Interior (e.g., Instrument, Cockpit) Patents (Class 362/471)
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Patent number: 7674024Abstract: A bulb 37 and a reflecting plate 40 are disposed in offset relation to a lens 54 so that an optical axis LB1 of a beam, emitted from the bulb 37, and an optical axis LB2 of reflection light, reflected by the reflecting plate 40, can intersect an axis CL of the lens 54 in a forward-rearward direction of a vehicle. Therefore, the beam can be radiated forwardly without directing the lens 54 forwardly. In the case where two reflecting surfaces 41a and 41b of an identical shape are provided symmetrically on the reflecting plate 40, and are arranged in the forward-rearward direction of the vehicle, and there are provided a pair of bulbs 37, a pair of reflecting plates 40 and a pair of lens 54 each pair of which are provided respectively for left and right (two) directions, the pair of reflecting plates, having an identical construction, are used. Therefore, the cost can be reduced, and this also prevents an erroneous operation in which the two reflecting plates are mounted in a reversed manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Kimihiro Ishii
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Publication number: 20100033980Abstract: The invention relates to a flat light-emitting lighting device for a vehicle, and to a method for providing emergency energy supply to the lighting device. A shallow installation depth and low power consumption of the lighting device may be ensured by the use of a flat OLED illumination device. Due to the low power consumption of the flat OLED illumination device, an emergency energy supply may be integrated without this increasing the installation depth. Such flat lighting devices, which in the case of emergency are self-supplying, may, for example, be used in aircraft in order to, with suitable icons or text, indicate escape routes or other emergency-relevant information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Carsten Vogel, Detlef Heym
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Publication number: 20100033979Abstract: A dome structure has dimensions such as to house the cockpit of an aircraft. An ordered arrangement of light-emitting panels (10), able to be switched on or off selectively, forms at least a part of the inner vault of the dome. A floodlight (16) is mounted on a movable support arm (17) such that it can be selectively positioned around or above the cockpit and directed so as to project a beam of light onto the cockpit. Preferably a part of the inner vault of the dome consists of an ordered arrangement of reflective panels (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2007Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Pierluigi Duranti, Angiolo Barneschi
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Patent number: 7654680Abstract: A console assembly for an automobile is provided. The console assembly includes a console and a cable. The console has at least one cavity for receiving objects. The at least one cavity is illuminated by the cable containing an electroluminescent (EL) tape.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Richard J Kukucka, Anthony B Micallef, Brian M Chaloult
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Publication number: 20100001645Abstract: The invention relates to a seat control unit, in particular an aircraft seat control unit, having at least one light unit (10). The seat control unit has an adjusting unit (12), which electronically adjusts the light intensity and/or light color of the light unit (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Marco Krämer
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Patent number: 7641370Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle cab or cabin, having a plurality of reading lights for a plurality of passenger seats. A number of the reading lights is at least equal to the number of passenger seats, and a mean distance between the reading lights is less than a shortest possible distance between the passenger seats.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Diehl Aerospace GmbHInventors: Christoph Heine, Dirk-Achim Schevardo, Frank Ertel
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Patent number: 7639154Abstract: In order to adjust the luminance of indicator lights of a piece of monitoring and control equipment for an airplane, the control for regulating luminous intensity of legends and displays is used to act on the luminance value of the indicator lights. When the indicator lights are illuminated in a “day” mode, the luminance of the indicator lights is independent from the regulation of the luminous intensity of legends and displays. When the indicator lights are illuminated in a “night” mode corresponding to a reduced luminance of the indicator lights relative to the “day” mode, the luminance of the indicator lights can take at least two values according to the luminous intensity regulation value of the legends and displays.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Airbus FranceInventors: Thierry Bourret, Laurent Goutal, Vincent Lautridou
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Patent number: 7575331Abstract: An example light guide assembly for illuminating a display of an instrument cluster includes a light receiving portion, a light propagating portion and a conical surface positioned between the light receiving portion and the light propagating portion. An exterior surface of the light propagating portion includes a plurality of lobes that uniformly illuminate the display as light propagates from the light receiving portion to the conical surface and through the light propagating portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Werner Eckardt, Francisco Ramirez-Aldana
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Patent number: 7573396Abstract: An aircraft emergency lighting system including: a plurality of units having communication devices arranged to communicate wirelessly with a master controller, wherein each unit is wired to a common power supply for powering the unit in a first mode of operation and has its own back-up battery power supply for powering the unit in a second mode of operation, and wherein the device is provided for off-load testing the back-up battery power supply of each unit and indicating if the unit is operational.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: SAF-T-GLO LimitedInventor: Peter David Stokes
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Patent number: 7566154Abstract: A lighting fixture for providing illumination comprising a housing, a printed circuit board, and a plurality LEDs connected to the printed circuit board. Optionally an emergency LED may also be included. A heat sink is connected to the housing and printed circuit board. Each of the plurality of the LEDs is mounted on the heat sink. A reflector is disposed inside the housing such that the light from the LEDs is mixed together and projected out of the illumination end of the housing by the surface of the reflector. The lighting fixture is received into a mounting flange assembly. A method for providing illumination using the above.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer L. Gloisten, Frederick Reisfeld, Samuel Zeng
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Patent number: 7540641Abstract: In one non-limiting embodiment, a system is provided for controlling interior lighting in a vehicle. The system is adapted to project a preselected color of light selected by user from a plurality of colors. The system generally includes one or more light emitting devices arrangements, a color selection device and a controller. The one or more lighting arrangements are positioned throughout the vehicle and capable of projecting the plurality of colors of light. The color selection device is configured to generate a signal. The controller is operable to present one or more pulse width modulated (PWM) signals which correspond to the preselected color of light to the lighting arrangements in response to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Cornel Gardner, James Chinavare, Frank Desjarlais, Marion Westby, Daniel Fisher
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Patent number: 7540639Abstract: An illumination system for an aircraft passenger cabin has a first illumination source positioned between a ceiling structure and a first row of stowage bins. A first light direction assembly is positioned between the ceiling structure and the first row of stowage bins. The first light direction assembly is used to direct emitted light from the first illumination source onto a face of a luggage bin of a second row of stowage bins. A second light direction assembly is also positioned between the ceiling structure and the first row of stowage bins and is used to direct emitted light from the first illumination source into a passenger cabin. A second illumination source is positioned between the ceiling structure and the first row of stowage bins to illuminate the ceiling structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Roy Clark
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Patent number: 7537363Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster gauge may have a dial plate with an inner dial, an outer dial, indicia and graduations. The graduations may originate on a dial plate rear surface near or at the center of the gauge and traverse radially outward toward the outer or peripheral edge of the dial plate and wrap from the rear surface, around the peripheral edge and onto the front surface of the dial plate thereby creating a three-dimensional gauge structure with the dial plate. When on the dial surface, the front graduation part protrudes above and away from the outer dial face of the dial plate. The graduation may also create an overhang or cantilever by protruding over a front surface of the outer dial, and have edges formed by 90 degree surfaces and have a projected centerline directed radially through a geometric center of the dial plate, where a pointer may mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Takahira Kato
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Patent number: 7537361Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft window case (10) that can be artificially illuminated in an indirect manner, comprising a connecting cone (20) for connection of the aircraft window case (10) to the inner face of an aircraft window (22), a panel (12) closing off the window case (10) from the aircraft interior, a hollow-cylindrical transition element (18) made of translucent material for spanning a distance between the connecting cone (20) and the panel (12), and an illumination device (24) which radiates light on to the outer face of the transition element (18).Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Natalie Jugovic, Andreas Kämmerer, Oliver Lang, Silvan Fiedler, Axel Kraus, Robert Gotschy
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Patent number: 7534016Abstract: A window unit for an aircraft with which individual lighting scenarios can be produced. In addition, an aircraft is equipped with at least one window unit. The window unit includes a window pane, which is coated with an electrically actuatable shading device for reducing incidental light entering through the window page. In addition, the window unit includes a control unit for operating the shading device as well as a lighting device for producing a light effect in the region of the window unit. In this connection, the control unit has an interface via which the control unit is connected to a network system of the aircraft for operation of the shading device. Likewise, the lighting device is coupled with the control unit, so that the lighting device can be operated with the network system of the aircraft via the interface of the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Mikael Stavaeus, Bodo Wisch, Carsten Kohlmeier Beckmann, Lars Rowold
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Patent number: 7530702Abstract: A motor vehicle instrument cluster comprising an analog indicator assembly having a pointer rotatably coupled to an actuator for a movement by the actuator, and a display assembly including a display screen for displaying information to an occupant of the motor vehicle and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the indicator assembly and the display assembly. In addition, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to an electrical ground and a metal support frame is mounted to the printed circuit board and coupled thereby to the electrical ground. The metal frame includes a support tray spaced apart from the printed circuit board, defining a gap in between. Finally, the display assembly is mounted in thermal communication to the support tray and the frame and the printed circuit board cooperate to define a static discharge path between the display assembly and the electrical ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Luettgen, Paul F. L. Weindorf, Brian C. Schweitzer
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Patent number: 7494255Abstract: Interior lighting and illumination systems for aircraft, particularly commercial passenger airplanes. Opposing pairs of LED lamps are positioned in the ceiling panels above the aisles between sets of seats in the passenger cabins. One set of LED lights are directed to illuminate the ceiling panels and may be in a particular color. The other set of LED lights are positioned to shine their lights on storage/stowage bins positioned across the aisles, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system. This enhances the cabin architecture and provides cabin illumination. A reflector can be positioned to direct the light and reduce possible glare to the passengers. The reflector directs the light rays from the LED lights which emanate from the top of the reflector to shine on the lowest part of the bins. The light rays leaving the reflector cross in front of the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Eric A. Bryan, Randolph C. Camp, III, Richard Fraker, Kevin W. Shimasaki, Miles A. Webb
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Publication number: 20090010014Abstract: An individual cabin illumination device in an aircraft, the device having a light source associated with a passenger or with a group of passengers and an antidazzle device, wherein the antidazzle device includes a multitude of light-directing units which may be arranged one beside the other. Each light-directing unit includes a light-inlet aperture, a light-outlet aperture and a wall that connects the light-inlet aperture to the light-outlet aperture, wherein the light-directing units allow diffusion of the light that can be given off by the light source essentially only onto the passengers associated with the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Tilo Budinger, Carsten Vogel
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Publication number: 20080310177Abstract: Compact illumination systems, particularly for aircraft, use efficient beam forming optical light emitting diode arrangements combined with beam turning and beam splitting prism optics and optional aspheric reflectors to direct light in a cross cabin or cross bin lighting application. The LED based compact illumination devices are positioned to shine on opposite storage/stowage bins without being directly visible to a passenger. The devices are effective for illuminating ceiling structures as well as across the aisles of a passenger cabin, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Roy Clark
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Patent number: 7465079Abstract: An aircraft avionics display assembly comprises a first and second liquid crystal display, each operable to display avionics flight data in an aircraft. A backlight is operable to backlight both the first and second liquid crystal displays. In some embodiments, the backlight comprises a primary light source and a redundant light source, wherein the primary light source and the redundant light source are controlled by a common backlight controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Cull, Elias S. Haim
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Publication number: 20080304273Abstract: Interior lighting and illumination systems for aircraft, particularly commercial passenger airplanes. Efficient beam forming optical light emitting diode arrangements having offset apertures for maximizing effectiveness are positioned in the ceiling panels above the aisles between sets of seats in the passenger cabins for cross bin illumination of stowage areas. The efficient beam forming optical LED devices are positioned to shine on opposite storage/stowage bins and are positioned to overcome line of height light source restrictions such as may be imposed by a valence. The devices are effective for illuminating across the aisles, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Roy Clark
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Publication number: 20080291686Abstract: An aircraft avionics display assembly comprises a first and second liquid crystal display, each operable to display avionics flight data in an aircraft. A backlight is operable to backlight both the first and second liquid crystal displays. In some embodiments, the backlight comprises a primary light source and a redundant light source, wherein the primary light source and the redundant light source are controlled by a common backlight controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2005Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Brian D. Cull, Elias S. Haim
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Publication number: 20080253139Abstract: A photoluminescent track for an emergency lighting system comprises an elongate holder and an elongate photoluminescent insert received in a channel extending lengthwise of the holder. The insert is a push-fit in the channel and is retained by engagement of opposed inwardly directed lips at the mouth of the channel with the upper side edges of the insert so that the upper surface of the insert is exposed within the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Peter David Stokes
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Publication number: 20080219013Abstract: An illumination device and an aircraft having an illumination device which by a corresponding selection of the wavelength and of the irradiation angle prevents a person situated in the aircraft from becoming tired. The illumination device is arranged in an aircraft such that light given off by the illumination device can be irradiated onto the retinohypothalamic tract of a person who is present in the aircraft in a predetermined position, and the illumination device is designed to give off light at a predetermined wavelength, which light achieves the desired effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Tilo Budinger, Carsten Vogel
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Patent number: 7416317Abstract: An opening is formed through a roof trim of a vehicle, and a design part of an interior illumination lamp is mounted in this opening. Self-holding-purpose retaining lock piece portions are formed integrally on an opposite surface of a lens which forms part of the design part. A light shielding layer is formed on those portions of the lens corresponding respectively to the retaining lock piece portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Toshiaki Okabe, Takashi Inoue, Yasunobu Goto
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Patent number: 7413328Abstract: A head-up display assembly includes a liquid crystal display element, a first backlight light source, and a remote backlight light source. The first light source is physically mounted in proximity to the liquid crystal display element, and is operable to directly backlight illuminate the liquid crystal display element. The remote light source mounted physically remote from the liquid crystal display element, and is operable to backlight illuminate the liquid crystal display element via a light guide.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dubin, Brent Larson
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Publication number: 20080186721Abstract: A light module, a light-module carrier and an illumination system for an aircraft, which allow intelligent illumination and at the same time easy reconfiguration of cabin illumination. The light module provides information relating to its characteristics, while a control system determines a position of the light module on a light-module carrier, and on the basis of the determined position and of the characteristics of the light module adjusts the light module by way of a bus system of the light-module carrier according to a desired illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Carsten Vogel, Detlef Heym, Tilo Budinger, Stefan Schulz
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Patent number: 7401933Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a light emitting diode having a shoulder extending therefrom includes a panel, a base, and a bracket. The panel defines a through hole therein for the light emitting diode emitting light therethrough. The base extends from the panel round the through hole of the panel. The base includes a hollow cylinder. The cylinder defines a pair of mounting slots therein. The bracket includes a hollow retaining body for holding the light emitting diode therein. A pair of hooks and a pair of location portions extends from the retaining body. A height of the hooks is greater than that of the location portions. The shoulder of the light emitting diode is located between the hooks and location portions. A pair of shafts extends from the retaining body for being engaged in said mounting slots of the base.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Chi Liang, Ji-Guo Xu, Hsuan-Tsung Chen
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Patent number: 7374321Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for displaying luminous radiation on a shell of an aircraft, comprising at least one light source for producing luminous radiation, and at least one projection device for converting the luminous radiation into projectable luminous radiation. The at least one projection device is mounted inside the shell in order to project the luminous radiation through the interior (15) and onto the shell (60). Said shell is translucent at least in portions thereof whereby making the projected luminous radiation visible from the outside. The invention also relates to a method for displaying luminous radiation on a shell of an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventors: Jürgen Lick, Veronika Schedlbauer
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Patent number: 7367699Abstract: The invention relates to an aeroplane comprising several decks which are arranged above each other, for passengers, freight and/or crew members, also comprising at least one staircase connected to the decks. Said aeroplane is characterized in that the staircase is provided with photoluminescent markings which enable the staircase to be recognized easily, even in poor lighting conditions, whereby orientation of passengers and crew members to exit is made easier in the event of an emergency.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Lufthansa Technik AGInventor: Hans-Christian Lierow
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Patent number: 7354181Abstract: The cockpit module of a vehicle has a cup holder which has an opening for receiving a drinking vessel, and an illumination device for illuminating the cup holder. The cockpit module also has a printed circuit board on which the illumination device is arranged. A motion sensor is preferably provided which recognizes an object approaching the opening of the cup holder and the state of occupation of the cup holder, so that the illumination device can be controlled in a definable manner as a function of the occupation and if an object approaches.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Winfried Moell
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Publication number: 20080080197Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle cab or cabin, having a plurality of reading lights for a plurality of passenger seats. A number of the reading lights is at least equal to the number of passenger seats, and a mean distance between the reading lights is less than a shortest possible distance between the passenger seats.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Christoph Heine, Dirk-Archim Schevardo, Frank Ertel
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Patent number: 7316486Abstract: A lighting arrangement (1) which is advantageous in particular for the interior lighting of a vehicle or aircraft. The lighting arrangement (1) includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (2a-2e, 3a-3d, 4a-4c) of at least two groups (9, 10, 11), the light emitting diodes being arranged on a surface element (5, 5?, 5?), wherein each group (9, 10, 11) includes a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes (2a-2e; 3a-3d; 4a-4c) of the same kind and light emitting diodes (2a-2e, 3a-3d, 4a-4c) of different groups (9, 10, 11) are of different kinds. The light emitting diodes (2a-2e, 3a-3d, 4a-4c) are distributed in a two-dimensional geometrical overall pattern (13) on the surface element (5, 5?, 5?).Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Diehl Luftfahrt Electronik GmbHInventor: Oliver Klettke
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Patent number: 7265684Abstract: An emergency lighting system for an aircraft comprises networked light units that communicate wirelessly with a master controller to switch the light units on in an emergency. Each unit has its own battery power source and is arranged conserve power consumption by cycling between an operable (awake) condition in which it can communicate with the master controller and an inoperable (sleep) condition wherein the wake-up time is approximately 1 millisecond or less. Power consumption is also reduced by employing LEDs as the light source and pulsing the LEDs with a variable load factor to adjust the illumination level.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Saf-T-Glo LimitedInventors: Peter David Stokes, Dan Leach
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Patent number: 7264386Abstract: An illumination property of headlights 4 is controlled so that light quantity or color in a belt-like region B including a virtual line segment A may be different from those in other regions, and thereby the virtual line segment A which uniformly inclines downward from an apex T deviated from a driver toward opposite sides in a vehicle-width direction is indicated on a road surface. The virtual line segment A thus indicated can suppress inclinations of forward visibility and also suppress the sway of ahead inclination angle when a vehicle turns, thereby stabilizing a driving posture of a driver and suppressing steering disturbance.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhito Ito, Kenya Uenuma, Keijiro Iwao
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Patent number: 7264383Abstract: A lighting element with a light emitting device preferably in the form of a light emitting diode, can be fitted in a light carrier. The lighting element has a light-transmissive lens body with a lens-shaped light entry surface and a light exit surface and the light exit surface is smaller than the light entry surface. A starry sky lighting configuration for example in an aircraft cabin, can be implemented with a plurality of such lighting elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Diehl Luftfahrt Elektronik GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Helbach, Dirk-Achim Schevardo, Thomas Krummer
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Patent number: 7253744Abstract: A lighting system and method for producing an automatically positionable light beam that is aimed in accordance with the position of a seatback portion of a seat on a mobile platform. The system includes a light assembly having independent first and second light subsystems, with each light subsystem having a plurality of LEDs or incandescent bulbs. A switch mounted on the seat detects when the seatback portion of the seat is in an upright or a reclined position, and provides a signal to the light assembly in accordance with the position of the seatback. The signal is used to turn on either the first light subsystem to illuminate a lap area of the occupant when the seat is in its upright position, or the second light subsystem to illuminate an area slightly rearwardly of the occupant's lap when the seat is in the reclined position. Thus, optimum positioning of the light beam produced by the light assembly is achieved automatically, without requiring any manual adjustment by the seat occupant.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jay W Colacecchi
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Patent number: 7204622Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for illuminating environments, including aircraft environments. The methods and systems include facilities for providing both white and non-white illumination, with color and color temperature control, in programmed response to inputs. Methods and systems are also provided for improving the addressing of light systems in a network lighting configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7178954Abstract: To guide a passenger to the general location of his assigned seat in an aircraft cabin, the cabin is divided into several cabin zones that are individually identified by different colors of illumination, for example a yellow cabin zone, a red cabin zone and a blue cabin zone. Each service class can correspond to one cabin zone or encompass plural cabin zones. Lighting devices arranged in the cabin are activated to provide illuminating light having the appropriate allocated illumination color in each respective cabin zone. The lighting devices are preferably ceiling lights, sidewall lights, and/or window funnel lights, controlled from a flight attendant panel via a lighting controller. A passenger ticket displays the passenger's assigned seat number and letter, and also the color of the cabin zone in which the assigned seat is located.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Karl-Heinz Blechschmidt
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Patent number: 7168828Abstract: A multicolored LED vehicle interior light is described. In various implementations, a switch is used to select one of a plurality of LED lights, in which one light is of a color, such as red, which is suitable for preserving night vision.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Glenn T. Schmidt, Amy Grumet-Avallone, Samuel Zeng, Lajos Meszaros
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Patent number: 7150548Abstract: A reading lamp for an aircraft cabin, particularly installed above a passenger seat, has a light source emitting a light beam with an optical axis extending substantially horizontally so that a light beam can be deflected by an optical deflector such as a mirror, to a passenger seat. This orientation of the light source provides a compact construction of the reading lamp. Preferably the deflector position is adjustable relative to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Carsten Kohlmeier-Beckmann, Detlef Heym
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Patent number: 7121702Abstract: A laminate material component made of a foam or honeycomb core and at least two cover layers bonded to the core, lying on opposite sides of it. At least one illumination device is embedded in the laminate material component. According to the invention, the illumination device is formed by light wave guides that are connected with a light source.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: E.I.S. Electronics GmbHInventor: Burkhard Müller
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Patent number: 7081835Abstract: A control device for the actuation of lamps in particular for internal aircraft lighting, wherein the control device (1) has an input (18) for the supply of an input signal and a plurality of outputs (21–28) for passing output signals to connected lamps (L1–L8). In the control device (1) a signal processing module (8–12) is preferably formed by a microprocessor and a preferably freely programmable electronic memory (13–17). The signal processing module (8–12) produces the output signals from the input signal in accordance with a conversion instruction deposited in the memory (13–17), wherein different conversion instructions can be stored in the memory (13–17) for output signals belonging to different outputs (21–28).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignees: Diehl Luftfahrt Elektronik GmbH, Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Walter Fleischmann, Carsten Kohlmeier-Beckmann
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Patent number: 6997583Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes a housing, an illuminant that is arranged in the housing, und a plug element for electrically contacting the illuminant. The lamp further includes a pull-off-assisting element for pulling the plug element off the housing in a pull-off direction. The pull-off-assisting element has a first end arranged at the plug element such that it is pivotable about a pivoting axis, which extends transversely to the pull-off direction, and a second end for being manually gripped and for facilitating pulling of the pull-off-assisting element. This pull-off-assisting element is pivotable between a parking position in which is rests against the housing, and a pull-off position in which it extends from the housing for pulling off the plug element.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems GmbHInventor: Rolf Broelemann
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Patent number: 6874919Abstract: An emergency lighting system for an aircraft has photoluminescent material arranged to define an escape path to the exits. The photoluminescent material is encapsulated within a track of predetermined length for securing to the floor of the aircraft. The track comprises a one piece housing formed with a longitudinally extending slot and the photoluminescent material is provided by an insert that is a push-fit in the slot from one end of the housing. The housing is closed at both ends to seal the slot and prevent ingress of dirt or fluid. In a modification the housing is compressed with the insert in place to reduce the height of the track and optionally to provide the track with anti-slip characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: SAF-T-Glo LimitedInventors: Peter David Stokes, Peter Winstanley Bodle
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Patent number: 6837460Abstract: A vehicle ceiling lining structure is provided. Each ceiling lining structure includes a frame formed in accordance with a section of a ceiling of an aircraft, a fabric attached to the frame, and mounts for attaching the frame to the ceiling. The structure includes a light that is attached to the frame in order to backlight the fabric. A light enhancement film is attached to the frame for dispersing the light. A back panel is attached to the frame to keep condensation away from the vehicle cabin. The frame includes one or more molded plastic parts that allow quick release from the mounts.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: The Boeing.CompanyInventors: Peter S. Guard, Karen L. Hills, Kari L. Erkkila, Eric A. Bryan, Ryan B. Sparks, William C. Quan, Charles K. Lau
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Publication number: 20040213005Abstract: A reading lamp for an aircraft cabin, particularly installed above a passenger seat, has a light source emitting a light beam with an optical axis extending substantially horizontally so that a light beam can be deflected by an optical deflector such as a mirror, to a passenger seat. This orientation of the light source provides a compact construction of the reading lamp. Preferably the deflector position is adjustable relative to the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Carsten Kohlmeier-Beckmann, Detlef Heym
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Patent number: 6796690Abstract: An LED light source having an array of LEDs provides increased control of a light beam pattern while providing increased service life. The LEDs are selectively powered to control the light beam pattern, including, for example, shape, size, intensity and direction of the light beam pattern. A controller may provide manual or automatic control of the light beam pattern to thereby adjust the illumination area.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Richard A. Bohlander
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Publication number: 20040141329Abstract: Proposed is a lighting system for aircraft cabins comprising light emitting diodes (8.1-8.5, 9.1-9.5, 10.1-10.5, 11.1-11.5) which are arranged at or in a cabin wall means, in which there are provided a plurality of lighting units (4-7) which each have at least one light emitting diode (8.1-8.5, 9.1-9.5, 10.1-10.5, 11.1-11.5) and are connected to an output (2.1-2.3) of a control device (1), wherein actuation of the lighting units (4-7) is effected independently of each other by way of the control device (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Walter Fleischmann, Markus Stoffler, Dirk-Achim Schevardo
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Patent number: 6758586Abstract: The invention concerns lighting means compatible with a light-intensifying night vision imaging system, comprising at least an electroluminescent source of polychromatic white light (15) with high radiant energy in violet/blue wavelength band of and with low residual energy in red wavelength band.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Wilco InternationalInventors: Jean-Marc Wilhem, Robert Prandi