to form a finished lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Electro Optical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomasz Momot, Adam Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20040032744
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp having a projection-type light source unit installed in its lamp chamber. The projection-type light source unit includes a reflector that has a light source and a cylindrical lens holder that is disposed on the front end of the reflector and is provided with a convex lens at its front end so that the peripheral portion of the convex lens is fixed to the front edge of the lens holder by a lens fixture. The lens holder has, on the inner or interior side of the front edge, a lens engaging portion so that the peripheral portion of the convex lens is engaged with this lens engaging portion from behind, and the convex lens is securely held at its peripheral portion on the lens engaging portion by the lens fixture (a lens fitting, a fastening screw, a boss having a screw hole) provided inside the lens holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Nishizawa, Kaoru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6693751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a member mounting structure and a member mounting apparatus for mounting a member such as a solid state image input unit in which mounting of the solid state image input unit can be achieved with high accuracy after positioning adjustment along five axes, yield of production can be increased, and at the same time, decrease of fixing force of the solid state image input unit after production (after adhesive material has been hardened) does not occur by means that positioning adjustment of the solid state image input unit along five axes is easily performed before adhering and fixing of the solid state image input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Morii, Shigeru Fujita, Shigeo Kobayashi, Tatsuya Tsuyuki, Hiroshi Takemoto, Jun Ando
  • Patent number: 6674584
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for housing an optical element are provided. A ring is configured with a symmetry that corresponds to that of the optical element and for bonding with the optical element on an optical surface at a periphery of the optical element. An axial retaining spring may be provided for securing the optical element within an optical-system assembly. The axial retaining spring includes axial constraint fingers to engage a subsequent optical component and structures adapted to apply a point load at selected locations on the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: PTS Corporation
    Inventor: David Paul Anderson
  • Patent number: 6671108
    Abstract: There is disclosed an optical apparatus in which a lens holding frame is assembled on a frame member so that the lens holding frame can move along a plane substantially vertical to the optical axis of first and second lenses, a pair of gaps is formed between the outer periphery of the lens holding frame and the inner periphery of the frame member via the optical axis in the X- and Y-axis directions, adjustment members are selectively inserted in the gaps, and the position of the lens holding frame to the frame member in the plane substantially vertical to the optical axis is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Koiwai, Ai Midorikawa
  • Patent number: 6669354
    Abstract: A light source apparatus comprises a light source and a collimating lens for adjusting a luminous flux from the light source. The light source is supported by a holder made of a steel plate, a supporting member made of a steel plate is supported by the holder so as to slide in a direction of an optical axis to the collimating lens, and the collimating lens is supported by the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Takase
  • Patent number: 6667839
    Abstract: A device is used to hold an optical element, in particular one made of a crystalline material, in particular of CaF2, while the optical element is being coated, in particular by the vapor-deposition of at least one functional layer in a vacuum coating plant. The latter has a device for mounting the optical element, it being possible for the optical element to be heated in the vacuum coating plant via suitable radiation, in particular infrared radiation. An intermediate element which has a lower thermal absorption than the device for mounting the optical element is arranged between the device for mounting the optical element and the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Hartmaier, Dietrich Klaassen, Thure Boehm, Bernhard Wergl, Michael Gerhard, Jens Spanuth, Ralf Kuschnereit, Peter Vogt, Harry Bauer
  • Patent number: 6665132
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical lens system (39) which is suitable for use in an optical scanning device (15) for reading and/or writing an optically scannable record carrier (9). The lens system comprises a first lens or objective lens (45) and a second lens or auxiliary lens (47) which is small in comparison with the first lens and which, in operation, is positioned between the first lens and the record carrier. The lenses are arranged in a lens holder (61). According to the invention, the lens holder (61) and one of the two lenses (45, 47) are manufactured as one integrated part (63) from a transparent synthetic material by means of a moulding process, and the other lens is arranged in the integrated part as a separate component, with a chamber (85) enclosed by the lens holder and the two lenses communicating with the environment of the lens system via an air vent connection (93). The lens system thus comprises only two parts to be assembled, so that the assembling process is considerably simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Fransiscus Christiaan Van Dorst, Fransiscus Marinus Andrea Maria Van Gaal, Cornelius Antonius Nicolaas Maria Van Der Vleuten
  • Patent number: 6657798
    Abstract: A method for selecting parts for N similar assemblies, each assembly comprising M parts, is presented. A number pm of physical characteristics for each part of the at least M×N parts is recorded, and a value that a group of parts would have if assembled into an assembly is computed until N groups of parts are selected, each group consisting of one part from each of the M groups of parts, and wherein no part is a member of more than one of the N groups of parts, and wherein the value for each group meets a criterion. The method is particularly useful in constructing lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Electo Optical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolajs Kabelevs, Tomasz Momot
  • Patent number: 6639741
    Abstract: A holder (2) of projector lens (1) is provided with openings through which springs (3) pass. The shorter arm (4) of said spring (3) presses said lens (1) against said holder (2), the longer arm (5) is pressed to the circumferential mantle of said holder (2) and secured in this position by a bent cutout (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Autopal s.r.o.
    Inventor: Josef Wagner
  • Publication number: 20030193811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens retaining clip designed to hold a lens in place in the light path of a light bulb. This invention has two preferred embodiments designed to work with either an MR-16 light bulb or a PAR-36 light bulb. The primary difference between the embodiments is the shape and function of the retaining arms spaced around the perimeter of the retaining clip. Each embodiment of the present invention comprises a generally circular main bracket, and one or more, preferably three equally spaced, retaining arms. The main bracket is narrow in relation to the total diameter of the top member so as not to obstruct the light path of the light bulb. Retaining arms are attached to the outer edge of the main bracket and each are designed with an indented portion designed to “clip” onto the light bulb and retain the lens retaining clip on the bulb. In operation, the lens retaining clip secures a lens of generally the same shape and size as the lens retaining clip against a light bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Nate Mullen
  • Publication number: 20030193808
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an attachment for a light fixture. More specifically, the present invention is directed toward an attachment for retaining one or more lenses in position for use with light fixtures that have a housing in which the light source is recessed. The lenses may be, for example, colorless transparent lenses, colored transparent lenses, colorless translucent lenses, colored translucent lenses, louvered grates, and diffusing grids. Further, the lenses may be made out of any material that is known in the art or has yet to be developed, but are preferably made of a rigid material such as plastic. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises generally an attachment body and an attachment insert. The attachment body comprises an inner sleeve, a means for retaining the inner sleeve on a recessed housing, an upper eave connected to the inner sleeve, a recessed cavity in the upper eave, and a means for securing the attachment insert to the attachment body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Nate Mullen
  • Patent number: 6632007
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a housing, a lens, a lens frame, and at least one mounting spring. The mounting spring is mountable to the lens frame and includes a first member configured to retain the lens in the lens frame and a second member configured to attach the lens frame to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: James V. Agro
  • Patent number: 6619818
    Abstract: A light bulb housing, method of making same and method of replacing a light bulb within the light bulb housing wherein the housing has an internal chamber which is almost completely closed except for a single access opening. A light bulb is mounted within the internal chamber. A biasing device, such as a coil spring, is mounted within the internal chamber and located between the light bulb and the access opening. A lens is then mounted within the internal chamber against the coil spring and while compressing of the biasing device a O-ring seal is installed within a groove formed in the sidewall of the access opening. Upon manual release of the lens, the coil spring forces the lens into watertight, airtight, dustproof engagement with the O-ring seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: James E. Grove
  • Patent number: 6607293
    Abstract: A rear combination lamp 1 is arranged in a manner that a wiring portion 6 is formed and divided into plural pieces along the periphery of the socket inlet 5 of a lamp body 2, a conductor 7 is divided into plural pieces and the plural pieces of the conductors are wired at the plural pieces of the wiring portion 6, respectively, and stop ribs 10 for restricting the insertion amount of a socket 20 are provided at the vicinity of guide grooves 9 which guide bayonets 25 when the bayonets 25 provided at the socket 20 is fitted to the wiring portion thereby to attach the socket to the lamp body. At the time of attaching the socket 20 to the lamp body 2, when a socket body 21 is inserted into the socket inlet 5, terminal contacts are brought into contact with the conductors 7, whereby the one end of the socket 20 abuts against a top face of the stop ribs 10. Thus, since the insertion amount of the socket 20 is restricted, the excessive deformation of the terminal contacts can be surely prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Sanuki, Takanori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6606206
    Abstract: There is provided an optical device which comprises a fixed barrel, a movable cam ring, and collars and abutments. The movable cam ring is shifted relative to the fixed barrel to move an optical unit, the movable cam ring being fitted to the fixed barrel. Collars and abutments can be engaged with each other when the movable cam ring is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the fixed barrel. The collars and abutments preventing the movable cam ring from being disengaged from the fixed barrel and displaced in a direction along an optical axis relative to the fixed barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Takeshita, Toshiyuki Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6603613
    Abstract: A reflection mirror support structure, applied to support a reflection mirror of an optical scanner. Using three points or a single point and a line to construct a plane, projecting rib and projecting point are formed on a carrier to hold the reflection mirror. The image distortion caused by bending the reflection mirror and twist deformation because of structures not being parallel to each other is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Umax Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tsung-Yin Chen
  • Patent number: 6590721
    Abstract: A lens support structure includes a tubular holding frame a flat holding surface orthogonal to a center axis of the frame, and a lens held within the holding frame with a planar part, orthogonal to the optical axis of an optically functioning surface, abutting the holding surface. Since the planar part of the lens abuts the flat holding surface, the lens can be moved in directions orthogonal to the optical axis to enable optical axis adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Onda
  • Patent number: 6582111
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp structure that enables reliable engagement even when variations occur during molding is described. In a vehicle lamp, an attachment base body 2 may be coupled to a lens 6 covering a front surface thereof by engagement of at least a part. The lens is provided with an engagement leg portion 9 which is inserted into the body so as to be engaged with an engagement portion 10 of the body. First and second engagement protruding portions 11, 12 are formed, with a space therebetween that face the engagement portion of the body. A front surface 11a of the first engagement protruding portion is a slanted surface that is increasingly displaced to a side opposite the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Iwase
  • Patent number: 6563086
    Abstract: A vehicle lights defroster device for ensuring that motorists following the school bus see the flashing lights. The vehicle lights defroster device includes a cover member being essentially transparent and having an outer rim and being adapted to fastenably mount upon a light of a vehicle; and also includes a heating element extending throughout the cover member; and further includes a connecting assembly for connecting the heating element to a power source for energizing the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Carl E. Meirndorf, Valerie L. Meirndorf
  • Patent number: 6561690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire comprising a housing (1) which defines an internal space containing at least one light source formed by a light-emitting diode (LED) (2) and optical means (4) for guiding the light emitted by the LED (2) to the exterior of the housing (1). The LED (2) is mounted to a support (3) connected to the housing (1), and the optical means (4) are held between a retaining element (10) connected to the housing (1) and the support (3) of the LED (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Christophe Balestriero, Marc Olivier Flaissier
  • Patent number: 6543907
    Abstract: A laser beam emitting unit includes a laser diode, a collimating lens upon which a laser beam emitted by the laser diode is incident, a base plate to which the laser diode is fixed, a lens holder which holds the collimating lens, and a holder support plate via which the lens holder is fixed to the base plate. The holder support plate includes a flat portion which faces the base plate with a gap between the flat portion and the base plate, and at least two leg portions which extend from the flat portion to the base plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flat portion. Each of the at least two leg portions includes a claw portion which is deformed to be fixed to the base plate, wherein the gap is maintained between the flat portion and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Nishiyama, Taminori Odano
  • Patent number: 6511212
    Abstract: A lighting fixture has a housing with a latching surface, a frame coupled to the housing and having a slot, a refractor or lens supported by the frame, and a latching member coupled to the frame. The latching member includes a main flexing portion, a lead portion extending from one end of the main flexing portion and received in the slot of the frame, and a cam portion extending from an opposite end of the main flexing portion. The latching member moves between a released position with the latching member disengaged from the latching surface of the housing, and a latched position with the latching member engaged with the latching surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • Patent number: 6511213
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lighting fixture lens retainer for a lighting fixture of the type having a generally horizontally extending first lens held in upper and lower fixture members by insertion of first and second mounting flanges formed, respectively, along upper and lower edges of the first lens inserted into first and second mounting grooves formed, respectively, along the upper and lower fixture members, the lighting fixture lens retainer comprising: a retaining member being disposed within the lighting fixture and being movable between a first, open position in which the retaining member is spaced apart from an inner surface of the first lens and a second, securing position in which the retaining member bears against the inner surface of the lens in such manner as to secure the first mounting flange in the first mounting groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Techlite Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Maley, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6502960
    Abstract: A light source device for use in an image forming apparatus and using a semiconductor laser is disclosed. The device needs a minimum of constituent parts and frees the individual part from dislocation in the event of assembly. A collimator lens included in the device is fixed in place by photo-curable adhesive. The device is low cost and highly accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naoe, Akio Yashiba, Hideyasu Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6502971
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for fastening a screw between a vehicular lighting device body and lens is provided, in which there is no possibility that a seal material drips out. A lamp body is held by the lower jig so that a seal groove is directed upward, and a front lens is held by an upper jig so that a seal leg is directed downward. The upper jig is lowered from a position above the lamp body and pressed together therewith, so that the seal groove and the seal leg are engaged together via a seal material. A fastening screw is positioned beneath the lamp body (seal groove) with the fastening screw directed upward by a screw fastener element located within a lower portion of the lower jig. The lamp body (seal groove) and the front lens (seal leg) are pressed and secured by the screw. No seal material drips out from the seal groove in the process. Further, the time required for pressing together and fastening the lamp body to the front lens can be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumichi Terao, Takuya Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6461010
    Abstract: An oven light assembly includes a lens, a housing, a lamp base and a light bulb. The lens and housing protect the light bulb from the oven environment. The housing includes a rim having cantilever beams and louvers that engage flanged lips on an outer edge of the lens. Cantilever beams apply an upward force to maintain the flanged lips in the louvers. The housing maintains the lens properly positioned and allows removal of the lens without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jimmy Nelson Knight, Syndra Lou Scherffius, William Daniel Croce
  • Publication number: 20020141186
    Abstract: A light source apparatus comprises a light source and a collimating lens for adjusting a luminous flux from the light source. The light source is supported by a holder made of a steel plate, a supporting member made of a steel plate is supported by the holder so as to slide in a direction of an optical axis to the collimating lens, and the collimating lens is supported by the supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Takase
  • Patent number: 6457848
    Abstract: A down light fixture is assembled from parts that are substantially snap engageable and is installed through a ceiling orifice and supported by the ceiling without requiring permanent attachment to an existent support beam or the like. The light fixture comprises a can adapted to receive a lighting unit and installable through the ceiling orifice from its exposed side, and a decorative trim member removably and securely engageable with the can. The can is further provided with a flange on its free end that is positioned adjacent the exposed surface of the ceiling about the insertion orifice after the can has been inserted into the ceiling therethrough. The decorative trim member is rotatingly, removably and securely engageable with the flange to provide an exterior trim to the fixture. Several parts of the lighting fixture are removable and replaceable to vary the appearance of the light fixture without removal of such fixture from the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nutech Lighting Corp.
    Inventors: David Wolf, Eugene Diaconu
  • Patent number: 6454439
    Abstract: A light assembly (20) that includes a frame (28) and a body (22) disposed within the frame. A reflector (26), a socket (46) and a bulb (24) are disposed in the body. A lens (30) is fitted over the reflector, socket and bulb. The lens is snap fitted in a bezel ring (32). The bezel ring is snap fitted over to the body so as to be positioned around the reflector. The body is snap-fitted to the frame. An assembler of the light assembly of this invention can maintain a stock of frames, bodies and bezel rings that have different colors or other characteristics, such as on/off switches. Upon receiving an order for a light assembly in which the specific characteristics of the color are specified, the assembler selects the appropriate components from stock and assembles them together to provide the desired assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: ITC Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Camarota
  • Patent number: 6419376
    Abstract: An illuminated indication device for road traffic. A number of indicating points are formed with indicating lenses in or on an indicating surface. The indicating lenses have a light entry surface and a light exit surface and are illuminated by the rear face of the indicating surface, which has individually allocated light-emitting elements with a small diameter. One object of this invention is to make the indication device easier to read. The light entry surface and/or the light exit surface is shaped in such a way that the distribution of light intensity on the indicator surface extends further in a horizontal direction than in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dambach-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Friebolin
  • Publication number: 20020089842
    Abstract: A display case lighting system having a lens positioned inside a display case adjacent a light source inside the case for directing light across a viewing plane within the case and reducing contrasting illumination of items displayed within the viewing plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph R. Santosuosso, Bennie Reed Downing, Fernando Calderon, Paul Severloh, Raymundo Calderon
  • Publication number: 20020075688
    Abstract: Support means for light fittings incorporating a lamp globe (1) provided with an opening (2) through which is insertable a lamp cap (4), and incorporating a distribution element (6) provided substantially just in front of the opening in the lamp globe and equipped with a number of retaining members (8) distributed around the opening in the lamp globe and retaining the lamp globe with a tension force, whereby the retaining members are constituted by elongated, wire-like attachment members (8) projecting from the distribution element (6), and the ends (9) of which, facing the lamp globe, are attachable for hooking to corresponding receiving members (10) of the lamp globe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Anu Moser
  • Patent number: 6386738
    Abstract: For changing a lamp in a lamphead, in particular a stage, studio, film and/or television lamphead, a cover component of the lamphead is opened by swivelling the cover component about a swivel axis. The swivel axis runs along a straight line which cuts the cover component in two points positioned at a distance apart from one another. In the case of a circular cover component, the two points are a secant of the cover component. The swivel axis preferably thereby runs near to the middle or even centrally or diametrically through the middle of the cover component. Preferably the straight line defining the swivel axis is vertical. The cover component does not have to be swivelled far to the side, upwards or downwards, but instead is swivelled partially into the case, whereby particularly in the case of limited space availability this leads to simplified handling of the lamphead, e.g. when the lamp is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Peter Staudacher
  • Patent number: 6350043
    Abstract: A lighting bracket assembly has a base, a lens holder, a retaining ring and a light housing. The base has a locking channel and a top edge radiused to define a first sphere. The lens holder is disposed within the locking channel and is adapted to provide upon installation of the assembly an external surface continuous with a surface defining an opening into which the assembly is installed. The retaining ring is fastened to the base and biases the light housing. The light housing comprises a back portion with an outer circumference and a plurality of curved wing members defining the contour of a second sphere concentric to the first sphere extending from the back portion along the outer circumference. The light housing is adapted to rotate through an angular range of up to 20 degrees upon application of force against the bias of the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Aerospace Lighting Corporation
    Inventor: Jennifer L. Gloisten
  • Publication number: 20020006041
    Abstract: A light source device for use in an image forming apparatus and using a semiconductor laser is disclosed. The device needs a minimum of constituent parts and frees the individual part from dislocation in the event of assembly. A collimator lens included in the device is fixed in place by photo-curable adhesive. The device is low cost and highly accurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naoe, Akio Yashiba, Hideyasu Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6312145
    Abstract: A new Camouflage Light Cover for offering a device which disguises headlights and lenses of a vehicle such as a military vehicle, hunting vehicle, ATV, or the like. The inventive device includes a lens cover, a snap-on attachment means, a spring system, pressure standoffs, and heat dissipating standoffs, and is quickly removable when absolutely necessary. Camouflage light covers are for use with military and hunting vehicles and transportation devices to conceal the lights, fixtures, mounting equipment, and other apparatus used to secure the lights, from other people, animals, and other viewing devices that may view the vehicle or other transportation devices. In reference to camouflage light covers, the same procedures and disclosures described in the present invention of camouflaged light covers can be extended to include any printed light covers using the same methods and techniques as those used or employed in the present invention of camouflage light covers and the prior invention of camouflage eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Don F. Rhoad
  • Patent number: 6299331
    Abstract: A light source device for use in an image forming apparatus and using a semiconductor laser is disclosed. The device needs a minimum of constituent parts and frees the individual part from dislocation in the event of assembly. A collimator lens included in the device is fixed in place by photo-curable adhesive. The device is low cost and highly accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naoe, Akio Yashiba, Hideyasu Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6290369
    Abstract: An illumination device for vessels that have access ports terminated with pipe flanges. The illumination device includes a retention collar that is adapted to receive a flashlight at its first end. The opposite second end of the retention collar terminates with a flange. A conduit extends through the retention collar from the first end to the second end. A mounting element is provided for attaching the retention collar and the flashlight to the access port of the vessel. The mounting element includes an annular base plate. A coupling mechanism is attached to the annular base plate. The coupling mechanism selectively receives the flange of the retention collar. The annular base plate of the mounting bracket clamps to the pipe flange of the vessel over an inspection window. This provides an unobstructed passage through which light from the flashlight can enter the access port of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6283618
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly includes a ballast housing, a wiring box mounted on an upper end of the ballast housing, and an optical assembly mounted on a lower end of the ballast housing. The ballast housing preferably includes a pair of identically configured ballast housing members that are integrally formed from sheet metal and folded by hand prior to final assembly of the ballast housing. The wiring box includes bent tabs that pivotally support the ballast housing between operative and inoperative positions to simplify installation of the luminaire assembly at a site. A hook and rotatable connector are provided to support the wiring box from a luminaire support member. An optional spacer box is provided to space the ballast housing from the wiring box as may be required in certain high wattage applications. The optical assembly is supported below the ballast housing by a pair of support arms that depend from the ballast housing and releasably engage with the optical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: LSI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, John Boyer
  • Publication number: 20010014021
    Abstract: The invention relates to an water lighting system for illuminating the features of water displays where the system can be maintained with relative ease. The system has a plurality of finger clamps disposed about the perimeter of a housing that permit the installation and removal of a front lens without tools. With the front lens removed, the system further has an optical cassette that can easily be removed without tools to expose the lamp. The lamp then can be replaced without the need for tools or without accidentally touching a lens in the optical cassette. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: David Duff, Mark W. Fuller, Robert Bachman
  • Patent number: 6267491
    Abstract: This invention discloses a lamp housing adaptable for snapped-in installation of the lens member. The interior wall of the housing is provided with an annular step and integrally formed raised projections which together form slots for receiving the peripheral edge of the lens member. The raised projections are shaped to facilitate the installation and retention of the lens. The lens member, made of resilient material, is of sufficient flexibility that it can be pressed past the raised projections and be lodged in the slots. A gasket is interposed between the lens member and the annular step. The slots are so dimensioned that the raised projections press against the lens and the gasket to retain the lens in the slots and additionally seal the interior of the housing from the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Parrigin
  • Patent number: 6250787
    Abstract: In a lamp fixture for a vehicle lamp comprising a lamp body and a lens that has an outer edge portion curved backward and is mounted on the lamp body, a hook is formed on the outside wall of an attaching grooved portion of the lamp body, and a hook engaging portion is formed on the attaching leg portion of the lens, the front end surface of the hook engaging portion being substantially parallel to the rear surface of the outer edge portion of the lens so that once the hook engaging portion of the lens is engaged with the hook of the lamp body they are not easily separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Matubara
  • Patent number: 6244730
    Abstract: A spotlight assembly is disclosed, including a spotlight energizeable to transmit a beam of light and having a lens frame configured to support a lens, and a cylinder coupled to the lens frame and adapted to receive at least one light guide through an opening in a sidewall of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Goldberg, Rupert O. Yantz
  • Patent number: 6231214
    Abstract: A recessed canopy light having a main body positionable above an opening in a canopy sheet, a rim member in contact with the lower surface of the canopy sheet such that the sheet is sandwiched between the main body and the rim member, a lens frame below the rim member and hinged thereto, each hinge including a first member secured to the rim member and having an upwardly-open substantially semi-cylindrical female portion with an outer edge spaced below the canopy sheet by a first distance and a second member secured to the lens frame and having a truncated-cylindrical male portion engaged in the female portion, the male portion having a flat therealong such that the vertical dimension of the male portion varies between a full diameter much greater than the first distance and a truncated diameter which is at most slightly greater than the first distance, such that the male portion is non-removable from the female portion except when the lens frame is pivoted to a fully-open position beyond a vertical hanging p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Haugaard
  • Patent number: 6203173
    Abstract: The invention relates to an water lighting system for illuminating the features of water displays where the system can be maintained with relative ease. The system has a plurality of finger clamps disposed about the perimeter of a housing that permit the installation and removal of a front lens without tools. With the front lens removed, the system further has an optical cassette that can easily be removed without tools to expose the lamp. The lamp then can be replaced without the need for tools or without accidentally touching a lens in the optical cassette. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Wet Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David Duff, Mark W. Fuller, Robert Backman
  • Patent number: 6183116
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in retaining a lamp in a housing include a member having a central opening, a first sidewall facing the central opening, a substantially opposing second sidewall facing away from the central opening, a front wall extending between the first and second sidewalls and a substantially opposing back wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. A plurality of spaced apart through holes passing through the member from the front wall to the back wall are provided. Each of these through holes include joined first and second openings. The first opening is located closer to the first sidewall and the second opening is located closer to the second sidewall. These members are particularly useful in combinations in which a lamp is located at least partially in a lamp housing. A member, as noted above, is provided in close proximity to the lamp face, for example, by fastener assemblies, to reduce the risk of the lamp falling from the housing, for example, during extreme storm conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: New Bedford Panoramex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Harter, Antoine Kanaan
  • Patent number: 6179445
    Abstract: A light source device for use in an image forming apparatus and using a semiconductor laser is disclosed. The device needs a minimum of constituent parts and frees the individual part from dislocation in the event of assembly. A collimator lens included in the device is fixed in place by photo-curable adhesive. The device is low cost and highly accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naoe, Akio Yashiba, Hideyasu Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6161953
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp in which a sealing groove is formed circumferentially in the inclined front opening of a lamp body for containing a light source 14 and the sealing leg of a front lens engages integrally with the sealing groove via a sealing material is such that the base of the sealing groove in cross section is sloped with respect to a plane perpendicularly intersecting the direction of inserting the sealing leg and that on the inclined base, there are provided cross projections and extending in the direction of intersecting the sealing groove in order to prevent the sealing leg from sliding in the width direction of the sealing groove. When the sealing leg is forced in, it is brought into contact with the cross projections and prevented from being inserted to a degree exceeding a predetermined quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Chouji, Takashi Sone
  • Patent number: 6132074
    Abstract: A headlight for a vehicle has a reflector, a light source, a lens through which a light reflected by the reflector passes, at least one optical element which surrounds the lens, the optical element being formed as at least one ring-shaped lens element and together with the lens forming an optical unit in appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ursula Bristle, Juergen Mueller, Heike Eichler, Thomas Kienzler, Doris Boebel