Roof Or Ceiling Patents (Class 362/479)
  • Patent number: 11673669
    Abstract: An interior aircraft light includes a mounting structure for mounting the interior aircraft light to an aircraft seat; a UV radiation source; and an optical system, configured to direct UV radiation from the UV radiation source towards a floor portion underneath the aircraft seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Marion Depta, Andreas Ueberschaer, Andre Hessling-Von Heimendahl, Björn Schallenberg
  • Patent number: 11334041
    Abstract: Control-source devices may be associated with control-target devices of a load control system during a configuration procedure, such that the control-target devices are responsive to the associated control-source devices during normal operation. The configuration procedure may be executed using a network device having a visual display for associating the control-source devices and control-target devices. The control-source devices may be associated with the control-target devices on an area-by-area basis using an area configuration procedure. The control-target devices may be configured to flash a controlled lighting load according to a flashing profile during the configuration procedure. The flashing profile may be characterized by at least one abrupt transition between off and on, and at least one gradual transition between off and on, where the abrupt and gradual transitions are repeated on a periodic basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Arya Abraham, Nicholas J. Braskey, Brian M. Courtney, William H. Howe
  • Patent number: 11017741
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing configured for mounting to the vehicle; a rearview element disposed in the housing that displays images of a scene exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor assembly disposed in the housing; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal of the light sensor and for adjusting a brightness of the images displayed by the rearview element. The light sensor includes a light sensor for outputting an electrical signal representing intensity of light impinging upon a light-receiving surface of the light sensor, and a secondary optical element configured to receive light, wherein the light passes through the secondary optical element to the light sensor, the secondary optical element including a tint material that is substantially color neutral for attenuating light passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 11006507
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a light-emitting diode driver is provided, having: a differential first interface, a single-ended second interface, wherein the light-emitting diode driver is configured to use the first interface to communicate according to a bidirectional differential bus communication protocol as a slave, to use the second interface to communicate according to a single-ended bus protocol and to transpose signals between the first interface and the second interface, and to supply one or more light-emitting diodes with electric power on the basis of signals received via the first interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Kreuter, Maurizio Galvano, Andrea Logiudice, Franco Mignoli, Andrea Scenini
  • Patent number: 10920952
    Abstract: Provided is a lighting device to be installed in a vehicle, more particularly, a lighting device having a structure in which a plurality of unit lighting modules are installed on a bracket. Thus, the lighting device may allow users to select the size or shape of the lighting device, to replace or maintain only a unit lighting module where a problem occurs, and to implement various lighting patterns. The lighting device includes: a body; an LED module embedded in the body; the unit lighting module including a front cover being transparent and covering a front of the body; and the bracket on which the plurality of unit lighting modules are installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: VISION X ASIA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: In Hong Ko
  • Patent number: 10899271
    Abstract: This is a safety alert system for delivery vans, trucks, and carriers for the postal service and delivery industry. It includes warning light devices to regulate traffic with electrically controlled luminous elements as a supplemental light display. It aims to provide the postal vehicle a manner disposed to safely transport and deliver mail. High illumination lights, safety strips and text or visual messaging boards are located on the rear of the postal vans. Strobe action of the lights is an alternative. The device includes (a) a pair of Light Emitting Diode (LED) high illumination light blocks with optional strobe functions; (b) an elongated Light Emitting Diode (LED) high illumination light bar; (c) a high illumination reflective safety tape; and (d) display module having a display (Video and Audio); (e) an audio systems and amplifiers; and (f) remote Controllers for the screen display and video alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Sammy Eaton
  • Patent number: 10856199
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and techniques for auxiliary master and/or auxiliary call support functionality. For example, in some embodiments, a communication system with auxiliary master functionality may include a master node coupled to a plurality of downstream slave nodes, wherein at least one of the slave nodes may perform master node functions when the master node is disconnected from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Martin Kessler
  • Patent number: 10485067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting a user of a light system (100), which comprises multiple illuminants (L1-L6), at least one light sensor (30) and at least one coding unit (40), from dazzling light from at least one of the illuminants (L1-L6), comprising the following steps: creating of a respective coding for light (M1-M6) of the individual illuminants (L1-L6) by the at least one coding unit (40), detecting of dazzling light (M2X) from at least one of the illuminants (L1-L6) by the at least one light sensor (30), assigning of the detected dazzling light (M2X) with the at least one associated illuminant (L2) on the basis of the coding of the light for the corresponding illuminant (L2), and setting of the at least one associated illuminant (L2) to protect the user from the detected dazzling light (M2X). The invention furthermore relates to a light system (100) and a machine (200) having the light system (100) for carrying out a method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael Aichinger-Rosenberger, Andreas Hingel, Christoph Jandrisits, Christian Derkits, Michael Garber, Daniel Kramer, Thomas Posnicek, Karlheinz Kellner
  • Patent number: 10352509
    Abstract: An LED cove light system having a wall piece mounted to a back surface of a cove and a light fixture component removably attachable at an angle to the wall piece. The light fixture component carries a plurality of LEDs beneath an arcuate portion of a lens and a reflector is positioned below the LEDs. A baffle component is mounted within the lens and configured to control lateral light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Tempo Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Pearson, Michael D. Bremser, James Johnson, Thomas Lueken, Shaun Toms
  • Patent number: 10108822
    Abstract: A system and a method for recognizing electronic elements are disclosed. The system includes at least two electronic elements and a control circuit board. The electronic elements include a fan, a light strip, or a combination of the fan and the light strip. The electronic elements are electrically connected in series. Each electronic element is provided with a recognition chip having a recognition code. The recognition chip of the next-preceding electronic element requests the recognition chip of the next-following electronic element to transmit the corresponding recognition codes back, so that the recognition chips of the electronic elements from first to last sequentially transmit the corresponding recognition codes back. The control circuit board is electrically connected with the first electronic element and sequentially receives the recognition codes according to the order of the at least two electronic elements connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: NZXT INC.
    Inventor: Tsung-Jung Chiang
  • Patent number: 10066790
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent lamp-type LED lighting device including: a case part formed to be elongated in one direction and having an open bottom surface which provides a reflection space on the inner side; a cover part provided on the bottom surface of the case part so that the light which is reflected and diffused in the case part is emitted; and multiple LEDs which emit the light from the cover part and the inner side of the case part such that the light is reflected and diffused on the inner side of the case part. According to the present invention, the LED light is emitted toward an indoor ceiling side, the reflection space is provided so as to reflect and diffuse the emitted LED light, and the light is emitted through a bottom surface part. Accordingly, no additional diffusion plate for surface emission is used and thus optical efficiency can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GIGATERA INC.
    Inventors: Duk-Yong Kim, Min-Soo Kim, Joon-Hong Park, Sung-Hoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 10054273
    Abstract: A light distribution mechanism includes a connecting element, a light distribution element and a fixed cylinder. The connecting element is engaged with a heat sink of an LED downlight. The light distribution element is accommodated in the fixed cylinder, and the fixed cylinder has least two buckles extended outwardly from the top edge and passing through the latch grooves formed on the top and inner surfaces of the connecting element to achieve a latching effect. Since the fixed cylinder and the connecting element can be latched and engaged easily, users may remove the fixed cylinder and the light distribution element by bare hands anytime to change the light distribution element to a different light distribution angle before its reinstallation, to facilitate changing the light distribution element and adjust the light distribution angle of the LED downlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Treasure Best Ltd.
    Inventor: Yiyi Tan
  • Patent number: 10045410
    Abstract: A modularized light system, a control module and a power module are provided. The modularized light system comprises at least a light module, a control module and a power module. The internal and external wiring of the power source is integrated into the power module. The wiring of the control circuit and the power transmission is integrated into the control module. The wiring of the power transmission and the light source is integrated into the light module. A novel design uses a single power module and a control module for transmitting and controlling the power to one or a plurality of light module. One or more connection units detachably connect the light modules. Thus, the system installation is simplified and design coordinated with advantages such as fast assembly, saving assemble time, saving effort, a neat appearance, no wire entanglement, and flexibility of extending lighting range can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 10023325
    Abstract: A method of making a light guide for an aircraft passenger cabin is provided. The method includes determining, for each of a plurality of points on an interior surface of the cabin, a corresponding fixture angle from a light fixture receptacle, a distance, and an angle of incidence at the point. The method also includes calculating an incident light intensity for each of the plurality of points, assuming a light source that emits light of uniform intensity at each fixture angle. Additionally, the method includes calculating a relative ray strength from each fixture angle needed to produce a desired incident light intensity at each corresponding point, and disposing a plurality of light extraction features on a unit length of the light guide such that at least one of a number and a size of the light extraction features are determined based on the relative ray strength for that fixture angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark Edward Eakins
  • Patent number: 9936558
    Abstract: A lighting selection system and method obtain characteristic data for plural light emitting devices, determine a difference between a value of the characteristic data and a target value for each of the light emitting devices, and associate the light emitting devices with different groups based on the differences between the characteristic data and the target value. The differences of the light emitting devices in a common group are closer together than the differences of the light emitting devices in other groups. In one embodiment, the light emitting devices are grouped based on the luminous fluxes of the light generated by the light emitting devices, and then the light emitting devices are paired based on differences between colors of the light and a target color. The system and method also may select at least one of the groups of the light emitting devices for inclusion in a light device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Jeffrey Benner, Ashfaqul Islam Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 9738370
    Abstract: An interior trim arrangement for an aircraft cabin, having lateral ceiling elements, and an angled element having limbs limb extending from one another, one lateral ceiling element arranged offset upwardly and to a first side, the angled element arranged with the first limb adjoining a lateral ceiling element towards the first side, the free end of the first limb located opposite the free end, towards the first side, of a lateral ceiling element, the other limb extending towards the other lateral ceiling element, the free end of the second limb spaced apart from the first free end, towards a lateral ceiling element, of the other lateral ceiling element, a light source for the other lateral ceiling element between the free end of the second limb and the first free end, towards a lateral ceiling element, of the other lateral ceiling element, and the angled element having a lighting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Benedikt Kircher, Stephan Sontag
  • Patent number: 9273850
    Abstract: An optical element for use in front of a light source for obtaining a skylight appearance, a lighting system and a luminaire are provided. The optical element comprises a light transmitting cell which comprises a light transmitting channel, a light input window, a light exit window and a wall. The light transmitting channel collimates a part of light emitted by the light source. The light exit window emits light with the skylight appearance. At least a part of the light exit window is arranged at a second side of the light transmitting channel opposite to the first side. The wall is interposed between the light input window and the part of the light exit window. The wall encloses the light transmitting channel. At least a part of the wall is reflective and/or transmissive in a predefined spectral range to obtain a blue light emission at relatively large light emission angles with respect to a normal to the part of the light exit window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Gabriel-Eugen Onac, Marcellinus Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn
  • Patent number: 9010976
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a switching system electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling the transfer of power from said power source to the luminescent planar panels. The switching system including one or more adjustable variable resistors electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for allowing one to selectively adjust the wattage provided to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 8899801
    Abstract: A PSU pod assembly that is configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The PSU pod assembly includes a PSU pod that includes a housing that includes a top, a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sides that cooperate to define a pod interior and a panel positioned above and connected to the PSU pod. The PSU pod includes at least first and second reading lights positioned within the pod interior that are configured to shine light below the housing and cabin lights positioned on or in the housing that are configured to shine light above the housing. The panel includes connectors that are configured to secure the PSU pod assembly to a component within the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: C&D Zodiac, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Savian
  • Patent number: 8820988
    Abstract: A lighting system for installation in a ceiling portion of a passenger compartment, including a lamp unit; a selection unit having a different shape from the lamp unit; and a case having a first unit installation opening configured to detachably accommodate the lamp unit and a second unit installation opening configured to detachably accommodate the selection unit. The selection unit may be selected from a plurality of selection units, where the plurality of slection units may each have a different application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Yoshihito Masuko
  • Patent number: 8740425
    Abstract: A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: I/O Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 8585263
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 8562168
    Abstract: A perimeter lighting fixture has housing and a separate trim piece. The trim piece is attached to a wall. A wall compound, such as plaster, is smoothed over a blend area or band on the wall just below the trim piece, and also onto a transition section of the trim piece. The housing and/or a reflector of the perimeter lighting fixture is positioned in contact with the trim piece. The trim piece compensates for waviness or uneven wall surfaces. As the trim piece is straight, the variances in wall straightness are corrected. This allows the lighting fixture to be placed against or closely adjacent to the wall, without creating unsightly dark gaps between them, and without highlighting the imperfections in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Gammalux Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph David Napoli, Jose′ Luis Adame
  • Patent number: 8485703
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin lighting kit includes: at least one lighting unit configured for installation in an aircraft cabin; a driving/dimming module generating output signals for controlling illumination of the at least one lighting unit according to command signals from a cabin management system; and at least one wire assembly interfacing the driving/dimming module with a power bus for receiving operational power, and a communication bus for receiving the command signals and for communicating the output signals to the at least one lighting unit. The present aircraft cabin lighting kit is certified by a governmental aviation-regulating body for installation in multiple aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Seckin Secilmis
  • Publication number: 20130141925
    Abstract: A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: I/O CONTROLS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 8425076
    Abstract: A solar-powered airfield light provides high angle light up to about 90°. A solar panel is mounted atop the enclosure but does not overlie a curved transparent shoulder extending upward from the transparent generally cylindrical side walls of the enclosure. An optical element within the enclosure surrounds an LED light source so as to direct light emanating from the LED in two preferential beams, one directed to the shoulder and the other directed to the side walls. A portion of the light impinging on the curved shoulder is redirected to high angles to comply with high angle light requirements for airfield lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Carmanah Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Aaron John Lockwood, Brock Johnston
  • Patent number: 8322900
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly structure of a vehicle room lamp which can be manufactured at low cost and high productivity, and has a low weight. The assembly structure includes an inner housing including a body which has a first surface and a second surface, a bracket portion formed in an outer periphery of the body, and a guide rod extending from the second surface; an outer housing attached to the inner housing on the first surface; a ceiling part including an opening through which the outer housing attached to the inner housing, and an edge of the opening which is supported by the bracket portion; and a reinforcement including a guide hole into which the guide rod is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8297791
    Abstract: A transit vehicle lighting system has a plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures for providing interior illumination. A control network comprises a plurality of slave nodes for controlling the LED-based lighting fixtures, and a master node for controlling the slave nodes. The master node may be connected to the slave nodes by a combined power/communication bus in a daisy chain fashion. The slave node may include a power regulator and a controller for providing a target current command to the power regulator, and may adjust the target current based upon temperature measurements or a recorded age of the LEDs. An optical sensor may provide automatic dimming. A reduced number of LEDs may be used in an emergency mode. The lighting fixture may include a ceiling panel fixture and a riser panel attachable by way of a hinge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: I/O Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Baixiong Kuang, Jerry Lin, Yongchang Wang, Chin Seong Khor
  • Patent number: 8210724
    Abstract: A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: I/O Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 8029173
    Abstract: A structure of overhead lamp and mounting bracket for constructional vehicle has developed to tilt the illuminating angle by controlling the position of slits at the lateral sides of bracket. The lamp is securely fixing at the controlled position at one of 4 positions and the position controlling slits. The main case is securely fixed to the bracket by installing a connection screw and a hinge bolt for restricting unwanted rotation of the hinge bolt. Accordingly, since a position controlling rib having a position controlling slit is extended rearward from side supporters, the illumination angle can be controlled within a greater range. The main case can be supported at 4 points through the plurality of position controlling slits. Furthermore, by fitting the connection screw with an outer circumferential recess of a hinge bolt fastening lever, rotational separation of the hinge bolt and change of the illumination angle of the main case can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Wookang Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-Hong Ko
  • Patent number: 7963058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of its use to temporarily or permanently display decorations, signs or lighting. The device is especially suited for displaying from a structure, such as under the eave of a house. The inventive device is capable of conveniently rotating an attached display or lighting arrangement in and out of view, at will. It is particularly useful for the permanent display of holiday decorations, including string-lights and to display them during the holidays but remove them from sight during the remainder of the year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Holiday Today, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Manning Kinzel, Donald John Kinzel
  • Patent number: 7940166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency assistance beacon signal methodology for law enforcement, emergency and military personnel by which such personnel who encounter an imminent need for assistance or rescue while on duty in a vehicle, may utilize such methodology to invite the assistance or rescue of other such personnel. Upon a first personnel determining that assistance or rescue is needed, the first personnel activate a powerful light element attached to a such that the powerful light directs a beam of light upwardly and non-horizontally from the vehicle. Upon a second personnel recognizing the beam of light, travels to a general area of the beam of light to locate the first and provides first personnel assistance or rescue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Konstantinos Koliopoulos
  • Patent number: 7896531
    Abstract: Providing an electrical assembly, which can protect electric components provided at the electrical assembly from damage, and minimize output amount of recycle material and waste material, a functional module as the electric assembly includes a lamp and a switch as the electric components. The lamp extends from a center area of a bottom wall of a housing so as to slant toward an outside of the housing according to going apart from the bottom wall. The switch extends vertically from one end of the bottom wall. Ends of the lamp and the switch far from the bottom wall project out of the housing. When the functional modules are transported to an assembling line, the pair of functional modules is stacked on each other so as to arrange the lamp face to each other in parallel, and fixed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Yoshinori Hirayama, Shinji Yamada
  • Patent number: 7850349
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner mounted center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) including a light source disposable between a vehicle roof base layer and headliner generally aft of a vehicle, and a CHMSL frame disposable between the vehicle roof base layer and the headliner adjacent the light source. The CHMSL frame may be releasably mountable to the vehicle roof base layer by a fastener for mounting the headliner to the vehicle roof base layer. The invention also provides a method of mounting and servicing a CHMSL, including the steps of attaching the CHMSL to a vehicle roof base layer and/or a headliner, such that the CHMSL is disposed between the vehicle roof base layer and the headliner generally aft of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Albert Ekladyous, Tom Partch, Todd Schwanger, Bruce Williams, Ehab Kaoud, Jim Smithbauer
  • Patent number: 7830247
    Abstract: A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Tyll, Jason Nantais, Chris Prisby, Tom Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7775694
    Abstract: A vehicle interior illumination lamp unit includes: a designed unit disposed on a lower side of a ceiling plate of a vehicle; and a functional unit disposed on an upper side of the ceiling plate of the vehicle and coupled to the designed unit. A spacer insertion space is provided on an outside of an operation plate of the functional unit, and an insertion plate portion of the spacer is inserted into the spacer insertion space, whereby engagement between an engagement hook and an engaged portion is inhibited from being released by an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Yoshihito Masuko, Yusuke Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7717592
    Abstract: An exterior auxiliary lighting system is provided including a light source for generating a beam of visible light, the light source having an aperture through which the beam of light is projected. A cover can be detachably connected to the light source to overlay at least a portion of the aperture. A sensor is provided for detecting whether the cover is attached to the light source. A switch responsive to an output signal from the sensor is adapted to selectively decouple the light source from a power supply when the sensor detects that the cover is attached to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Tyll, Jason Nantais, Chris Prisby, Tom Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7677774
    Abstract: A vehicle interior illumination apparatus includes a first type touch switch which turns illumination ON and OFF when a human body touches a surface of an illumination lens on a vehicle compartment side, and a second type touch switch which switches between linkage and non-linkage between ON and OFF of illumination and a state of a door when the human body moves on the surface of the illumination lens on the vehicle compartment side. The first type touch switch includes a first transparent electrode on a surface of the illumination lens on the light source side for detecting touch of the human body on the surface of the illumination lens on the vehicle compartment side, and the second type touch switch includes a plurality of second transparent electrodes on the surface of the illumination lens on the light source side for detecting movement of the human body on the surface of the illumination lens on the vehicle compartment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Ando
  • Patent number: 7674024
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Kimihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 7665869
    Abstract: An interior lamp is provided for illuminating an interior of a vehicle having a glass surface, particularly a glass roof. At least one such interior lamp is integrated in the laminated glass of the glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Norbert Spazier
  • Patent number: 7641370
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Diehl Aerospace GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Heine, Dirk-Achim Schevardo, Frank Ertel
  • Patent number: 7621662
    Abstract: The present invention is a system of emergency vehicle lighting that uses a low profile hood/trunk mounted LED plate unit and a door mounted LED strip unit. It is designed for both stand alone operation or for integration into an emergency vehicle's electronic alarm notification sequencing unit. The hood/trunk LED plate unit has a thin, enhanced geometrical configuration and an LED lens design that allows the light emitted from the superbright LEDs to be seen to a much higher degree to vehicles approaching from direction normal to the longitudinal centerline of the emergency vehicle. Mounting of the LED plate unit and LED strip unit can be permanent or temporary and because of the light weight, numerous chemical, magnetic and mechanical methods of affixation may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Terry Thomas Colbert
  • Publication number: 20090237950
    Abstract: A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: I/O Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 7494255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Bryan, Randolph C. Camp, III, Richard Fraker, Kevin W. Shimasaki, Miles A. Webb
  • Publication number: 20090021955
    Abstract: A transit vehicle lighting system has a plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures for providing interior illumination. A control network comprises a plurality of slave nodes for controlling the LED-based lighting fixtures, and a master node for controlling the slave nodes. The master node may be connected to the slave nodes by a combined power/communication bus in a daisy chain fashion. The slave node may include a power regulator and a controller for providing a target current command to the power regulator, and may adjust the target current based upon temperature measurements or a recorded age of the LEDs. An optical sensor may provide automatic dimming. A reduced number of LEDs may be used in an emergency mode. The lighting fixture may include a ceiling panel fixture and a riser panel attachable by way of a hinge mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: I/O CONTROLS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Baixiong Kuang, Jerry Lin, Yongchang Wang, Chin Seong Khor
  • Patent number: 7445188
    Abstract: A modular system for use in a vehicle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A second hanger bracket member is slidably connected with a first hanger bracket. A platform member extends transverse to the second hanger bracket member. An extension is slidably disposed on the platform. The extension defines a first groove thereon. The extension defines a second groove thereon. A top deck panel is disposed adjacent the first platform extension section and is disposed in the first groove. A bottom deck panel is disposed adjacent the second platform extension section and is disposed in the second groove. The modular system can provide many functions in the vehicle such as, luggage racks, HVAC ducting, wiring raceways, lighting, advertising panels, and window blinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Lamparter
  • Patent number: 7413327
    Abstract: A programmable and alternately configurable lighting fixture including a light emitting diode array adapted to affixed within a fixture housing. The lighting fixture includes a controller that is adapted to selectively power the plurality of light emitting diodes to provide two or more light beam patterns, each of the two or more light beam patterns selectively directable to two or more distinct lighting areas. The controller and the plurality of light emitting diodes are conductively connected to a power supply. The controller is programmable such that the lighting fixture is adaptable to various seating and lighting configurations, for instance a two seat/two beam configuration, a three seat/three beam configuration or a four seat/four beam configuration. Interchangeable lens assemblies are configured to appropriately direct and focus the selected number of lighting beams to the selected and distinct lighting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter S. Guard, Erik I. Wiman
  • Patent number: 7261450
    Abstract: Dual function console lighting with integrated switching includes a lamp housing held by a retainer within a bezel secured to a vehicle interior. The lamp housing includes eccentrically positioned collinear pivot arms relative to a central longitudinal axis of a lamp positioned within the housing. The pivot arms engage the retainer to hold the lamp housing within the retainer while allowing the lamp housing to pivot relative to the plane of the retainer. The retainer is rotatably held within the bezel by a plurality of snap features spaced around its circumference, allowing the lamp housing and retainer to rotate. A latching mechanism holds the lamp housing in a retracted position with a lens of the housing preferably substantially flush relative to immediately surrounding portions of the bezel. A spring provides a force to pivot the housing about the pivot arms to a second position when the latch is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John M Tiesler
  • Patent number: 7261446
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly for the interior of a vehicle comprises a mounting member having a tab and a recessed cavity disposed on generally opposed end portions, and at least two spaced apart openings adapted to receive fasteners for securing the mounting member to the interior of a vehicle. The light fixture further comprises a light assembly housing having a recessed area in the back of the housing for receiving the mounting member, a retaining rib defining a space for receiving and retaining the tab of the mounting member, and an opening adapted to receive a fastener for engaging the recessed cavity of the mounting member to secure the light assembly housing to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Bud Thomas
  • Patent number: RE44787
    Abstract: An adjustable, elevated and externally mounted lighting device (21) for vehicles such as school busses (22) and other types of vehicles, that provides a pool of light (23) to passenger loading and unloading areas for better visibility of passengers, vehicle drivers, and other vehicle operators in the vicinity during hours of darkness. The light's adjustability, combined with a diffused lens (29), provides a broad and bright pool of light (23) without obstructing passenger visibility or driver use of side mirrors (30). The light (21) is connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical power system and is activated automatically without distracting driver attentiveness, but with provisions for manual over-ride activation if needed in special circumstances such as emergencies or wheelchair loading/unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bus Safety Lights, LLC
    Inventor: Lynn Emerson Burgess