Abstract: A vehicular lamp 100 including a reflector 19 that reflects light from a light source 13 forward and is provided in a lamp chamber 15 formed by a lamp body 17 that opens forward and a transparent front cover 11 that is attached to the front opening portion of the lamp body 17. The lamp body 17 is formed using a first material to have a skeletal configuration in which a plurality of through holes h1 to h4 are provided. The through holes h1 to h4 are closed by sealants s1 to s2, which are formed from a second material that is integrally formed with the first material.
Abstract: A lighting system is described herein that may be energized by a plurality of sources. In one embodiment, a solar cell is capable of receiving light and converting the light into electrical signals. An energy conversion device may be included that converts movement of the energy conversion device into electrical signals. Additionally, an energy storage device receives and stores the electrical signals from the solar cell and the energy conversion device. The energy storage device is also adapted to supply energy to a lamp that emits light.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 20, 2007
Publication date:
September 25, 2008
Applicant:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Mahendra Dassanayake, Donald Bilger, Tyler Blake, Chad Clement
Abstract: The application relates to light emitting devices. In order to provide good heat dissipation and easy adjustment of the lighting devices, there is provided to fix a light-emitting diode (12) having a metallic base (10) to a metallic heat-radiating element (18), which fixing comprises substance-to-substance bonding the base of the diode to a metallic sleeve (14), positioning the sleeve on the heat-radiating element such that the sleeve mantles the heat-radiating element, and connecting the sleeve with the heat-radiating element.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 19, 2006
Publication date:
September 25, 2008
Applicant:
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
Inventors:
Harald Willwohl, Karl-Heinz Hohaus, Hans-Josef Kohl, Ralph Hubert Peters
Abstract: A lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle comprising: an outer wall delimiting the interior and exterior of a closed chamber, a casing, a closing glass closing the casing, the glass and casing forming at least partly the outer wall of the chamber, at least one light source inside the chamber, at least one heat exchange zone for transferring heat from inside to outside the chamber outer wall including the heat exchange zone, the heat exchange zone being able to be in contact with a fluid capable of circulating in the region of this heat exchange zone, so that the fluid enables heat emitted in the region of the heat exchange zone to be evacuated.
Abstract: An illuminating device has a light pipe that is elongate in shape and has a light-emitting face running in the direction of a longitudinal axis. A light-reflecting face is disposed opposite the light-emitting face, and the light-reflecting face has a plurality of prismatic cuts. Each prismatic cut includes a front face oriented at an angle B from a normal axis, the normal axis being 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. The angle B is in the range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees and is such that it allows light to refract through at least one prismatic cut and then be internally reflected.
Abstract: The present invention is to provide a better design, and a uniform and bright lighting to a cover lens. A lamp holder holds a lamp L and a lamp bezel holds the lamp holder. The lamp bezel is attached to a roof of a vehicle. The cover lens covers a front side of the lamp bezel and the lamp holder. A part of the cover lens is embossed so as that the lamp holder is hardly visible through the cover lens from a front side of the cover lens. The part is thinly embossed as approaching to a periphery of the part in order to increase a light transmittance.
Abstract: A retrofit vehicle mini lamp assembly for attaching a mini lamp to an existing opening in a vehicle surface includes a housing having a body with an interior portion and a lens portion covering a top end of the interior portion. The lamp assembly also includes circuitry disposed within the interior portion of the housing and at least one light source being electrically connected to the circuitry. An attachment member is also provided. The attachment member includes an aperture therein adapted to receive the housing, a rim adapted to abut the vehicle surface around the existing opening, and a spacer portion extending laterally from the aperture to the rim. The spacer portion includes an outer surface, wherein the lens portion of the housing is substantially continuous with the outer surface of the spacer portion.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 22, 2008
Publication date:
September 11, 2008
Inventors:
Todd Kolstee, Timothy A. DiPenti, Gary R. Johnson
Abstract: An electrically illuminating indicator needle and a light guiding member therefor that allow such a control as length of the needle can be varied while undergoing less unevenness in luminance and can be manufactured at a lower cost are provided. The electrically illuminating indicator needle comprises a plurality of planes of incidence, a plurality of light reflecting surfaces disposed to correspond to the planes of incidence so as to reflect light coming from the planes of incidence, a light guiding member disposed to correspond to the light reflecting surfaces so as to cause the light reflected on the light reflecting surfaces to emerge, and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed to oppose the planes of incidence.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 17, 2006
Publication date:
September 4, 2008
Applicant:
NICHIA CIRPORATION
Inventors:
Koji Nakano, Hitoshi Nojiri, Ryosuke Wakaki
Abstract: A light engine (20) to provide light from a plurality of semiconductor light sources (40) in an automotive lighting system, such as a headlamp, includes a substrate (24) upon which the semiconductor light sources are mounted. The semiconductor light sources are spaced from one another on the substrate for cooling purposes. The substrate also preferably includes at least one layer (48) of heat transfer material which assists in transferring waste heat from the semiconductor light sources to a heat sink or other cooling means. The light engine (20) further includes a transfer device (28) comprising a bundle of fiber optic cables (60), one cable for each semiconductor light source (40), and each cable has a receiving end (32) which is located adjacent a respect one semiconductor light source (40) and an emitter end (36) which is located in close proximity to the emitter end of each other cable emitter end.
Abstract: The invention relates to a light arrangement, comprising a motor vehicle light which can be operated in at least two operating modes, as well as further comprising a control mechanism for the motor vehicle light. The invention further relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle light and a motor vehicle.
Abstract: A vehicular touch switch activated LED illumination circuit includes a LED illumination source for providing vehicle illumination. A touch switch antenna senses a user input for activating and deactivating the LED illumination source. An integrated circuit mounted to a printed circuit board for controlling the current provided to the LED illumination source. The integrated circuit is in communication with the touch switch antenna for detecting the user input. A driver circuit is mounted to the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to the LED illumination source for driving the LED illumination source. The integrated circuit includes a battery voltage sensed input and a temperature sensed input for receiving sensed input signals to control a signal input to the driver circuit for variably controlling the current provided to the illumination source.
Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle including a display panel and vehicle accessory includes a light source disposed within the display panel that illuminates the display panel. The display panel includes at least one aperture that selectively permits light from the light source to pass through the display panel to illuminate the vehicle accessory.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 29, 2007
Publication date:
July 31, 2008
Inventors:
Mitchell J. Clauw, Chi-han Chen, Jeffrey C. Dennis, Nicholas J. Novak, George Walczowski
Abstract: A structure of car door guard mainly comprises a one-piece pad for maximum cushioning; the characteristic lies in: an illuminant strip is snugly fitted in a furrow cut along the length of the pad. The illuminant strip would allow the structure glowing while being connected to power source. The structure can be mounted on doors of any cars for maximum cushioning and/or embellishment as it would glow to make the car doors glistening at night so as to provide alert and irradiate the car.
Abstract: There is provided a vehicle lighting assembly, which includes a plurality of light sources, and a light guiding body having a light incident portion and a reflecting portion corresponding to the light sources on a back surface side, for emitting a light generated when a light being incident from the light incident portion is reflected by the reflecting portion from a front portion, wherein the light guiding body is divided into a plurality of blocks whose emergent light modes are different, and a reflection and diffusion area is formed on a boundary portion between two adjacent blocks.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 21, 2007
Publication date:
July 10, 2008
Applicant:
TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
Inventors:
Akihiro Misawa, Chiharu Totani, Tatsuya Oba
Abstract: A vehicular lamp 1 including a lamp chamber 7, which is formed with a lamp body 3 and a transparent front cover 5 attached to the front opening of the lamp body, and a lamp unit 13, which includes a reflector 9 and a light source 11 and is provided in the lamp chamber 7 so that the optical axis direction of the lamp unit is adjusted by a tilting movement adjustment mechanism 15, wherein a millimeter wave radar device 25 is attached to the lamp body, and a reflection mirror 31 that reflects, toward the front of the lamp, a millimeter wave signal 29 emitted by the millimeter wave radar device is attached to a supporting frame 21 which is a part of the tilting movement adjustment mechanism.
Abstract: An infrared lighting device for motor vehicles, for example a headlight, has a radiation source and a filter, whereby the device emits white and infrared radiation at a certain intensity in a wavelength range between 800 and 1200 nm on one axis, and the filter at a first angle may transmit a first visible part and at a second angle different from the first may transmit a second visible part of the radiation source, and both parts transmitted form white light.
Abstract: A signal assembly mountable to an exterior of a vehicle is configured with a light-generating unit operable to emit a visually perceptible signal, and with a sound-generating unit operable to generate a sound signal. The light and sound generating units are coupled to one another to form a unitary assembly.
Abstract: A mounting foot assembly including a base member with a front wall having a front surface and a foot member with a rear wall having a rear surface. The foot member is adjustably secured to the base member with the rear surface of the rear wall being in facing relationship with the front surface of the front wall of the base member, whereby the angular position of the base member relative to the foot member may be varied. A bracket may be mounted on the foot assembly having a rear crossbar portion adapted to be positioned in a cross channel in the base member and a forward portion extending down in front of the rear wall of the foot member to which a light unit may be attached.
Abstract: The present invention is to provide a lighting apparatus with compact size. The lighting apparatus includes a housing receiving an electric bulb and a pair of busbars. The pair of the busbars each include an electrode connection portion and an electrical cable connection portion. The electrode connection portion is connected to an electrode of the electric bulb. The electrical cable connection portion interconnects the electrode connection portion and a flat cable. The electrical cable connection portion is bent at a right angle at a connection portion thereof with the electrode connection portion and extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrode connection portion and is disposed on exterior surface of a rear end portion of the housing.
Abstract: A tail light assembly for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of signal lights to signal various operations. Each of the plurality of signal lights includes segments of lights that are independently operable. A sensor system is electrically connected to the segments of lights for measuring an event and for creating a control signal in response to the occurrence of an event. The tail light assembly also includes a control module electrically connected between the segments of lights and the sensor system. The control module receives the control signal and operates each of the plurality of segments of lights to ensure each of the plurality of signal lights can operate to maximize visibility through a plurality of positions with respect to the motor vehicle.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 14, 2007
Publication date:
May 29, 2008
Inventors:
Hans-Clemens Steffel, Filip Rosenstein, Bernd Mack
Abstract: A center high mounted stop lamp (12) including a plurality of LEDs (34) mounted on a printed circuit board (30). TIR lenses (40) are employed to focus the light from the LEDs (34) to give an even lighting appearance. The TIR lenses (40) include a prism (44) for directing the light in a desired direction. The circuit board (30) and lenses (40) are mounted in a housing (18) so that each LED (34) includes a separate lens (40) configured relative thereto to provide the desired collection and reflectance of the light. The housing (18) includes a plurality of posts (70) that extend through openings (48, 50) in the circuit board (30) and the lenses (40) to align the LEDs (34) to the lenses (40) relative to the housing (18).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 5, 2003
Date of Patent:
May 20, 2008
Inventors:
Ronald L. Steen, Kyle P Lucas, Richard A. Dymond, Charles D. McKittrick
Abstract: A step stool with positionable lights and a rechargeable battery is carried upon retractable casters for suitable positioning and utility. A motion and timer switch is interposed between the battery and the positionable lights to allow the positionable lights to be illuminated only for a fixed period of time following movement of the step stool. The lights may be positionable as by adjustable brackets or by a cord reel assembly. The step stool has contact bands thereabout that are adapted for engagement with contacts in a charging station that is specifically configured to receive the step stool. Receipt of the step stool by the charging station activates a battery charger that serves to charge the battery of the step stool thereafter. A solenoid switch disconnects the lights of the step stool upon commencement of the charging operation.
Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.
Abstract: An external rear view mirror for vehicles includes a mirror head the is fixedly secured to the vehicle. A housing defines an opening and a housing rear wall. The housing rear wall defines a recess that extends along a portion thereof. A turn-signal lamp, designed to generate light, is fixedly secured to the housing rear wall. The turn-signal lamp extends into the recess. The turn-signal lamp includes a light lens that covers the turn-signal lamp. The light lens has an outside surface. The external rear view mirror also includes an optical waveguide that guides the light generated by the turn-signal lamp around the mirror head, whereby the optical waveguide is fixedly secured to the light lens.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 17, 2006
Date of Patent:
April 15, 2008
Assignee:
Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH
Abstract: A lighting system includes a leadframe, and a light active sheet material laminated on the leadframe and electrically connected to the leadframe. The light active sheet material includes a transparent electrically conductive top substrate, a pattern of one or more light emitting diode (LED) chip(s) sandwiched between the leadframe and the top substrate, and a non-conductive transparent adhesive material disposed between the leadframe, the LED chip(s), and the top substrate. The LED chip(s) is (are) preformed before being patterned in the light active sheet material as an unpackaged discrete semiconductor device having an anode p-junction side and a cathode n-junction side. Either of the anode and the cathode side is in electrical communication with the top substrate and the other of the anode and the cathode side is in electrical communication with the leadframe.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 27, 2007
Publication date:
April 3, 2008
Applicant:
Grote Industries, Inc
Inventors:
Stanley D. Robbins, William Dominic Grote, Timothy W. Brooks, Richard C. Bozich
Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination lamp which combines at least two different lamp components in a unitary configuration, preferably reducing the total amount of space taken up for the same amount of illumination produced. The combination lamps are preferably suitable for use on vehicles, light fixtures, lamps, decorative articles, etc., and each lamp component preferably has a power connection element independent from the other lamp components.
Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a first instrument cluster graphic and a second instrument cluster graphic. The second instrument cluster graphic is superimposed on the first instrument cluster graphic.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 24, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2008
Assignee:
Continential Automotive Systems US, Inc.
Inventors:
Taochuan Bruce Wang, Vyacheslav B. Birman, Richard Sanders, Werner Eckardt, Christopher J. Volpe
Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle comprises a sealed unitary light module including at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode operates with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt when passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps and that emits a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage. The sealed unitary light module is removable as a unit from the vehicle and includes a heat dissipating element and a lens.
Abstract: A method for positioning a headlamp on a vehicle body, which includes: setting the headlamp temporarily in a first position on a first member of the vehicle body; and putting the first member and a second member of the vehicle body together, bringing the first member along with the headlamp closer to the second member, allowing the headlamp to move relative to the first member from the first position.
Abstract: Various techniques are described herein for combining two or more LEDs in a single reflective cavity for a rear lamp in an automobile. The LEDs may be two or more different colors for performing different functions, such as a stop light, a turn signal, and a tail light. In one embodiment, the LEDs have side emitting lenses and are coaxially aligned in a parabolic reflector. The LEDs may be mounted facing each other or mounted in the same direction, or a combination of both. The LEDs may share a common heat sink. A second reflector may be positioned inside a larger reflector, where a first LED is mounted near the focal point of the larger reflector, and a second LED is mounted near the focal point of the inner reflector. Additional LEDs may also be mounted in either reflector and separately controlled.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 22, 2006
Publication date:
February 28, 2008
Applicant:
PHILIPS LUMILEDS LIGHTING COMPANY, LLC
Inventors:
Pascal J.H. Bloemen, Willem H. Smits, Nicola B. Pfeffer, Wiep Folkerts
Abstract: An inertia controlled deceleration signal apparatus for use in a leading automobile vehicle, which apparatus is in addition to the standard brake signal light and transmits a warning light to a following automobile vehicle upon braking, and operates to initiate a warning light, which warning light is either on or off wherein to indicate a severe or panic braking operation or of increasing light intensity wherein to indicate a controlled braking operation.
Abstract: A discharge bulb is provided with an arc tube main body in which an arc tube having a discharge light emitting portion (a hermetically sealed glass envelope) where electrodes are provided in such a manner as to face each other is enclosed in a cylindrical shroud glass tube. The discharge bulb is configured so that a light distribution pattern having a predetermined cut-off line is formed by light intercepting portions (light intercepting films) and a light distribution control reflector. A frost treatment is applied to only a light emitting area on an outer surface of the shroud glass tube which corresponds to an area along the cut-off line in the light distribution pattern.
Abstract: An illuminated tire rim apparatus includes a hub that has a central aperture therein for receiving a free end of an axle of a vehicle. The hub has a plurality of bolt receiving openings therein positioned between the aperture and an outer edge of the hub. A plurality of spokes is attached to the outer edge of the hub and radially extends outwardly therefrom. Each of the spokes is comprised of a substantially translucent material and each of the spokes has an outer end. A rim has a generally cylindrical shape and has an inner surface and an outer surface. Each of the outer ends of the spokes is attached to the rim. Each of a plurality of light emitters is mounted in one of the spokes so that the spokes are illuminated when the light emitters are turned on. A power supply is electrically coupled to the light emitters.
Abstract: A floor mat system that includes a mat having a decoratively shaped first portion that allows light to transmit therethrough and is surrounded by a second portion that does not allow light to transmit therethrough. A light source is positioned beneath at least the first portion of the mat. When activated, the light source shines through the first portion and thereby illuminates and draws attention to the decorative image. The light source is coated in a polycarbonate resin film to protect and strengthen the same against damage as people walk over the mat. A non-transparent coating may be applied to selective regions of the protective film to create the same decorative transparent image therein and to thereby allow light to only be emitted from a particular region of the light source. The mat may be made from a flow-through material, a non-flow-through material with a gripping upper surface and wells; or a combination of flow-through and non-flow-through material.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 20, 2006
Publication date:
November 8, 2007
Applicant:
R&L MARKETING & SALES, INC.
Inventors:
Ronald N. Kessler, Daniel A. Kessler, David M. Neill
Abstract: All terrain vehicles and all terrain vehicle cautionary light assemblies are described according to some aspects. In one aspect, an all terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a frame, a seat coupled with the frame and configured to support an operator, a plurality of wheels coupled with the frame, and a cautionary light assembly configured to couple a cautionary light with the all terrain vehicle, wherein the cautionary light assembly is configured to provide the cautionary light in a position wherein the cautionary light is elevationally above a directional control of the all terrain vehicle and substantially out of a direct line of sight of the operator during operation of the all terrain vehicle by the operator wherein the operator is seated upon the seat and looking in a forward direction with respect to the all terrain vehicle.
Abstract: A display for a vehicle includes an indicator such as a pointer or needle. The display is configured such that (1) the position of the indicator is responsive to, and thus indicative of, a first measurable vehicle characteristic; and (2) the appearance of the indicator is responsive to, and thus indicative of, a second measurable vehicle characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the first measurable characteristic is vehicle speed and the second measurable characteristic is engine speed so that the display functions as a combined speedometer and tachometer. A corresponding method is also provided.
Abstract: A wiper with a light emitter formed by providing a light emitting function to a wiper for wiping off a wiped surface, the wiper including a linear light emitting part visible from the outside disposed on the outside of a wiper blade or a wiper arm for wiping operation and a light shielding device provided on the wiper along the light emitting part so that a person positioned on the inside of the wiped surface is not obstructed visually by the light beam emitted from the light emitting part.
Abstract: In a headlamp providing a predetermined light distribution pattern by combining illumination light beams that are respectively emitted from a plurality of light source units LU1 to LU4 each of which using a light emitting element as the light source, at least one of the plurality of light source units being a light source unit that forms a hot zone in the light distribution pattern, the lamp center being provided within a light emission area of the light source unit LU1 that forms the hot zone, and a center mark CM that indicates the lamp center being provided on the front cover of the lamp.
Abstract: A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of an emergency vehicle is provided. The signaling system includes a light bar and a pair of mounting feet. The light bar can include a plurality of signaling devices supported on and distributed along a base member and enclosed by a cover. The light bar can be secured to the mounting feet via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting feet can be connected to the emergency vehicle via roof straps. Each mounting foot can include a base, which can have a support portion, a contoured portion, and a pair of compartments; a pair of seals associated with each compartment; a pair of covers, which can be translucent, removably mounted to the base to enclose the compartments; and a roof strap secured to the base. Each compartment can house a signaling device, such as a lamp assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 25, 2004
Date of Patent:
July 17, 2007
Assignee:
Federal Signal Corporation
Inventors:
Joseph F. Bader, Jan C. Mol, Sigmund S. Urbanski, Charles P. Meyer, Robert A. Czajkowski
Abstract: A vehicle and trailer lighting system having an elongated track affixed to a vehicle or trailer. The track includes first and second channels. A lamp assembly is connected to the first channel and selectively positioned along the track. The second channel includes a conductive contact disposed therein. A lamp of the lamp assembly includes and electrical connector extending therefrom to physically contact the electrically conductive contact of the track.
Abstract: A vehicle side mirror apparatus for looking backward circumstances of a vehicle has: a housing that is of a transparent or semitransparent material with a cross section having a predetermined thickness, the housing having a light entering end into which light enters, and a light radiating end that faces the back of the vehicle; and an LED lamp that is disposed in the vicinity of the light entering end. Light emitted from the LED lamp enters into the light entering end of the housing, passing through within the cross section, being radiated to the back of the vehicle from the light radiating end of the housing.
Abstract: A car lamp includes a holding member, and several loop-shaped lighting members; the holding member has several lamp holding holes, a holding recess around each of the lamp holding holes, and several light passages communicating with each of the holding recesses; light sources are secured right behind respective ones of the light passages; each of the loop-shaped lighting members has equidistantly spaced light-condensing bumps thereon, and is fitted on a respective one of the holding recesses on the holding member; thus, change of the light sources is allowed, and light with a closed loop-shape will show on each of the loop-shaped lighting members when the light sources are powered.
Abstract: To provide an interior illuminator for an automobile that can produce a decorative effect by illumination in addition to illuminating the interior of the automobile and has a simple structure and a small size. A secondary light emitting unit is provided around primary light emitting units 5 and 6 for illuminating the interior of the automobile. A housing 2 that holds the primary light emitting units 5, 6 and the secondary light emitting unit is provided. The secondary light emitting unit has a U-shaped light guide body 21, light emitting elements 8 and 9 for launching light into the light guide body at the ends thereof, and a light emitting element control unit 11 for controlling the light emitting elements 8 and 9.
Abstract: A vehicle cap power transfer assembly and method are disclosed for transferring electrical power from lights on the cab of a vehicle to lights on or in a cap which is installed upon a section of the vehicle. Plugs are provided on one end of electrical conductors. The plugs are constructed to be received into the bulb sockets of brake and cargo space illumination lights on the rear of the vehicle cab. The other ends of the conductors are connected to an elevated brake light on the rear of the cap and illumination lights on the interior of the cab, respectively. The electrical conductors are also coupled together by a quick disconnect coupler to facilitate the installation and removal of the cap and the coupling and uncoupling of the electrical conductors.
Abstract: A LED lamp mounting assembly for use in motor vehicle lamps is described. The LED lamp mounting assembly connects a LED lamp to a pre-existing incandescent lamp socket in a motor vehicle. The LED lamp mounting assembly therefore allows a LED lamp to be operated from incandescent lamp hardware. In one embodiment, the LED lamp mounting assembled includes a LED lamp assembly, a heat sink, a cradle, printed circuit boards and an electrical connector. The electrical connector is insertable into the incandescent lamp socket and connects to the printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards power the LED lamp assembly and the heat sink adsorbs excess heat created by the LED lamp assembly. The motor vehicle lamp becomes a LED lamp without any changes to the existing incandescent lamp hardware.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 18, 2004
Date of Patent:
December 26, 2006
Assignee:
Grote Industries, Inc.
Inventors:
William Dominic Grote, III, Kevin Scott Williams, Jay Frederick Koehler
Abstract: There are provided a method of evaluating the reflection performance of a reflecting mirror designed for a vehicle lamp, an evaluation system, and a computer-readable storage medium. There are provided steps (108a) and (108b) in the method. The step (108a) is provided so as to enter design information representative of a plurality of reflecting basic surfaces as well as position information of a light source in a vehicle lamp. The step (108b) is provided so as to display attribute information with respect to each of a plurality of areas into which one reflecting basic surface selected from among the reflecting basic surfaces is divided on the basis of design information. The attribute information indicates whether imaginary light from the light source position can effectively reach each area, and is applied to a reflecting mirror composed of the plurality of reflecting basic surfaces.
Abstract: A method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle includes first providing a common printed circuit board base. One of a plurality of different types of illumination sources is then attached onto the printed circuit board base to form a modular light assembly. The modular light assembly is then mounted onto one of a plurality of trim bezels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 27, 2003
Date of Patent:
October 31, 2006
Assignee:
Lear Corporation
Inventors:
John M. Tiesler, Ted Chou, Chuck Minear
Abstract: A display for a vehicle, including a light source, an optical device to guide light from the light source and form the light from the light source into a light pointer, a head portion disposed above a meter surface to project the light pointer formed by the optical device on the meter surface from above of the meter surface, a driving device to rotate the head portion, and a height adjusting mechanism to adjust a height of the head portion to the meter surface to be capable of changing a length of the light pointer while projecting the light pointer.
Abstract: A conductor of flexible material on which electronic or electric components are arranged is embedded at least partially in at least one shape-stable component made of plastic material. The electric or electronic component can be an illuminating device and the shape stable component a reflector. The electric or electronic component can also be a momentary-contact switch or a sensor. The plastic-embedded conductor is produced by mounting the electric or electronic components on the flexible conductor, placing and positionally securing the flexible conductor provided with electric or electronic components into an injection mold, and embedding the flexible conductor at least partially in plastic material by injection molding.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 10, 2003
Date of Patent:
August 1, 2006
Assignee:
Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH & Co. KG
Inventors:
Wolfgang Schreck, Jochen Scholz, Andreas Romberg, Christine Weber
Abstract: 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.