Roof Or Ceiling Patents (Class 362/479)
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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: 7175320Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: Lynn Emerson Burgess
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Patent number: 7052163Abstract: A lighting device is provided for illuminating the trunk of a motor vehicle having a retractable roof which can be stowed in the trunk. The retractable roof includes a front roof element and a rear roof element which can be moved between a position in which the roof elements cover the vehicle and a position in which the roof elements are stored in the trunk. At least one of the roof elements is provided with a lighting device for illuminating the passenger compartment when the roof is covering the vehicle. Detectors are provided for detecting when the roof is folded-up and stowed in the trunk and when the trunk lid of the vehicle is opened. The detectors are connected to a controller so that the lighting device is illuminated when the roof is folded-up in the trunk and the trunk lid is at the same time opened.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automolbiles, S.A.Inventor: Aubert Thibaud Michel Marie George
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Patent number: 6929382Abstract: A lighting fixture, which is arranged to receive two or more elongated light sources positioned one after another in the longitudinal direction of the light sources, the lighting fixture comprising one or more connecting devices, which are arranged to supply energy to the light sources in order to burn them and positioned in a region between the successive light sources in the lighting fixture, and a globe part and a background part, which are arranged to be connected to one another and to substantially surround the light sources and the connecting devices. The lighting fixture further comprises one or more cover plates, which are arranged at the connecting devices between the globe part and the background part of the lighting fixture to substantially cover the connecting devices, and one or more second light sources, which are arranged in connection with the cover plate to provide lighting from the region between the successive elongated light sources.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Teknoware OyInventor: Jouko Kuisma
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Patent number: 6890089Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-guiding system for improving the lighting conditions of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, including a light-generating unit (3) which can be switched on and off electrically and a light guide (5) which is used for guiding the light and which is coupled to the light-generating unit (3) for coupling in the light. According to the present invention, the light guide (5) is arranged in the area of the interior lining of the vehicle roof (1) and designed as a flat light guide, the light being coupled in at one or more lateral surfaces (7, 8) of the light guide (5); and the flat light guide (5) being prepared such that the light couples out of the light guide (5) into the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle over a large surface and in a homogeneous manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Jochen Haering, Werner Scherber
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Patent number: 6827472Abstract: Combination light fixture/HVAC duct/ad card holder for transit vehicle has roof mounted light fixture having a housing extending inboard to receive roof fasteners readily accessible through a cover strip. A single panel provides ad display serves as air duct with air vents and is supported by a detachable hinge at the light housing. In another embodiment the lamp housing is below the card panel. Combination outboard extrusions form a wiring trough and attachment for duct lower wall, and inboard extrusions form detachable hinge, supporting display panel and card holder. Upper bracket extrusion receives panel and card. Extrusions are attached to display panel by double-sided adhesive tape. Light fixture has ballast member accessible from inside lamp housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventor: Herman Myburgh
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Patent number: 6814474Abstract: An illuminated air fairing display device for a truck is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The illuminated air fairing display device includes an air fairing, a light transmissive region in the fairing, and a plurality of light sources positioned in close relation to the light transmissive region. The light transmissive region includes at least one logo or indicium. Light emitted from the plurality of light sources passes through and illuminates the light transmissive region.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.Inventor: Charles J. Groeller
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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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Patent number: 6773151Abstract: An automobile dome lamp assembly which includes a metal reflector unit, plastic lamp housing,cartridge lamp, and cover lens. The reflector unit comprises two concave reflector portions that are mounted on the plastic base in electrical isolation from each other. Each of the two reflector portions include a unitary electrical terminal and lamp retainer clip. The cartridge lamp is mounted to the reflector unit by the two retainer clips such that it is located in front of the reflector. Power supplied to the electrical terminals is routed to the lamp through the reflector portion and their unitary retainer clips. The reflector unit is stamped from a single pieces of metal frangible bridges interconnecting the two reflector portions. The reflector unit can be insert molded to the plastic housing and the frangible bridges are separate at that time to electrically isolate the two reflector portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: John Christopher Brown
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Publication number: 20040100793Abstract: A waterproof outdoor strobe light having a housing body, a lamp assembly including a lamp tube, and a housing cover is provided. The housing cover may be colored and transparent or translucent to emit light in multiple directions through replaceable lenses. The lamp tube is installed on a front end of the housing and protrudes from the housing to emit light in every direction. The housing body has a sufficient interior space to dissipate heat generated by the lamp tube without the need for air vent slots. A gasket is positioned between the housing body and housing cover for waterproofing. The light may include a supporting assembly to fix the light on the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: MULTI-MEDIA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Perry H. Monitto
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Patent number: 6739742Abstract: Storage apparatus are provided that are configured to be attached to the interior roof of a vehicle. A panel is configured to be secured to a vehicle interior roof and includes an aperture formed therein that is configured to allow an interior light attached to the interior roof of a vehicle to extend therethrough. The cover is configured to be movable between a closed position in face-to-face adjacent relationship with the panel and an open position for providing access to the one or more storage compartments. The cover includes an aperture formed therein. When the cover is in a closed position, the vehicle interior roof light can illuminate the vehicle interior through the aperture and lens in the cover. When the cover is moved to an open position, the light can also illuminate the one or more storage compartments in the cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Thomas F.J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Per Erlandsson, Oivind Nilsrud
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Publication number: 20040090787Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
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Patent number: 6595668Abstract: A connection portion (13) of an FFC (12) to be preliminarily arranged on a roof trim (10) is weld-fixed to cable connecting portions (25a, 26a) of a bus bar (25) and a spring terminal (26) of a room lamp (20). Simultaneously with the arrangement of the FFC (12) on a vehicle-body-panel-side portion of the roof trim, the room lamp (20) is mounted in the lamp mounting window.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Yuji Hatagishi, Toshiaki Okabe, Kentaro Nagai, Kenji Oishi, Kazuyuki Shiraki, Isao Yoneyama, Goro Takahashi
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Patent number: 6558028Abstract: A projector mounting system for use in a vehicle including a mounting housing that is capable of being attached to the ceiling of a vehicle, an illumination device that is connected to the mounting housing, and a projector that is mounted to the mounting housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: GRP, Inc.Inventor: D. Scott Watkins
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Patent number: 6543918Abstract: A first fixing means is for fixing a room lamp and a roof trim with each other and is provided to the room lamp and the roof trim. A second fixing means is for fixing the room lamp and a roof framework with each other with the roof trim being interposed between the room lamp and the roof framework, and is provided to the room lamp and the room trim.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Nagata
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Publication number: 20020167820Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-guiding system for improving the lighting conditions of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, including a light-generating unit (3) which can be switched on and off electrically and a light guide (5) which is used for guiding the light and which is coupled to the light-generating unit (3) for coupling in the light. According to the present invention, the light guide (5) is arranged in the area of the interior lining of the vehicle roof (1) and designed as a flat light guide, the light being coupled in at one or more lateral surfaces (7, 8) of the light guide (5); and the flat light guide (5) being prepared such that the light couples out of the light guide (5) into the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle over a large surface and in a homogeneous manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Jochen Haering, Werner Scherber
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Patent number: 6402353Abstract: A lighting system for preferentially illuminating the seating area of a mass-transit vehicle includes a light fixture with a lamp housing longitudinally disposed above the seating area An electrically energized light source is mounted at least one end of the light fixture. At least one solid-core semi-rigid light pipe extends from and is optically coupled to the light source. The light pipe receives light from the light source, transmits the light along its length, and emits the light laterally into the passenger compartment. The light pipe runs parallel to and is suspended from the lamp housing between the lamp housing and the seating area so that the lamp housing can direct laterally emitted light from the pipe into the seating area.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Transmatic, Inc.Inventors: Onward K. Dealey, Jr., Ben V. Domas, Alvin D. McCauley
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Patent number: 6402354Abstract: A direct lighting unit fits in opposition to an opening of a roof of a vehicle's cabin so as to illuminate a light directly the cabin. An indirect lighting unit is disposed around the outer circumference of the direct lighting unit. The indirect lighting unit contains a plurality of LEDs disposed at fixed intervals so as to emit light outward. The LEDs are controlled to indirectly illuminate the roof. When the direct lighting unit is mounted to the roof, a fixing piece supports a grooved edge portion of the indirect lighting unit so that the indirect lighting unit is immovably held between the fixing piece and the roof. Thus, the direct and indirect lighting units are simultaneously secured to the roof.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasumasa Tatewaki, Tadanobu Iwasa, Osamu Yamanaka, Hiroshi Sugihara, Akihiro Misawa, Tetsuo Tanabe, Takao Mukogawa
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Patent number: 6367956Abstract: A reading lamp for a vehicle interior having a light source arranged in a lamp housing and at least one optical element which produces a cone of light for reading, whereby a reflector system is provided in the lamp housing such that light can be input into the reflector system through a color filter so that colored light is produced concentrically with the cone of the reading lamp.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Hella Aerospace GmbHInventors: Stefan Becker, Andre Hessling-Von Heimendahl, Rico Schulz
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Publication number: 20020027783Abstract: When an interior lamp (10) is mounted in a lamp mounting window (41) in a roof trim (40), press-connecting terminals (25a) of bus bars (25), mounted on a lower surface of a switch unit (20), are disposed on a lower surface of an insulating housing (24), and the electrically-connecting portions, electrically connected to an FFC (30), are disposed on the interior-side of the switch unit (20) directed toward the interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Kentaro Nagai
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Patent number: 6350048Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows and a lighting fixture supported in the vehicle along the ceiling surface longitudinally of the vehicle at a position above each row of seats. Below the lighting fixture is provided an elongate advertising card support panel member for receiving and supporting an advertising card. The housing is substantially continuous along the vehicle and supports a plurality of fluorescent tubes mounted in the light housing. Between each tube and the next is provided a web member having an inner surface matching that of the housing and an outer surface butting edges of the individual lens/covers mounted on the light housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Inventors: William H. Stanton, Paul A. Wasney
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Patent number: 6325526Abstract: Automotive internal lights have a molded housing defining an elongate recess and bus bars which integrally include lamp holders secured within the molded housing and adapted to hold a lamp therebetween. The lamp holders have a base exposed to irradiate heat from said lamp. Connector terminals and an earth terminal are secured within said molded housing. The bus bars also integrally have spaced-apart fixed contacts secured within the molded housing so as to establish respective surfaces flush with the housing but exposed to said elongate recess. A slide switch is moveable longitudinally within the recess between at least first and second positions, and carries a generally U-shaped movable contact member which is adapted to contact the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts so as to turn the lamp held by the lamp holder on and off, respectively. The housing includes notches formed in the recess opposite to the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T AN TInventors: Hiroshi Yabata, Kouji Mikami
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Publication number: 20010022730Abstract: A room lamp fixing structure having a temporary fixing means provided for a room lamp and a ceiling trim and a permanent fixing means provided for the room lamp and a ceiling framework of a car body. This construction includes a ceiling trim having a recess for accommodating the room lamp, the recess having its side surface inclined so as to become gradually narrow from the opening portion to the bottom portion, and a room lamp having in its side surface a guide projection for positioning the room lamp and the ceiling trim by abutting against the slant side surface of the recess during the permanent fixing. This structure allows the guide projection to abut against the slant side surface, and thereby the room lamp and the ceiling trim are positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Applicant: ICHIKOH INDUSTRIES, LTD. and TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Satoshi Nagata, Eiji Hibi, Yoshinori Noritake
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Patent number: 6283621Abstract: A vehicle interior lamp assembly comprises a light assembly carried within a housing. A cover is snap fit to the housing and carries a lens in registration with the light assembly. The light assembly includes a dome shape reflector, into which a light bulb is positioned, and a light switch slidingly positioned within a slotted flange attached to the housing. A light switch actuator, in operational connection with the light switch, is captured by the cover. The lens is formed with a double convex middle region and a pair of outer regions formed with a plurality of serrations which reflect light toward the light reflector to thereby provide a uniform pattern of illumination about a preselected area. In one preferred embodiment, the housing supports a pair of lighting assemblies to permit selective illumination of a passenger's seat, table, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: ASC Industries, Inc.Inventor: Gregory G. Macri
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Patent number: 6238075Abstract: A lighting system for preferentially illuminating the seating area of a mass-transit vehicle includes a light fixture with a lamp housing longitudinally disposed above the seating area. An electrically energized light source is mounted at at least one end of the light fixture. At least one solid-core semi-rigid light pipe extends from and is optically coupled to the light source. The light pipe receives light from the light source, transmits the light along its length, and emits the light laterally into the passenger compartment. The light pipe runs parallel to and is suspended from the lamp housing between the lamp housing and the seating area so that the lamp housing can direct laterally emitted light from the pipe into the seating area.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Transmatic, Inc.Inventors: Onward K. Dealey, Jr., Ben V. Domas, Alvin D. McCauley
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Patent number: 6231421Abstract: A low-power lighting system for illuminating the interior of scale models such as model railroad cars is disclosed. The lighting system includes a plurality of miniature bulbs in the 2.5 to 3.0 Volt range operating at 100 milliamps that are soldered directly to a printed circuit board in lieu of socket mounting to provide a low-profile configuration to the assembled lighting system which can be installed within the interior roof structure of a scale model so as to be hidden from exterior view. The printed circuit board which carries the miniature bulbs is configured to fit various standard classes of model railroad cars and scale model buildings to permit interior details thereof to be displayed. The lighting system dissipates the heat intensity of the miniature bulbs over the entire surface area of the printed circuit board to eliminate hot spots and warpage of plastic model structures.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1997Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Albert C. Ruocchio
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Patent number: 6203180Abstract: Proposed is a lighting arrangement which is mounted at or in the ceiling (4) preferably of an aeroplane cabin (2), comprising a plurality of punctiform light sources (8), wherein the punctiform light sources (8) have at least one light emitting diode (LED) (9) and are at least partially connected together in parallel or in series and are connected to at least one power supply unit (14). A Zener diode (15) is connected in parallel in the reverse direction in relation to each light emitting diode or light emitting diode group. The power supply unit (14) is such that it provides for a constant current flow. The light emitting diodes used are preferably white light emitting diodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Diehl Striftung & Co.Inventor: Walter Fleischmann
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Patent number: 6082879Abstract: A combination light fixture/HVAC duct/advertising card holder for public transportation vehicles such as buses and trains. The light fixture includes a lens having a transparent bottom portion and ribbed side portions for directing light downward towards the passengers and diffusing light sideways towards the windows and driver. The advertising panel forms part of the HVAC duct, with the vehicle side and roof forming the remainder. The advertising panel and light fixture are pivotally secured by a detachable hinge allowing them to either pivot downwards or be completely detached. The HVAC duct and advertising panel may further include other light fixtures, ventilation openings, speakers, or other comfort aids.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Herman Myburgh
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Patent number: 6079859Abstract: The body and the cover of the conventional automotive lamp assembly used to be made of hard synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polycarbonate having a low Izod impact value. As a result, the strong impact by a human body on the body or the cover of the lamp assembly in a collision accident can create a problem that the lamp assembly is broken into smithereens and recycling thereof was impossible. The automotive lamp assembly installed in the room of a passenger car is provided with means including a body composed of a lamp and a switch to be directly attached to the vehicle body, the body being formed of polypropylene having an Izod impact value of 40 to 60 kJ/m.sup.2 ; and a transparent or translucent cover to shield the body, said cover being formed of polypropylene or polycarbonate having an Izod impact value of 40 to 60 kJ/m.sup.2.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Tsunesuke Takano
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Patent number: 6067012Abstract: This apparatus conceals an emergency warning device, which may be in the form of an array of laterally spaced lights and/or sirens, mounted on an emergency vehicle below a vertically movable roof section in an opening formed in the roof of the emergency vehicle. In a first lowered position, the lights are concealed below the roof line of the vehicle. A power source, such as an electric motor, can be selectively activated to raise the roof section above the roof line of the vehicle so that the lights attached thereto are also raised above the roof line and pivoted into a second operative position.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Phil Harding