Headlight Patents (Class 362/507)
  • Patent number: 7401957
    Abstract: A bracket allows controlled positioning of a bumper cover relative to a lamp housing (such as a headlamp housing) when the headlamp housing and bumper cover are mounted on a vehicle. The bracket has an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and attaches to the headlamp housing by temporary attachments, such as snap connections. The bracket further has bumper cover receiving slot configured to receive a portion of the bumper cover. The bracket may further include a pin receiving hole, positioned so as to receive a pin protruding from the headlamp housing for additional positioning accuracy. A temporary sub-assembly of the bracket and headlamp housing can be used in an improved vehicle assembly process, in which the sub-assembly is permanently mounted to the vehicle fender, and a portion of the bumper cover slid into bumper receiving slots on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20080170407
    Abstract: A dual function headlamp for motor vehicle fulfilling a first function as a beam with cut-off, in particular a dipped beam, and a second function as a second-type beam, in particular a full beam, comprising: an elliptical reflector with an interior focal point and an focal point on an optical axis; a light source placed in the vicinity of the interior focal point; an optics placed forward of the reflector and with a focal point merged with, or next to, the exterior focal point of the reflector; and a retractable shade that can occupy an active position for the beam with cut-off and a withdrawn position for the second-type beam, the shade in active position presenting a cut-off edge situated in the vicinity of the focal point of the optics. The retractable shade presents a reflective surface which, in withdrawn position, is placed in the lower part of the reflector, is turned forward and contributes to the second-type beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Jean-Luc MEYRENAUD
  • Publication number: 20080170408
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a reflector configured to forward reflect light from a segment light source extending in a vehicle width direction such that a light distribution pattern is formed that has a cut-off line at an upper end thereof. The segment light source is arranged such that a first predetermined point located at a front end edge of the segment light source at end edges thereof in right and left directions in a plan view of the vehicle headlamp is located on a first reference axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A reflecting surface of the reflector is split into a plurality of reflection regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hidetada Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7399106
    Abstract: A light assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a lens holder that supports an internal lens. The light assembly includes a light source powered by the vehicle. The internal lens includes a first surface having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusion scatter and diffuse heat emitted from the light source away from an outwardly positioned reflex lens and an outer lens. The protrusions also reflect light toward a reflector to increase the overall brightness observed coming from the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Reading
  • Patent number: 7400266
    Abstract: A method, a device and a processing unit for improving visibility in a motor vehicle are described, a light source of the motor vehicle illuminating an illumination range. At least one monitoring sensor of the motor vehicle monitors the surroundings around the motor vehicle for the presence of objects. The light source is adjusted in such a way that the spatial and/or temporal irradiation of the objects which are present at least with light having wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum, e.g., near infrared light, is less than a specifiable limiting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Karsten Haug
  • Publication number: 20080151567
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight module giving a beam with cutoff, comprising a concave reflector, a light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The source is formed by at least one light emitting diode for illuminating at least upwards. The reflector is associated with a bender the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the bender comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The exit surface of the lenses chosen so as to be able to be connected on a continuous surface with the exit surfaces of the lenses of adjacent modules. In addition, the mid-line of the lens is formed by a skew curve arc, and a correcting optical system is provided between the reflector and the lens for obtaining a satisfactory cutoff line, according in particular to the geometry of the entry face and exit face of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Pierre ALBOU
  • Publication number: 20080151566
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus made from a translucent solid material for providing an ambient glow. The apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical structure; at least one entry point for light incorporated in the substantially cylindrical structure; and a ridged inner surface of the substantially cylindrical structure. Advantageously, the light entering at the at least one entry point is reflected by the ridged inner surface of the substantially cylindrical structure along the inner surface such that the apparatus provides the ambient glow. The ambient glow may be in a colour of a source of light. Advantageously, the glow may be in at least one colour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Foo Hou Tang, Chong Peng Yeo
  • Patent number: 7387416
    Abstract: An illumination lamp including a projection lens 12 and primary and secondary light source units 14, 16 are disposed rearwards of a projection lens 12 disposed on an optical axis Ax, which extends in a longitudinal direction of a lamp. The primary light source unit 14 includes a primary reflector 34 and an upwardly oriented reflecting surface 36a which extends rearwards from the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12. The secondary light source unit 16 includes a secondary reflector 44 that reflects light upwards so as to be caused to substantially converge on a location lying near the rear focal point F on a downwardly oriented reflecting surface 46a, which extends obliquely downwards from a front end edge of the upwardly oriented reflecting surface 36a towards a rear of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Tsukamoto, Hiroyuki Ishida, Kiyoshi Sazuka, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20080137357
    Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed, which is provided for the front region of a motor vehicle, for example in a motor vehicle headlight, and which emits electromagnetic radiation during operation. The lighting device comprises at least one first primary radiation source which emits infrared radiation, and at least one second primary radiation source which emits visible light, wherein the first primary radiation source and the second primary radiation source are arranged in such a way that the second primary radiation source outshines the first primary radiation source and thus generates a color impression of the lighting device which deviates from the color impression stemming from the infrared radiation source alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer Friedrichs, Martin Haushalter, Joachim Reill, Thomas Reiners
  • Publication number: 20080130308
    Abstract: A lighting device includes at least one light-emitting diode and a cooling aggregate (400) for cooling the at least one light-emitting diode, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode is arranged on the cooling aggregate (400) and the cooling aggregate (400) is provided with at least one recess in which a mounting plate (408) equipped with electrical components is located. Also described is a vehicle headlight including at least one lighting device of the aforementioned kind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: PATENT-TREUHAND - GESELLSCHAFT FUR ELEKTRISCHE GLUHLAMPEN MBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Behr, Peter Helbig, Thomas Reiners, Ralf Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20080130301
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp body having a front opening, a transparent cover covering the front opening to form a lamp chamber, and a lamp unit, which forwardly irradiates light, disposed in the lamp chamber. The vehicle lamp includes an aiming device having an output shaft coupled to one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the lamp unit, and a fulcrum portion coupled to the other of the upper surface and the lower surface of the lamp unit. The output shaft is movable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to the lamp body, and is rotatable around an axis extending in a vertical direction. The fulcrum portion supports the lamp unit by a single fulcrum allowing the lamp unit to be tilted in the vertical direction and in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 7375382
    Abstract: An optical light guide has a substantially rigid light transmissive body having an input window, a distal end, a front side, and a rear side. The light transmissive body has a substantially smooth exterior surface on the front side and a substantially clear and solid interior. The input window transmits light into the light transmissive body and extends substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The light transmissive body has a substantially constant thickness measured between the front side and the rear side. The light transmissive body extends away from the input window through an arc of from 60 to 120 degrees to an extension that forms an output region extending towards the distal end. The rear side, at least in said output region, is formed with a plurality of totally internally reflective steps directing intercepted light towards the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7372055
    Abstract: An illuminator assembly is provided for supplying night vision illumination. The assembly includes a support housing and an infrared illumination source. An infrared reflector receives the radiation emitted from the infrared illumination source and reflects the infrared radiation in a first substantially collimated field of view and transmits visible light therethrough. A visible light reflector is located behind the infrared reflective mirror for receiving visible light transmitted through the infrared reflector and reflecting scattering the visible light in a second field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Harter, Jr., Gregory K. Scharenbroch, Siddharth S. Rege
  • Patent number: 7370997
    Abstract: A light emitting unit is provided forward in the vicinity of the upper part of an optical axis extended in the longitudinal direction of a lighting unit. Furthermore, a light transmitting member is provided on the forward side of the light emitting unit. A front surface of the light transmitting member is constituted by a rotating elliptical surface with the optical axis to be a central axis, and a rear end face is formed to pass through a first focal point on the rear side of the rotating elliptical surface. Moreover, a reflector having a reflecting plane formed to surround a light emitting chip almost cylindrically is provided between the light emitting unit and the light transmitting member in such a manner that a front end opening portion is caused to abut on the rear end face 14b of the light transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7367702
    Abstract: A headlight, especially a headlight for a vehicle, includes a light source with a reflector in front thereof and a fiber-optic light guide which is embodied as an elongated light decoupling element, which is at least partially adjacent to one end of the reflector. A light exiting surface faces away from the reflector. The inner side of the reflector facing towards the light source is at least partially embodied in such a way that it forms a first focal point in the position of the light source and reflects light radiated from the light source to an incident light surface of the light decoupling element facing way from the light exiting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Enders, Helmut Erdl
  • Patent number: 7367701
    Abstract: A motorcycle headlight assembly that has simplified structure that cost less to manufacture and assemble than a conventional headlight. The headlight assembly may enhance the rigidity of the headlight assembly and decrease the number of components. The headlight assembly can include a headlight, a right indicator, left indicator and a bodywork cover. The bodywork cover is connected to the headlight cap and configured to overlay the front part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 7357544
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AG
    Inventor: Van Du Nguyes
  • Patent number: 7357543
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device in which a housing having a concave portion, which is opened forward, and a lens for covering a front opening of the housing are joined together by a laser welding, wherein the housing is formed of a thermoplastic resin of a chromatic color, and carbon of 0.01 to 0.1% is contained in the thermoplastic resin of the chromatic color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Ikeda, Yoshihiro Miyagawa
  • Publication number: 20080084705
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes an external lens, a one-piece bezel-lens structure, and one or more light sources. The one-piece bezel-lens structure is adjacent to the external lens and is formed from a light-transmissive material. The one-piece bezel-lens structure has one or more internal lens portions and one or more opaque portions. The opaque portions are coated with an opaque material. The light source emits light through the internal lens portion of the one-piece bezel-lens structure and the external lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Helwig, Rich Kirkdorffer, John Kallio, Karl Burkhalter, Joe Scranton, Stephen McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7350945
    Abstract: A system for a motor vehicle for detecting driving conditions on a road, including a nebulosity, the range of visibility in the presence of a nebulosity or the distance between an obstacle in the road and the motor vehicle. The system includes a headlight which emits a visible light beam and an infrared light beam, at least one light sensor which receives at least a portion of the infrared beam reflected back to the vehicle, a optical device for directing at least a part of the reflected infrared beam to the light sensor and a device for detecting the modulated signal of the reflected infrared beam and determining at least one driving condition based on a comparison of the reflected infrared beam modulated signal and the corresponding emitted infrared beam modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Pierre Albou, Joël Lelevé
  • Patent number: 7347599
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for use generating illumination is provided that comprises a reflective base, a first light source positioned proximate the reflective base, and a reimaging reflector positioned partially about the first light source, where a percentage of light emitted from the first light source is reflected from the reimaging reflector to the reflective base adjacent the first light source establishing a first real image. The reimaging reflector can further comprise a first sector of a first ellipsoid and a second sector of a second ellipsoid, where the first and second sectors establish the first and a second real image. Further embodiments provide a lens that includes a reimaging reflector that receives light and reflects the light establishing a first real image. The reimaging reflector can further comprise a plurality of sectors that reflect light to establish first and second real images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Juan C. Miñano, Pablo Benitez, Waqidi Falicoff, Yupin Sun, William A. Parkyn, Roberto Alvarez
  • Patent number: 7338191
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Konno, Hiroki Takii
  • Patent number: 7331683
    Abstract: A decorative article capable of being used in combination with an article having a light source and of remarkably improving the decorative effect together with the light source. The decorative article is attached to an article having a light source, and comprises, at least, an appearance-providing layer defining an appearance of the decorative article, and a light-storage layer which is disposed under the appearance-providing layer and is able to store the light from the light source and generate afterglow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ken Egashira, Motoaki Muraoka, Hirofumi Nitta
  • Patent number: 7329032
    Abstract: The invention provides a receiver structure for receiving a light unit having a glass for fitting to a motor vehicle fender, the fender and the glass including means for putting the glass of the light unit into a reference position relative to the fender, the receiver structure comprising: fastener means for fastening the receiver structure to the fender; and fastener means for fastening the light unit to the receiver structure, which means conserve the reference position of the glass relative to the fender as imposed by the means for putting the glass into a reference position. The invention also provides an outside module for a motor vehicle, a fender, and a method of mounting a light unit on a fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Marc Verwaerde, Gerald Andre, Alexis Michaut
  • Publication number: 20080031004
    Abstract: A LED vehicle lamp structure installed in a vehicle lamp assembly comprising a housing, a lens, and a reflector is disclosed to include standing boards each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a height defined between the top edge and the bottom edge, and LEDs. By means of the arrangement of the LEDs on the standing boards to match with the heights of the standing boards between the respective top edges and the respective bottom edges, the light-emitting heads of the LEDs constitute an array that fits the variation of the curvature of the reflector and lens of the vehicle lamp assembly, thereby greatly lowering the cost and the manufacturing difficulty of the vehicle lamp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: DJ Auto Components Corp.
    Inventor: Sing Chu
  • Patent number: 7328142
    Abstract: Disclosed is to provide a design method and design system for a vehicular lamp, a program to execute designing of vehicular lamp and a record medium recording the program, which are capable of improving an efficiency of designing a lamp satisfying design conditions including performance conditions required as the vehicular lamp and restriction conditions given to each lamp. A vehicular lamp design system 1 includes: a database unit 2 having standard database 21 registering standard data of a lamp and technology database 22 registering technology data including shape templates utilizable as shape data; and a lamp preparation unit 3. The standard data selection part 31 of the lamp preparation unit 3 generates design data by selecting standard data from the standard database 21 based on given design conditions. The morphing control part 32 updates the design data by use of the parameterized shape templates of the technology database 22 and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Omi Morikawa, Masahito Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7322639
    Abstract: Disclosed is a front structure of a vehicle, which comprises a pair of right and left front side frames, a shroud installed between respective front ends of the side frames, a pair of right and left headlamps each arranged on a lateral side of a corresponding one of laterally opposite sidewalls of the shroud and provided with a headlamp housing serving as an outer shell thereof, and a hood panel adapted to cover above the shroud when it is in a fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Takata, Kazuma Kondou, Yasunori Kageyama, Toshio Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7318662
    Abstract: A vehicular head lamp includes a first light source module having a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and a second light source module connected in series to the first light source module, having semiconductor light emitting elements the number of which is smaller than that of the first light source module and generating the light of brightness higher than that of the first light source module when an electric current substantially equal to that of the first light source module is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takeda, Masaru Sasaki, Masayasu Ito
  • Patent number: 7316495
    Abstract: A headlight has a plurality of lighting device units and a unit support member that supports the plurality of lighting device units. Each lighting device unit has a projection lens, a light emitting diode arranged behind a rear side focus of the projection lens, and a rectilinear propagation blocking member that is arranged in a vicinity of the rear side focus, and blocks a rectilinear propagation of a portion of light emitted from the light emitting diode so as to form a cutoff line. The projection lens and the rectilinear propagation blocking member are integrally formed as a light control member in each light device unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Naoki Tatara, Kazuki Okui, Hirohiko Ohshio, Kazuhisa Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 7314298
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Takagaki, Takeshi Fukuyo, Akira Homma, Shinichi Irisawa
  • Patent number: 7314299
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes an inner lens having a rigid structure. The inner lens is elastically fitted into a lamp housing. By securing an outer lens to the lamp housing, the lamp housing is made to have a rigid structure to fix the inner lens thereto. The inner lens is thereby securely fixed, which makes it possible to improve optical precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hamada, Ryuuichirou Kotaki
  • Patent number: 7311429
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a sidelight source that is provided in a headlight reflector and which is close to the front end and close to the outer circumference. A position reflector can be provided that is almost in the form of a ring in an integral or split state at the front end, and close to the outer circumference of the headlight reflector to reflect light from the sidelight source toward the front in a certain direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takeuchi, Kunihiko Kurisu, Atsushi Yoshida, Hiroyuki Oshita
  • Publication number: 20070274086
    Abstract: A light emitting module includes a semiconductor light emitting element disposed on a rectangular board, and a pair of plane-shaped electrode portions formed on the board and coupled to the semiconductor light emitting element The pair of plane-shaped electrode portions is separated in first opposite directions, and a center of the semiconductor light emitting element is shifted from a center of the board in one of second opposite directions. End faces of the pair of plane-shaped electrode portions do not protrude in the one of the second opposite directions from an end face of the semiconductor light emitting element on a side facing toward the one of the second opposite directions. The first opposite directions are directions along which one pair of opposite sides of the board extend, and the second opposite directions are directions along which the other pair of opposite sides of the board extend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takeda, Tsukasa Tokida, Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Publication number: 20070268713
    Abstract: A headlamp module for a motor vehicle. The module includes a light source and a translucent member for internally reflecting the light rays so as to be directed. In one aspect of the invention, the light source is discretely positioned adjacent to a periphery defined by the exit surface so as to be directly hidden from view from the front of the vehicle. In another aspect, an outer surface of the light source is directly supported by the translucent member so that light rays emitted through an outer surface of the light source directly enter the translucent member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Jeyachandrabose Chinniah, Edwin M. Sayers, Christopher L. Eichelberger
  • Patent number: 7290906
    Abstract: A lamp can include LED lamps as a light source. An optical guide path including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface can be provided between the LED lamp and a lens that radiates an illumination light. The optical guide path can be integrally composed of a high-refractivity material. Thus, the light passing through the optical guide path can more efficiently reach the lens. In addition, the integral optical guide path requires less assembly and thus can improve accuracy of assembly and can possibly result in a large gain in the amount of light emitted from the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Suzuki, Hiroyuki Chikama, Hidetaka Okada
  • Patent number: 7290911
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp including a luminescent element module made of a flexible parallel wiring body, which is made of a plurality of flexible wiring conductors that are disposed parallel to each other and sheathed by soft plastic, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which are mounted on the flexible parallel wiring body, so that the luminescent element module has a conductive path formed by notching a part of the wiring conductors of the flexible parallel wiring body and/or by connecting a plurality of the wiring conductors together, and the luminescent element module is provided on the lamp body so that the light-emitting diode faces in the direction of radiation of the vehicular lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Tsukamoto, Kaoru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7281832
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp used in a vehicle includes a semiconductor light emitting element for producing light, a sealing member formed of a material, through which the light passes, for sealing the semiconductor light emitting element, a fixing member for fixing the semiconductor light emitting element by fitting an apparent position of one side of the semiconductor light emitting element when viewed through the sealing member into a reference position to which the semiconductor light emitting element is to be attached, and an optical member for forming at least a part of a cut line, which determines a boundary between bright and dark of a light distribution pattern of the vehicular lamp, by projecting a shape of the one side of the semiconductor light emitting element out of the vehicular lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Kiyoshi Sazuka
  • Patent number: 7281828
    Abstract: The invention concerns vehicle headlights with two light functions, comprising a reflector (10) and a two-filament bulb (14), whose first spiral-wound filament (14?) generates a first light function and whose second spiral-wound filament (14?) generates a second light function, each light function being associated with a region (10?, 10?) of the reflector (10), wherein the second spiral-wound filament (14?) cooperates with a covering cap (18) which shields a portion of the light for the light function associated with this spiral-wound filament, which would otherwise impinge on the region (10?) of the reflector (10) which is associated with the first light function, wherein the second spiral-wound filament (14?) generates a turning and/or curve light and the regions (10?, 10?) of the reflector (10) are separated by a separating line (12) which extends in a segment of the reflector at an angle of between ±0 and 35°, in particular ±15 and 35°, with respect to the vertical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Steinhart, Michael Scholl, Friedemann Schlienz, Silke Barton
  • Publication number: 20070236953
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with a first unit having a first main reflector for reflecting light from a first semiconductor light emitting element to a front side, and a second unit having a second main reflector for reflecting light from a second semiconductor light emitting element to the front side. A light emitting region of the first unit and a light emitting region of the second unit are arranged to be separated from each other. An additional optical unit for receiving light irradiated from the first and the second units to irradiate to the front side is arranged between the first unit and the second unit such that a light emitting region of the additional optical unit connects the light emitting region of the first unit and the light emitting region of the second unit to be optically recognized as a single light emitting region as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Nakazawa, Yasuyuki Kato, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 7278763
    Abstract: A method and system for deterring theft of a vehicle lamp component can include a flexible member that can be permanently or semi-permanently attached to a vehicle lamp such that valuable portions of the vehicle lamp are destroyed if/when unauthorized detachment of the lamp occurs. The vehicle lamp can include a light source, electronic circuitry such as a ballast, and electrical wiring interconnecting the light source and the ballast. The antitheft method and system can include connecting a cable at one end to a vehicle structural member, and forming a loop in the cable to encircle the electrical wiring interconnecting the light source and the ballast without allowing passage of at least one of the light source or the ballast through the loop in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jay A. Sizemore
  • Patent number: 7278768
    Abstract: The invention relates to an indicating and/or lighting device for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a casing inside which there are arranged at least one main light source, at least one reflector associated with the main light source(s), optionally at least one intermediate screen that is substantially transparent and lies opposite said main light source or at least one of said main light sources, and a closing covering for the casing. At least one of the faces of the closing covering and/or of the optional intermediate screen is provided with a plurality of foci for diffusing light by means of surface alterations of said face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 7280674
    Abstract: A reduced glare imaging system for motor vehicles. The reduced glare imaging system includes at least one light source capable of modulation, a synchronization system including structure for obtaining a time reference, and a processor for determining a fixed time based upon which roadway a motor vehicle is disposed. The fixed time can be used to determine a repeating time slot. The imaging system also includes a trigger for modulating emissions of periodic light pulses from the light source. Accordingly, the periodic light pulses can be synchronized with the repeating time slot. A receiver is also provided with the system for receiving radiation resulting from the light pulses being scattered by objects. The radiation can be received during a gating period which correlates to the light pulses. The radiation can be presented as images on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation
    Inventor: Oleg Matveev
  • Patent number: 7267465
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a light blocking moveable shade which is provided to rotate about a rotational axis line that extends in the width direction of a vehicle. The moveable shade is linked to an actuator via a link member and has an outwardly curved upper end edge that extends along the rear focal plane of a projection lens when the moveable shade is in the light shielding or light blocking position. The distance between the rotational axis line and a connection point of the moveable shade and the link member is set to be smaller than the distance between the rotational axis line and the upper end edge of the moveable shade, and the center of gravity of the moveable shade is positioned in the vicinity of the rotational axis line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhito Mochizuki, Kazuhisa Ashizawa, Hiroshi Otaka, Yuji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7264388
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a vehicle body has a vehicle body skin, an exterior illuminating device which is inserted into a slide-in opening in the vehicle body skin, and an illuminating device receiving system which is fastened adjacent to the slide-in opening on the interior side of the vehicle body skin. The illuminating device receiving system has at least one approximately horizontally oriented receiving plate and first and second fastening flanges which are connected with first and second fastening surfaces constructed on the interior side of the vehicle body skin. To optimize the gap measurement between the exterior illuminating devices and the slide-in opening, the fastening flanges and the fastening surfaces are situated in a plane with respect to which a vertical vehicle axis is parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reza Shakory-Tabrizi
  • Patent number: 7264387
    Abstract: A reduced depth headlamp assembly for use in a motor vehicle. The housing includes an exterior lens, and a mirror, and defines a housing axis extending between the exterior lens and the mirror. The projector includes a light source, a reflector, and a condenser lens co-axially arranged along a projector axis defined between the light source and the condenser lens. The projector is mounted to the housing such that the projector axis and the housing axis form an angle, preferably a ninety (90) degree angle, thereby minimizing the depth of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn McCarter, Arun Kumar, Todd D. Irgang
  • Patent number: 7261448
    Abstract: Whereas a light source bulb is used as a light source of a basic lamp piece unit which needs a large amount of irradiating light, with regard to an additional lamp piece unit lighted on and off repeatedly in accordance with a situation of running a vehicle, a semiconductor light emitting element having a fast response speed in being lighted on and off and excellent in durability against repeatedly lighting on and off the semiconductor light emitting element 64 as a light source thereof. Thereby, light can be irradiated in correspondence with the situation of running the vehicle and life of the light source can sufficiently been ensured. Further, the additional lamp piece unit is made to be able to be compactly constituted to promote a degree of freedom of arranging the additional lamp piece unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Masashi Tatsukawa, Kiyoshi Sazuka
  • Patent number: 7261452
    Abstract: A lamp (10) has a housing (12) with a base (14) with an internal circumferential wall (16) arranged about a longitudinal axis (18). A hollow body (20) projects from the housing (12) and is symmetrically arrayed about the longitudinal axis (18). A light guide (21) is positioned in the hollow body (20) and as a single output end (22) arrayed along the longitudinal axis (18) and has a plurality of radially extending arms (23), each of the arms having an input end (24). The light guide (21) is preferably constructed from a molded acrylic or a suitable glass having wave-guide characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7258474
    Abstract: Headlamp systems are provided that form desired beam patterns from light supplied by semiconductor light sources. The systems include a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce the spread components of desired beam patterns and a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce the hot spot components of the desired beam patterns. Light from the semiconductor light sources of each source array is transferred to the respective lens system by a transfer device comprising a series of fiber optic cables which capture light emitted by the semiconductor light sources and emit the captured light adjacent the respective lens systems. One or both source arrays can include additional semiconductor light sources which are selectively illuminated or extinguished to provide steering hot spots in the beam pattern to illuminate areas adjacent the vehicle over which the vehicle will be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Valcamp, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20070183164
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with an upper stage light source unit, a middle stage light source unit, and a lower stage light source unit. The upper stage light source unit, the middle stage light source unit, and the lower stage light source unit are provided at a lamp body constituting a lamp member by way of a support member. A low beam light distribution pattern is formed on a front side of a vehicle by overlapping light from the respective light source units. The lower stage light source unit includes two subunits, the two subunits commonly share a single cylindrical lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7252422
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a head lamp module of an automobile comprises the head lamp module, a bracket, and a clip. The head lamp module, configured to be coupled to the font surface of a carrier of the automobile, has a fixing panel piece integrally formed at an upper position thereof to be fixed at the carrier, and a pair of rearward-protruding semi-circular loops defining fitting bores, respectively. The bracket has a pair of rectangular holes which allow the loops of the head lamp module to pass there through, so as to position the fitting bores in front of the bracket, and a pair of bolt holes, which allow the bracket to be bolted to the front surface of the carrier. The clip is configured to be inserted downward through the fitting bores of the loops passed though the holes of the bracket, so as to allow the head lamp module to be mounted to the front surface of the carrier via the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myeong-Ki Kim