Optical Waveguide (e.g., Fiber Optic, Edge-lit) Patents (Class 362/511)
  • Publication number: 20130279201
    Abstract: An escalator, a moving walkway or an elevator cage includes at least one illuminable transparent panel. The illuminable transparent panel has a construction containing a plurality of layers. The two side surfaces of each layer are bounded in the area dimension thereof by an edge region. The layers of the construction are arranged with the side surfaces against one another. The layer sequence of the construction is defined, wherein a first layer is a first glass pane, a second layer is a first transparent polymer layer, a third layer is a second glass pane, a fourth layer is a transparent polymer material plate containing light-dispersing particles, a fifth layer is a third glass pane, a sixth layer is a second transparent polymer layer and a seventh layer is a fourth glass pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Michael MATHEISL, Gunther Niedermayer
  • Patent number: 8562195
    Abstract: A light-emitting module including a light-emitting device, a multi-mode optical fiber, and a housing accommodating the light-emitting device is disclosed. The optical fiber includes a core and first cladding, and has a covered fiber section including a second cladding and a bare fiber section which has a lens for receiving laser light emitted by a light-emitting end surface of the light-emitting device and is not covered with the second cladding. The housing includes an optical fiber penetration pipe for fixing a portion of the bare fiber section so that the light-emitting end surface and the lens face each other. In the optical fiber penetration pipe, the portion of the bare fiber section is fixed by a resin having a refractive index lower than that of the first cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Masuko
  • Patent number: 8562159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument cluster, more particularly relates to an improved instrument cluster having a Printed Circuit Board [PCB (1)] which holds the pointer drive source and an illumination source of pointer. The instant invention also provides for a method of operating the instrument cluster and method of assembling the instrument cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pricol Limited
    Inventors: Manikesi Manivannan, Rangappan Kanagaraj, Krishnasamy Kanakaraju
  • Patent number: 8562191
    Abstract: A vehicle light can project light beams through ring-shaped or arc-shaped light exiting surfaces, and among them the outermost and innermost light exiting surfaces are brighter than the others. The vehicle light can include a light emitting element having an optical axis and a light guide lens having an incidence surface on which light beams from the light emitting element at a certain angle (?4 to ?5) impinge, reflection surfaces reflecting the light beams so that the light beams are parallel to each other, and light exiting surfaces configured to allow the reflected light beams to pass therethrough. In this vehicle light, light beams emitted at a certain angle (?4 to ?4a where ?4<?4a<?5) can be projected through the farthest light exiting surface from the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Okada, Takuya Matsumaru
  • Publication number: 20130265790
    Abstract: A clearance lamp (20) including a light source (21) and a light guide (23) that allows light from the light source (21) to enter from an end face of the light guide (23) and emits the light forward from an emitting surface (23b) while guiding the light in the interior of the light guide (23). The emitting surface (23b) extends along a direction in which the light guide (23) extends. The light guide (23) includes steps (23c) that reflect the light traveling through the light guide toward the emitting surface (23b), and it further includes a light-emitting surface (23d) that is formed at a position different from a position of the light-emitting surface (23b) and emits the light traveling through the light guide to the outside of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Saito
  • Patent number: 8550675
    Abstract: An outside mirror lighting assembly (100) and method includes a housing (108) and a first glass panel (101) where one or more light-emitting devices (107) are positioned at an edge of the first glass panel (101). Light rays from the at least one light-emitting device (107) propagate within the glass panel for illuminating its outer periphery. Words, logos, or other indicia (125) may be also be illuminated by direct or indirect light emitted into an etched area of the glass. The mirror assembly supplies a soft illuminated glow around the outer periphery and/or the indicia for providing a unique and pleasing appearance to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund Fehn, David J. Cammenga, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Darin D. Tuttle, Mark A. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20130258694
    Abstract: Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight having a monolithic body of transparent material, the monolithic body including at least one light entry face, a light passage section and at least one optically operative light exit face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DOCTER OPTICS SE
    Inventors: Dmitry Fedosik, Wolfram Wintzer
  • Patent number: 8545070
    Abstract: Disclosed in a door mirror device capable of continuously emitting light from two light guides. The door mirror device comprises: a first light-emitting light guide arranged in the visor part of a door mirror foldably mounted on the door mirror support part of a vehicle; a second light-emitting light guide provided in the door mirror support part, an end of the second light-emitting light guide facing to an end of the first light-emitting light guide so as to have continuity with the first light-emitting light guide; and a light source configured to emit light toward the first light-emitting light guide and the second light-emitting light guide, the light source being provided in the visor part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Koji Sakiyama, Mitsuru Kamikatano, Takashi Ichikawa, Bunji Inagaki, Masatsugu Ohashi, Takashi Ichikawa, Kazuya Umino
  • Publication number: 20130250595
    Abstract: Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight having a monolithic body of transparent material, the monolithic body including at least one light entry face, a light passage section and at least one optically operative light exit face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: DOCTER OPTICS SE
    Inventors: Dmitry Fedosik, Wolfram Wintzer
  • Publication number: 20130250596
    Abstract: Optical component for illumination purposes, wherein the optical component comprises a monolithic body of transparent material, the monolithic body including a first light entry face, a first optically operative light exit face, a second optically operative light entry, and a second optically operative light exit face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: DOCTER OPTICS SE
    Inventors: Dmitry Fedosik, Wolfram Wintzer, Silvana Kock, Mohsen Mozaffari
  • Publication number: 20130250597
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprising a headlight lens having a monolithic body of transparent material, the monolithic body including at least one light entry face, a light passage section and at least one optically operative light exit face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: DOCTER OPTICS SE
    Inventors: Dmitry Fedosik, Wolfram Wintzer
  • Patent number: 8540400
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoding device, such as an optical position encoder, for encoding input from an object, and a method for encoding input from an object, for determining a position of an object that interferes with light of the device. The encoding device comprises a light source, a waveguide, a number of redirecting structures, and a detector. By means of the waveguide and the number of redirecting structures, light from the light source is guided towards the detector along a path that includes traversing an area in a space next to the planar waveguide. An object may be positioned in the area in the space and may interfere with the light, which interference may be encoded into a position or activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: O-Net Wavetouch Limited
    Inventors: Michael Linde Jakobsen, Vagn Steen Gruner Hanson, Henrik Chresten Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20130242603
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a housing having first and second housing parts to define a first receiving space there between, and a third housing part arranged on the second housing part to define an open gap. The third housing part defines with the second housing part a second receiving space in which a first light conductor is arranged. A plastic film strip is arranged between edges of the first and second housing parts and is transparent for light emitted by the first light conductor, with the emitted light being projected into one end face of the film strip and extracted from another end face of the film strip. The film strip is sized to terminate flush with the first and second housing parts. Arranged in the second receiving space is a second light conductor which emits light through the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Marcus Pfeil, Johannes Tovar, Jürgen Maurer, Richard Mohos
  • Publication number: 20130242588
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a housing having first and second housing parts to define a receiving space. The housing parts are inwardly recessed and converge into marginal regions, respectively. Arranged in the receiving space is a light conductor. A plastic film strip is arranged between edges of the housing parts and is transparent for light emitted by the light conductor, with the emitted light being projected into one end face of the film strip and extracted from another end face of the film strip. The film strip is sized to terminate flush with the housing parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Marcus Pfeil, Jürgen Maurer, Richard Mohos, Johannes Tovar
  • Publication number: 20130235604
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicants: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ukai, Hiroyasu Tahara, Takahiro Sugioka, Ryuuji Fukui
  • Patent number: 8529109
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting unit which emits light parallel to an optical axis in a front direction can include a light source which emits light obliquely to an optical axis in the front direction and a light guiding body which guides the light emitted from the light source so as to emit the light. The light guiding body can include an incidence surface disposed to face the light source with a gap in between, the incidence surface through which the light emitted from the light source enters the light guiding body, a front surface having an exit surface and a first reflection surface, and a back surface having a second reflection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Ohno
  • Patent number: 8523407
    Abstract: An optical element is assembled to a light emitting diode (LED) to form an illuminative light source. The optical element includes a transparent main body having a light guiding pillar and an extending part. The light guiding pillar has a top surface and a bottom surface having a recess. The extending part is extended from the circumference of the top surface and an end of the extending part has at least a light-emitting surface. Wherein the LED is disposed on the recess and emits light to the optical element. The extending part guides the light and enlarges the light-emitting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Chun Kuang Optics Corp.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chieh Huang, Chia-Song Yen, Shun-Wen Teng
  • Patent number: 8523413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a LED collimator element for a vehicle headlight with a low-beam function, which emits at least visible light of one color from at least one region of a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Josef Andreas Schug
  • Publication number: 20130223087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting part for a vehicle interior, comprising a lighting surface that having a shaped body on which is disposed a light guide. The light guide has a covering layer. The shaped body has at least in some sections of its edge region an indentation which accommodates a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mueller, Frank Pilger
  • Publication number: 20130223089
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle headlamp (1) for producing a main light distribution and an auxiliary light distribution, wherein the vehicle headlamp (1) comprises two or more LED light modules (10), wherein each of the LED light modules (10) comprises one or more primary LED light sources (11), wherein a primary LED light source (11?) comprises at least one light-emitting diode, comprises two or more secondary LED light sources (12, 12a), wherein a secondary LED light source (12, 12a) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (12?), and comprises a lens (13), wherein the light emitted by the at least one primary LED light source (11) is radiated directly onto the lens (13) and projected by the lens into the exterior space, wherein the light emitted by the primary LED light sources (11) of a all LED modules (10) forms the main light distribution, and wherein the light emitted by the secondary LED light sources (12, 12a) of an LED modules (10) is radiated onto the lens (13) of the LED module (10) by mean
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Danner, Andreas Moser, Johannes Jungwirth, Gunther Krenn, Martin Stein
  • Publication number: 20130223088
    Abstract: An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Chad D. Lambert, James R. McFadden
  • Publication number: 20130201709
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light guide extending in a first direction intersecting a front-rear direction of the lamp, a light source arranged to input light into the light guide from an end face of the light guide, and a reflector arranged behind the light guide to extend in the first direction. Reflecting elements on a rear surface portion of the light guide internally reflect the light toward a front surface portion of the light guide. The reflector has a first reflecting portion disposed behind the reflecting elements and a second reflecting portion disposed adjacent to the first reflecting portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first reflecting portion reflects a portion of the light that has leaked rearward from the reflecting elements, and the second reflecting portion forwardly reflects the portion of the light that has been reflected by the first reflecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
  • Publication number: 20130194816
    Abstract: A light-emitting device may include: one first light source group having at least one light source and one second light source group having at least one light source, at least one reflector, which is configured and arranged for the purpose of reflecting light emitted by the first light source group to an optical plane, and at least one light conducting element, which is configured and arranged for the purpose of conducting light emitted by the second light source group to the optical plane, wherein the light conducting element is configured and arranged as an aperture for light reflected by the at least one reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: OSRAM AG
    Inventors: Juergen Hager, Oliver Hering, Ralf Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20130188377
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting unit serving as a vehicle headlight can form a light distribution pattern optimized according to the country or the area with a smaller number of parts when compared with the conventional vehicle headlights of this type. Further, there can be provided a light guide lens for use in such a vehicle lighting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130182453
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a transparent cover, a lamp body, and a illumination optical system which is accommodated in the lamp body and projects light to a predetermined illumination region in front of a vehicle via the transparent cover, wherein the illumination optical system includes a semiconductor light-emitting element in which an optical axis is configured to be directed toward the transparent cover, and a light beam guide tube which is provided between the semiconductor light-emitting element and the transparent cover and defines the illumination region by surrounding the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: FALTEC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joji Masuda, Youichi Takano, Masato Ito
  • Patent number: 8485704
    Abstract: A lamp unit includes at least one light source that emits light in a predetermined direction, and a light guide body including at least one incident surface where light emitted from the light source enters, a first emission surface that emits light entering from the incident surface in a horizontal direction, and a plurality of second emission surfaces that emits light entering the incident surface in a horizontal direction and emits light entering the incident surface to the upper side of the horizontal direction. The second emission surfaces are formed above the first emission surface at different positions in an up-down direction, and are positioned on the back side of the first emission surface so as to be spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroya Koizumi, Asami Nakada, Kazunori Natsume
  • Patent number: 8480266
    Abstract: A vehicle light unit can convert an LED light source to a linear light emitting state and can be incorporated into a vehicle light. The vehicle light unit can include a first to fourth lens part in front of an LED light source. The first to third lens parts can convert the point light source or the LED light source into a linear light emitting portion with improved light utilization efficiency by providing first to fourth total reflection surfaces utilizing internal reflection to the third lens part. The light rays through the linear light emitting portion can be incident on the fourth lens part. The fourth lens part can include a plate-shaped light guiding portion with a plurality of total reflection surfaces on one surface and corresponding lens cut portions on the other opposite surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • Patent number: 8475019
    Abstract: The present invention is an optic used for producing a desired beam pattern having a body portion having a height and a thickness, and at least one sidewall profile, as well as an input port for receiving light from a light source. The optic of the present invention also includes an output surface formed as part of the body portion on the opposite side of the body portion in relation to the input port, at least one leg portion formed as part of the body portion, and at least one alignment feature formed as part of the at least one leg portion, the at least one alignment feature for controlling the alignment of the optic in relation to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald O. Woodward
  • Patent number: 8475018
    Abstract: A rear view mirror with a turn signal indicator is proposed wherein the turn signal indicator has a light guide design and a recess for the light source. The position of the recess is optimized to fulfil legal regulations and to achieve the design requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Simon Belcher, Nicholas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8469564
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a light source; a light guide that guides the light from the light source; and a reflector. The light guide includes an incident portion to which light from the light source is incident, wherein light entering from the incident portion is guided through the light guide; and a plurality of reflection portions that internally reflect a portion of the guided light toward the reflector. The reflector reflects, in a lamp illumination direction, reflection light that is emitted from the light guide following internal reflection by the plurality of reflection portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Asami Nakada, Kazunori Natsume
  • Patent number: 8469562
    Abstract: An interior aesthetic/decorative element for passenger compartments of vehicles, in particular, for the cab of a lorry, having a visible semitransparent surface with a metallic appearance, associated to the back of which are backlighting means that can be activated for providing emission of suffused light through the semitransparent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Diego Marzorati, Giovanni Boreanaz, Federica Fino, Stefano Bernard
  • Patent number: 8469569
    Abstract: A clear, frosted, or colored, transparent and/or translucent, plastic, or composite skateboard, snowboard, or any sports board material, that is illuminated with replaceable, rechargeable, or self-charging battery powered light emitting diodes which are placed inside the board within an inexpensive, drop-in, modular housing, which serves as a light engine and provides light that is transmitted through the interior of the board itself in order to illuminate light altering elements which are embedded inside the board and/or etched, printed or applied to the surface of the board. This glowing light creates unique artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: William Loftus Tunnicliffe, Richard Winston Humphreys, Steven Gary Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8465185
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly is provided with a housing adapted to be mounted to a vehicle exterior. First and second light pipes are provided in the housing and each has a profile offset from one another. First and second light sources are provided in the housing for illuminating the first and second light pipes respectively. The first and second light pipes also have different depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Verhee
  • Publication number: 20130148372
    Abstract: The invention provides a light guide device for vehicle, including at least one incident portion, a diffusion surface and a reflective portion. The at least one incident portion is disposed on at least one end of the light guide device, and is used to receive at least one light source. The diffusion surface is used to export light, and the diffusion surface has a plurality of zigzag structures. The reflective portion is opposite to the diffusion surface, and is used to reflect light to the diffusion surface. The incident portion is disposed between the diffusion surface and the reflective portion. Therefore, by using the light guide device, light can be fully reflected in the light guide device, and light is exported by the diffusion surface. Thus, no light will leak to the outside through the reflective portion, thereby greatly increasing light guiding efficiency of the light guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TYC BROTHER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TYC Brother Industrial Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130148373
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interior equipment component for a vehicle, comprising a light emission element for emitting light and a strip-shaped light guide element. The light guide element has here a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is one of the two largest surfaces of the light guide element, and the second surface is a surface which deviates therefrom, and the first surface comprises an input face. In addition, the light guide element and the light emission element are arranged and configured in such a way that light from the light emission element can be input into the light guide element via the input face and can be output via the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Bernhard Bayersdorfer, Daniel Forster, Heinz Husseck
  • Patent number: 8454214
    Abstract: An LED light source is mounted to a base end of a light guide lens including a distal end curving toward the rear of a vehicle and a functional light distribution portion including light diffusion steps, so that light from the LED light source is diffused toward a side of the vehicle. A design light distribution portion is provided between the LED light source and the functional light distribution portion, having a linear optical step on a rear surface of the light guide lens so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehiko Kazaoka
  • Patent number: 8454216
    Abstract: It is provided a lamp assembly (10) for an automotive headlamp, comprising an LED (12) for emitting light rays, a housing (16), to which the LED (12) is detachably connectable, wherein the housing (16) comprises an entrance window (20) assigned to the LED (12), and a guiding element (22) for guiding the light rays passing through the entrance window (20), wherein the guiding element (22) is connected to the housing (16). Since the LED (12) is detachable connected to the housing (16) a defect LED (12) can by exchanged by only exchanging the LED (12) itself without exchanging the whole lamp assembly (10) including the housing (16) and the guiding element (22). Since the correct position of the bright/dark-cutoff may be provided by the entrance window (20) and/or the guiding element (22) only, a misalignment of a newly inserted LED (12) does not affect the correct position of the bright/dark-cutoff. The exchange of a LED (12) is facilitated and without affecting the correct position of the bright/dark-cutoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Josef Andreas Schug, Harald Willwohl, Ralph Hubert Peters, Wouter Petrus Kaandorp
  • Publication number: 20130135885
    Abstract: A vehicle light is capable of preventing gaps (areas darker than peripheral areas) from being formed in between a plurality of illumination areas that are independently controlled to be illuminated with light or not to be illuminated with light, or suppressing the generation of such gaps. The vehicle light can include a projection lens and a light source unit disposed behind the rear-side focal plane of the projection lens. The light source unit can include a plurality of tubular portions each having a reflective inner peripheral surface, and a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. Exit openings of the plurality of tubular portions can be arranged side by side in a substantial horizontal direction behind the rear-side focal plane of the projection lens. Adjacent ones of the plurality of exit openings of the tubular portions can be defined and partitioned by a common vertical edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8449158
    Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a signal light disposed in the exterior mirror assembly. The signal light includes at least one light emitting diode. The signal light is configured to emit a light pattern and the light pattern is defined at least between a forward leading edge and a rearward leading edge. The forward leading edge of the light pattern forms a forward angle that is in the range of about zero degrees to about 45 degrees relative to the side of a vehicle equipped with the lighted exterior mirror system, and the rearward leading edge of the light pattern forms a rearward angle that is in the range of about zero degrees to about 15 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20130128601
    Abstract: Provided herein is an integrated lamp device of a vehicle side mirror. The integrated lamp device includes a first light source illuminating a first direction; a second light source illuminating a second direction; and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly including a first PCB on which the first light source is mounted and a second PCB on which the second light source is mounted, wherein the first PCB and the second PCB are integrated with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SL CORPORATION
    Inventor: SL Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130127340
    Abstract: A motor vehicle light providing easily identifiable and interpretable signals for other road users includes in its interior a light guide which is configured to receive at least a part of a light from a light source, distributes the received light along a light exit face and scatters the distributed light toward the light exit face. The light source is composed of light-emitting diodes which are switched on sequentially and/or which are first supplied with different electrical power levels, whereafter their brightness is matched by controlling the power levels. When the motor vehicle light is switched on, the increase in brightness then appears to be continuous to an observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Audi AG
  • Publication number: 20130130674
    Abstract: A door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion and an illumination module. The handle portion is disposed at the vehicle door and movable to actuate a locking mechanism of the vehicle door to open the vehicle door. The illumination module includes at least one illumination source and an icon element and a cover element. The illumination source, when operated, backlights the icon element so that an icon of the icon element is viewable through the cover element at an exterior surface of the handle portion. The icon element includes a security icon and the illumination module is operable to backlight the security icon when a security system of the vehicle is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130114277
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns a lightguide element (1) for a light unit or an automotive headlight, wherein the light element (1) has at least one light input area (2) for putting in light with at least one light source and the lightguide element (1) furthermore has at least one light output area (3) for putting out the light, wherein a beam splitting area (4) is arranged next to the light input area (2), from which at least one first lightguide part (5) and at least one second lightguide part (6) travel in directions leading away from each other, and a lightguiding connection element (7) is arranged in the area spanned by the lightguide parts (5, 6), which transitions into the light output area (3) on its side facing away from the lightguide parts. The lightguide parts have optical structuring elements (8) on their side facing away from the light output area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ZIZALA LICHTSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH
  • Patent number: 8430552
    Abstract: The main body of the main unit has a light-receiving surface, a light-reflecting surface, and a light-projecting surface. The reflecting unit includes a plurality of reflecting microstructures formed on the light-reflecting surface. Each reflecting microstructure has a first reflecting curved surface, and the first reflecting curved surface of each reflecting microstructure has a first reflecting curved line shown on the lateral surface thereof. The first reflecting curved line of each first reflecting curved surface is substantially composed of a first base point as an initial point on the first bottom portion of the light-reflecting surface, a second base point as an end point on the second bottom portion of the light-reflecting surface, and a first curve track connected from the first base point to the second base point and passing through a plurality of first trajectory points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Entire Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao-Xiang Lin, Wen-Feng Cheng, Yan Zuo Chen, Jui-Hsiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8430545
    Abstract: A lighting module for a vehicle is suggested, consisting of a housing and at least two light conductors or light conductor sections, which are arranged in the housing and extend along the external contour of the lighting module, with at least two LEDs, which are arranged on at least one circuit board in the housing. The light of at least two LEDs is coupled into the at least two light conductors, and a connection lens, which is adapted to the external contour of the light conductor, is installed between the light conductor sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Andreas Herrmann, Soenke Goldschmidt
  • Publication number: 20130094233
    Abstract: A light source unit assembly includes a light source, a light guide member, a light source housing member housing the light source, a light guide member holder, and a mounting member. The light guide member includes a light entrance portion and a light exit portion from which the light entering the light entrance portion exits. The light guide member holder supports an end portion of the light guide member including the light exit portion. The mounting member is provided to a vehicular interior part and each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder is independently mounted to the mounting member. Each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder has a connecting portion with which the light source housing member and the light guide member holder are connected to each other such that the light entrance portion faces the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro UKAI, Hiroyasu TAHARA
  • Publication number: 20130094234
    Abstract: A lighting device for vehicles with multiple light sources arranged like a matrix in one light generation level, with a light forming optic unit arranged in front of the light sources, and with another optic unit arranged between the light forming optic unit and the light sources, comprising a plurality of optic elements that are arranged like a matrix and one optic element each being allocated at a face thereof to a light source and with the other optic unit in front of the optic elements being allocated to the light sources to coupling areas and at least one decoupling area facing the light forming optic unit, with the other optic unit being embodied as a widening optic unit for widening the partial light bundles emitted by the light sources with light guiding rods as optic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: HELLA KGaA
    Inventor: HELLA KGaA
  • Publication number: 20130083550
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes: a lamp body having an opening portion; an outer cover that closes the opening portion and that, together with the lamp body, forms a lamp chamber between the outer cover and the lamp body; a light emission portion disposed within the lamp chamber; a vapor deposition sheet that is disposed within the lamp chamber and that covers the lamp body with at least a portion of the light emission portion exposed; and an engaging portion that at least one of the outer cover and the lamp body has and that is capable of engaging with the vapor deposition sheet and holding the vapor deposition sheet in a shape that substantially conforms to the outer cover or the lamp body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi ISHIGAMI, Shigehiko KAZAOKA
  • Patent number: 8408768
    Abstract: With a lighting device for a vehicle with at least one signal lamp as well as an additional lamp a first covering, through which a part of the light generated by the signal lamp is radiated, is arranged. A part of the light generated by the signal lamp is directed via a light guide into the region of the additional lamp and radiated in the region of the additional lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ingolf Schneider, Heiko Eckert, Ralph Schneider
  • Patent number: 8403551
    Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light guide plate having a light incident part in an end face and a light radiation part in a flat plate surface; a light source part opposed to the light incident part; a light shield member with which an area near the light incident part on the flat plate surface of the light guide plate is covered; and a switch part including a switch main body, a switch knob and a pressing member connected to the switch knob to press the switch main body by pressing down the switch knob. An end part of the switch knob opposed to a center of the flat plate surface of the light guide plate is located on the light shield member, and the end face of the light guide plate is located between a first virtual line passing the end part of the switch knob and perpendicular to the flat plate surface of the light guide plate and a second virtual line passing the center of the switch main body and perpendicular to the flat plate surface of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihito Kino, Satoshi Inagaki