Reflector Patents (Class 362/514)
  • Patent number: 8226282
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light guide including: a first end surface; a second end surface opposite to the first end surface; a front side surface; and a back side surface opposite to the front side surface; a light source disposed to face the first end surface of the light guide so as to emit light toward the first end surface; and a reflector disposed to face the back side surface of the light guide. The light is incident on the first end surface and travels toward the second end surface along an longitudinal direction of the light guide. A first beam of the light is output from the front side surface of the light guide. A second beam of the light is output from the back side surface, and reflected by the reflector to travel toward a forward area of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kazaoka, Masahiro Fukumuro, Kyouhei Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8201981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a projection module for a headlight. The module generates light distributions with light sources switchable independently. In order to generate a first distribution, light from a first group is coupled into an optical element in the beam path. The optical element has a reflecting underside having a contour corresponding to the bright-dark boundary. The light coupled out from the optical element is projected by a lens for generating the first distribution. A further light group is additionally activated in order to generate a second distribution. The light emitted by this group illuminates a region of the light distribution above the bright-dark boundary. Part of the light from this group is coupled into the optical element, mixes there with the light from the first group and is then coupled out together to generate an unsharp bright-dark boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Brendle, Matthias Gebauer
  • Publication number: 20120140503
    Abstract: A head lamp for the vehicle includes an upper light source for illuminating a high beam, a lower light source for illuminating a low beam, a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the upper light source and the lower light source, and a projection lens, provided at a front portion of the reflector, for illuminating the reflected light outwardly. Since the low-beam module and the high-beam/low-beam module are employed in a unitary body by using the plurality of light sources, various light distribution patterns can be formed to maximize a merchantable quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Byoung Suk AHN, Hak Bong Kim
  • Publication number: 20120134166
    Abstract: Arrangement accuracy of a transmission member with respect to an exposure hole is increased. In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a turn lamp is assembled to a bracket, a visor rim, and a visor cover, and an exposure portion of a lamp lens of the turn lamp is exposed by an exposure hole of a lower visor cover. As an anchor plate of the lower visor cover is inserted into an anchoring hole of the lamp lens and a fitting column of the lamp lens is inserted into a fitting hole of the lower visor cover, the lamp lens is positioned in the lower visor cover. Therefore, the accuracy precision of the exposure portion with respect to the exposure hole can be increased, thereby enhancing the appearance of a gap between the exposure portion and the periphery of the exposure hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Hiroto ASAI
  • Publication number: 20120120673
    Abstract: A spotlight for a vehicle includes a base configured to be supported by a surface of the vehicle. A housing is mounted to the base so as to pivot about a first axis relative to the base. A light-emitting device is supported within the housing. The spotlight further includes a reflector configured to reflect light emitted by the light-emitting device. The reflector is mounted within the housing so as to pivot about a second axis relative to the housing. The second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis. A lens connects to the housing such that light emitted by the light-emitting device and reflected by the reflector passes through the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Jason W. Anderson, Vitaly Kapelevich
  • Patent number: 8169684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., John S. Anderson, Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 8147094
    Abstract: An illumination system is provided, including a plurality of first illumination units, a plurality of second illumination units, a projecting adjusting module and a focus adjusting module. The projecting adjusting module is connected to the first illumination units to adjust the projection pattern. The focus adjusting module is connected to the first and second illumination units to adjust the focus position of the illumination units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ya-Hui Chiang, Cheng-Da Shaw, Hung-Lieh Hu, Kuan-Chieh Tu
  • Publication number: 20120069593
    Abstract: A headlamp includes: a laser diode for emitting a laser beam; a light-emitting section for emitting light by being excited by a laser beam emitted from the laser diode; a reflection mirror for reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting section so as to form a bundle of rays which travel within a predetermined solid angle; and a first maneuvering section for maneuvering at least the reflection mirror so as to move an optical axis direction of the light reflected by the reflection mirror to a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko KISHIMOTO, Akira Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8096689
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle headlight is specified, having at least one light-emitting diode, and an apparatus for controllable manipulation of the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the light-emitting diode. The described motor-vehicle headlight is distinguished inter alia by a particularly variable emission characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Moritz Engl, Stefan Grötsch, Markus Hofmann, Rainer Huber, Kurt Jürgen Lang, Mario Wanninger
  • Patent number: 8070338
    Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp automotive headlamp system is provided for three different lighting functions. The headlamp system is a single unit that provides for low beam, high beam, and daylight running light (DRL) functions. Two optical components are used to easily and effectively switch between the different modes of operation. The first optical component is a shutter that selectively blocks a portion of the light beam output. Secondly, either a single lens or lens portions can be moved either within the light beam path or into the light beam path to alter the divergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Agoston Boroczki, Csaba Horvath, Tamas Panyik
  • Patent number: 8033700
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes an adjustment gear for axially positioning an output shaft relative to a housing of the adjuster. A driving engagement of the adjustment gear and output shaft runs out at either axial extreme position to which the output shaft can be adjusted, and rotation of the adjustment gear can continue without further movement of the output shaft and without damage to the adjuster or a headlamp assembly in which the adjuster is installed. Biasing assemblies urge the output shaft toward re-engagement with the adjustment gear when the drive direction is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 7927892
    Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus having a first light source emitting a first light having light diffusion property, a reflectance measuring unit irradiating a treatment target with the light from plural directions by the first light source and determining a light reflectance of the treatment target, a light irradiation controller adjusting an intensity of a second light of a second light source on the basis of the light reflectance, the second light has diffusion property, and a thermal treatment unit irradiating the treatment target with the second light having adjusted the intensity of the second light by the light irradiation controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kubo
  • Patent number: 7871190
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight that is able to emit a light beam on a roughly longitudinal axis and that comprises a housing that has a rear bottom and inside which there are arranged; at least one light source that is mounted fixedly in the housing; and at least one reflector that is mounted so as to pivot about a transverse axis with respect to the housing; wherein the headlight comprises an attached intermediate support element that is fixed inside the housing and on which the reflector is pivotally mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Remi Maliar, Cyril Herbin
  • Patent number: 7810972
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly for a motor vehicle, including a housing coupling the headlamp assembly to a frame of the motor vehicle, a light source positioned within the housing for emitting light rays, and a reflector positioned within the housing and configured to direct the light rays into a beam. The reflector is movable with respect to the housing and the light source so as to adjust the beam direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Popelek
  • Patent number: 7772988
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Condon, Mark B. Pruss, Hans Christian Lassen
  • Publication number: 20100194276
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a fixed reflector having reflecting surfaces made of parabola-based free curved faces; movable reflectors having reflecting surfaces made of parabola-based free curved faces; and semiconductor-type light sources having light emitting chips shaped like a planar rectangle. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a first location, a light distribution pattern for low beam is obtained. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a second location, light distribution patterns for high beams are obtained. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a third location, light distribution patterns for daytime running light are obtained. As a result, the vehicle headlamp can achieve downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Yasuhiro OKUBO, Toshiya Abe
  • Patent number: 7766522
    Abstract: A headlight device for a vehicle that improves external appearance by varying irradiation light reflected by a reflector. The reflector is in a shape of a bowl opening to a front side of the vehicle. An outer housing supports the reflector so that the reflector can swing back and forth. A ring member formed separately from the outer housing covers an opening edge of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Suita
  • Publication number: 20100110711
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a fixed reflector having reflecting surfaces, a respective one of which is made of a parabola-based free curved face; movable reflectors having reflecting surfaces, a respective one of which is made of a parabola-based free curved face; and semiconductor-type light sources, a respective one of which has a light emitting chip shaped like a planar rectangle. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a first location, a light distribution pattern for low beam is obtained on the reflecting surfaces of the fixed reflector. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a second location, light distribution patterns for high beams are obtained on the reflecting surfaces of the fixed reflector and the movable reflector. As a result, the vehicle headlamp enables downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Yasuhiro OOKUBO, Toshiya Abe
  • Publication number: 20100110710
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp with improved vibration proof of a movable reflector is provided. The vehicle headlamp has: a holder; an upside movable reflector and a downside movable reflector; light sources; and a drive unit. The drive unit is made up of a motor and a drive force transmission mechanism. The drive force transmission mechanism rotates the upside and downside movable reflectors in reverse directions, respectively. As a result, the vehicle headlamp can improve the vibration proof of the upside and downside movable reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Toshiya ABE
  • Patent number: 7708439
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with a lamp unit including a light source bulb having a light source for emitting light, a main reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light source, a shade for shielding apart of the light reflected by the main reflecting face, and a projector lens for forward projecting the light having passed the shades. The vehicle headlamp unit is further provided with a first sub-reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light source, a second sub-reflector for forward projecting the light from the first sub-reflector through the shade and the projector lens when the first sub-reflector is situated at a first position and a third sub-reflector having a third sub-reflecting face for forward projecting the light from the first sub-reflector not through the projector lens when the first sub-reflector is situated at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Masao Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7699514
    Abstract: An LED vehicular lamp with reflector can include a plurality of LED modules each having respective appropriate light distributions. The modules can be attached to a housing to form a light distribution characteristic though combination of the light emitted from the LED modules. At least part of the LED modules can include an illumination axis that is substantially at a right angle to the optical axis of the lamp such that light reflected at a reflector provided in the housing travels in the illumination direction of the LED light source vehicular lamp. The LED modules can also include a rear end that protrudes from an outer surface of the housing to improve the heat radiation efficiency, which enables the use of LED chips that can use higher permissible current values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Shimada
  • Patent number: 7677744
    Abstract: An illuminated pointer assembly for a gauge scale having an outer periphery includes a pointer that moves about a periphery of the gauge scale and is illuminated by a light guide. The light guide is disposed on a plane below the pointer and the gauge scale. The light guide includes at least two LEDs that are disposed adjacent first and second ends of the light guide. The light guide also includes a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is disposed in sets that are orientated with regard to each of the LEDs. The reflective elements provide for the transmission and direction of light within the light guide into the guide body portion of the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Birman, Werner Eckardt, Richard Sanders, Ronald Struck
  • Patent number: 7674022
    Abstract: To provide a headlight device, in which a change of the region of illumination afforded by the headlamp can be initiated substantially punctual to the start of cornering of the motorcycle, the headlight device includes a headlamp for illuminating forwardly of the motorcycle, a light-distribution adjusting mechanism for changing a region of illumination, a bank angle detecting unit for detecting a bank angle ? of the motorcycle in reference to an angular velocity ?y about a vertical axis of the motorcycle, an angular velocity ?r about a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle and a motorcycle velocity v, and a light-distribution controller for controlling the light-distribution adjusting mechanism based on the detected bank angle ? to change the region of illumination into an area further away from and at least inwardly of a direction of turn of the motorcycle during a cornering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakano, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mikio Domoto, Makoto Baino
  • Patent number: 7670038
    Abstract: The invention relates to an LED collimator element (1; 20) which can be used in particular for motor vehicle headlights. It comprises an LED (2; 23), of which the emitted light can be emitted essentially directly into an emission angle region of the LED collimator element (1; 20), and a collimator (3; 22) which deflects the light which is not emitted in the emission direction into the emission angle region. The LED collimator element (1; 20) is designed to be asymmetrical at least with respect to a sectional plane (4) so that a defined non-uniform light intensity distribution is achieved in an emission plane (10; 26) of the LED collimator element (1; 20) which is orthogonal to the sectional plane (4) and to the main emission direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Josef Andreas Schug, Egbert Lenderink, Joseph Sormani
  • Publication number: 20090323369
    Abstract: The invention provides a lamp with adjustable beam cut-off, useful for e.g. vehicle headlamps. The lamp comprises a solid-state light source 1 and a reflector 2, as well as a movable beam limiter 3. To adjust the cut-off, the beam limiter 3 may be moved by an actuator 4. An advantage is that the beam limiter 3 reflects incident light into the emitted beam instead of absorbing it, which increases efficiency. Furthermore, because the reflector 2 and also the beam limiter 3 may be positioned very close to the light source, which may be a LED or a laser diode, they may be flat and very small. Both circumstances ensure that the beam cut-off may be adjusted very quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Marco Van As, Ralph Hubert Peters
  • Patent number: 7600904
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a light source bulb for emitting light, a base member fixed with a light source bulb, a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the light source bulb, a projecting lens for projecting light reflected by the reflector to a front side along an optical axis Ax, and a shade for blocking a portion of light directed from the reflector to the projecting lens. The vehicle headlamp displaces the reflector from a first position to a second position which is upward and rearward from the base member. The vehicle headlamp can facilitate obtaining a light distribution suitable for driving on a motorway or in wet conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Hirohiko Ohshio
  • Patent number: 7602112
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of a capped high-pressure discharge lamp (1) and a lamp holder (50). The discharge lamp comprises an outer envelope (10) in which a discharge vessel (11) is arranged. The outer envelope has a pinched portion (20) provided with a clamping member (25). A lamp cap comprises a substantially circular-cylindrical cup shaped portion for receiving the clamping member and is provided with a protruding collar (36). The lamp holder (50) comprises a substantially circular-cylindrical flange (55) for receiving the cup-shaped portion such that the flange engages the protruding collar. An inner diameter of the flange (55) has a tolerance of less than or equal to ?0.2 mm. An outer diameter of the cup-shaped portion (33) has a tolerance of less than or equal to +0.2 mm. The respective tolerances extend over a length of at least 2.5 mm, measured with respect to the protruding collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., BJB GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Gerardus Antonius Peeters, Johannes Antonius Theresia Schellen, Karl-Wilhelm Vogt, Erwin Norbert Lingemann
  • Patent number: 7575352
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes at least one a light source irradiating visible light and a lens allowing the visible light from the light source to pass through to forward of a vehicle. The light source and the lens are mounted in a rotating element. Alternatively, the vehicular headlamp includes at least one a light source irradiating visible light, and a mirror mounted on a rotating element and arranged to reflect the visible light from the at least one light source to forward of a vehicle. The vehicular headlamp also includes a scanning actuator for reciprocatingly rotating the rotating element so as to form a light distribution pattern forward of the vehicle and a light distribution control portion for controlling the scanning actuator such that a portion of the light distribution pattern is relatively bright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriko Sato, Motohiro Komatsu, Naoki Uchida, Takuo Sugiyama, Mitsuyuki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7572041
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a position lamp with a favorable light distribution. The vehicle lamp can also include other lamp or lamps such as a headlight and the like. The vehicle lamp can include a primary light source, a secondary light source, a reflector, an inner lens and an outer lens. The primary light source can be used for the other lamp and the secondary light source can be used for the position lamp adjacent the other lamp. Light emitted from the secondary light source can be distributed to both sides of the outer lens using the reflector and the inner lens. Because the light can be emitted outside of the lamp from both sides of the outer lens, the position lamp can form a light distribution having a wide angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Watanabe, Daisuke Odagane
  • Patent number: 7566153
    Abstract: A vehicular lighting assembly with a reflection mirror formed of a BMC resin is provided which prevents glass fiber in the resin from separating and flying away when the direction of illumination is changed for aiming, which can result in degradation in appearance of the reflector or occurrence of glare. The vehicular lighting assembly can be configured such that a high-beam reflector and a low-beam lighting assembly attachment are formed of a plastic member made of the BMC resin as an integrated lighting assembly holder portion. The low-beam lighting assembly attachment of the lighting assembly holder portion can include a low-beam reflector, ball joints, and an adjusting nut attachment engaged with an adjusting screw, so that it can be aimed. The ball joints and the adjusting nut attachment are formed at their respective positions on an integrated metallic member so that they can be attached as an aiming unit to the low-beam lighting assembly attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuya Nagashima, Yoichi Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 7524094
    Abstract: A lamp unit including mirror member 18 having an upward reflecting surface 18a, which reflects part of reflected light from a reflector 16 upward and is disposed between the reflector 16 and a projection lens 12. The mirror member 18 can be moved in the direction of an optical axis Ax and can take a reference position, where the front end edge 18a1 of the upward reflecting surface 18a is located at the rear focal point F of the projection lens 12, and a front movement position, which is located forward a predetermined distance from the reference position. When the mirror member is moved to the front movement position, part of the reflected light from the reflector 16 passes through a space behind the mirror member 18 so as to be incident on the lower region of the projection lens 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Fukawa, Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 7524075
    Abstract: A shock absorbing mounting for a rotating warning light for a light bar is provided by the assembly of the rotator with a base member useful for mounting one or more rotators and other light producing array units. The light bar base member has longitudinal grooves and the mounting enables the rotator to be attached wherever desired along the grooves. The grooves are blind grooves. The rotator has its own base with a plurality of holes in which are provided resilient shock absorbing grommets with holes therethrough. The assembly of the rotator to the light bar base member is via self-threading screws which have heads, parts of which may be washers, which enlarge the diameter of the heads. The screws are of such length that when they engage and are stopped by the bottom of the grooves, the head compresses the grommet sufficiently to provide a resilient shock absorbing connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Mastin
  • Patent number: 7520641
    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: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Light Prescription Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Juan C. Minano, Pablo Benitez, Yupin Sun, William A. Parkyn, Roberto Alvarez, Waqidi Falicoff
  • Patent number: 7517122
    Abstract: A position guide is disposed adjacent a main reflector (head reflector) and formed such that a position width dimension w1 of the position guide is less than a main width dimension of the main reflector. A position bulb is disposed in the position guide. In another embodiment, the position guide is generally tubular and has a front opening disposed generally forwardly of the main reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7511440
    Abstract: An emitting direction control apparatus for a lamp is provided with: a driver for deflecting an emitting direction for a lamp; and a controller that control the driver to perform a deflection. The controller includes an initialization function, for setting, at an initial position, a stepping motor that serves as a driving source for the driver. The initialization function detects a first current positional angle for the stepping motor; when the first current positional angle is greater than a reference angle, rotates the stepping motor in a bumping direction at a high speed until the reference angle is reached; after the reference angle has been reached, rotates the stepping motor to a bumped position an initial number of steps at a low speed; and after the bumped position has been reached, rotates the stepping motor in the reverse direction a predetermined number of steps and sets the stepping motor in the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Goto, Hideki Uchida, Manabu Sasa, Masataka Ando
  • Patent number: 7503679
    Abstract: An optical module for a motor vehicle headlight comprising a reflector having an optical axis and at least one focus, a light source placed in the vicinity of the focus to be reflected, and a transparent optical deviation element placed in front of part of the reflector and comprising a lens referred to as a “square lens”, the reflector being placed at the rear of the lens, the optical deviation element being able to provide an essentially horizontal spread of the light. The exit face of the “square lens”is tangent to a plane disposed obliquely with respect to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Vincent Godbillon
  • Patent number: 7484868
    Abstract: A vehicle light can be configured to reduce the difference between the cut-off line of the actual light distribution pattern and the cut-off line of the designed light distribution pattern. The vehicle light can include a light source, first reflectors configured to reflect light from the light source, corresponding second reflectors configured to reflect light from the respective first reflectors, and a support member configured to support the light source. The support member and the first reflectors can be separately formed. Furthermore, edge portions configured to form cut-off lines in the light distribution pattern by the second reflectors can be provided in the support member instead of in the first reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroo Oyama
  • Patent number: 7478934
    Abstract: Provided is an automotive lamp assembly that can dynamically control the amount and direction of side radiation of light, as a vehicle travels along a curved road. The lamp assembly includes a projection lamp module including a light source, a reflecting mirror reflecting light emitted from the light source forward, and a lens refracting and condensing the forward reflected light; a rotative actuator rotating the module about a predetermined driving axis; and an additional reflecting mirror rotating with the module and reflecting light intercepted by a shield to make the light travel at an angle in a direction proportionate to the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventor: Dong-Mok Lee
  • Patent number: 7470050
    Abstract: A projector type vehicle light can provide an improved far distance visibility in a highway mode and other improved headlight performances by switching the low beam distribution and the highway mode light distribution while utilizing AFS functions. The projector type vehicle light can include a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit. The first lamp unit includes a light source, a reflector, a projection lens, and a light-shading member, and is configured to reflect light from the light source by means of the reflector and project light in the forward direction by the projection lens. The second lamp unit can have almost the same configuration as the first lamp unit and is located adjacent to the first lamp unit and either above or below it. The cut-off line formed by the first lamp unit can be located at an angular position below the horizontal line by 0.57 degrees in order to form a low beam distribution for an ordinary road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • Patent number: 7461951
    Abstract: An illumination module is disclosed, which is comprised of a plurality of light sources, a plurality of light source substrates of high thermal conductivity, and a reflecting member for reflecting light. The plural light source substrates are arranged at positions corresponding to each other so as to form a polygon periphery of the illumination module, whereas the inner surface of the polygon periphery is enabled for at least one of the plural light sources to fit therein. The reflecting member is placed at the center of the module where it is corresponding to each of the plural light source substrates so as to reflect the light emitting from the light sources fitted thereon. In addition, a lens with light refraction ability is disposed at the light emitting end of the illumination module so as to enable the light illumination module to have light condensing/diffusing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ming-Chieh Chou, Wen-Shan Lin, Yii-Tay Chiou, Chun-Hsun Chu
  • Patent number: 7455438
    Abstract: A module for projecting a light beam comprises a light source and a substantially flat support surface on which the source is arranged in a manner such as to emit light from only one side of the surface, and a reflector for reflecting the light emitted by the source. The reflector comprises a curved reflecting surface which extends on one side of the support surface, has a concavity facing towards the support surface, and can reflect the light coming from the source in a principal direction substantially parallel to the support surface of the source. An optical device for a module according to the invention and a vehicle front light assembly comprising a plurality of modules according to the invention form further subjects of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Piermario Repetto, Stefano Bernard, Denis Bollea, Davide Capello
  • Patent number: 7452154
    Abstract: A universal joint component is used for connecting two members, such as a reflector and a lamp body. The universal joint component includes a shaft, an installation section formed on one end of the shaft, and a spherical head formed on the other end of the shaft. The spherical head includes a joint base, a top end, and at least one gap formed on a side of the spherical head between the top end and the joining base. The gap is formed of a groove or through hole so as to straddle a phantom line substantially passing through a center of the spherical head and perpendicularly intersecting a shaft axis of the shaft. Split head sections are defined by the at least one gap so that the split head sections flexibly deform when the spherical head is inserted into a spherical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignees: NIFCO Inc., Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Aoshima, Nobuhiro Hara, Takeyuki Tachiiwa
  • Publication number: 20080225540
    Abstract: A lamp unit is provided. The lamp unit includes a light emitting element disposed on an optical axis so as to face in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, a first reflector facing the light emitting element to forwardly reflect light from the light emitting element, and a direct light control member disposed in front of the light emitting element for controlling direct light directed toward a region in front of the first reflector from the light emitting element without being incident on the first reflector. The direct light control member includes a first lens portion which deflects a first portion of the direct light in a direction approaching the optical axis, and an extended portion extending from the first lens portion. The extended portion controls a second portion of the direct light differently from the first lens portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Michio TSUKAMOTO, Kazuhisa MOCHIZUKI
  • Patent number: 7416322
    Abstract: A vehicle light emitting device including a light emitting element, a primary reflector, and a secondary reflector. A reflecting surface of the primary reflector has a shape of a substantially dome-shaped body of revolution formed by rotating about the optical axis Ax an ellipse E which has a primary focal point F1 which is a point near the light emitting element and a secondary focal point F2 which is a point near the reflecting surface. The primary reflector includes a belt-shaped region, which straddles a ring-shaped locus of the secondary focal point F2 and is configured as a light translucent portion, whereby reflected light from the primary reflector is caused to temporarily converge on the secondary focal point F2 in each cross-section of the body of revolution including the optical axis Ax and is thereafter caused to be incident on the secondary reflector as a diffused light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetada Tanaka, Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7410282
    Abstract: A bifunctional LED headlamp for a vehicle is disclosed, wherein at least one of a shield, a lens, a reflector, and an LED are movable to facilitate use of the headlamp in both a low beam mode and a high beam mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris L. Eichelberger, John Li
  • Publication number: 20080180966
    Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles comprising a light-shield mechanism having at least first and second rotary light shields for producing respectively at least first and second different light beams, wherein the shield mechanism also comprises at least one means of mechanically locating the idle position of the shield mechanism, and an actuator able to make the first and second light shields, turn in two directions of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Nicolas Louvet, Alexandre Mensales
  • Publication number: 20080175014
    Abstract: A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The adjuster includes a housing having a first adjustment point, a gear having a second adjustment point, and an output shaft disposed at least partially within and functionally engaging the gear. Movement of the output shaft can be effected using either the first adjustment point or the second adjustment point. The adjuster can also include a clutching feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • Patent number: 7393126
    Abstract: A headlamp for vehicle use is provided with: a light source bulb having a light source from which light is emergent; a reflector for reflecting light emergent from the light source; a sub-reflector for reflecting light, which has been reflected on the reflector, to the front side; and a projection lens for directly projecting light of the light source to the front side. These components are arranged in a light chamber composed of a lamp body and a lens cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Takehiko Tajima
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080112178
    Abstract: A reflection module of a car lamp includes a shell, and a reflection mechanism in the shell; the reflection module includes a main part, a first reflection portion sticking from the main part, a separating plate connected to an upper edge of the first reflection portion, a second reflection portion sticking upwards from an edge of the separating plate, and a blocking plate positioned on the separating plate in an adjustable manner; each of the separating plate and the blocking plate has a slot thereon, and the slots together define a light passage; therefore, the width of the light passage can be adjusted such that light from a shining element will be reflected outside from the reflection module with an upper edge of the light beams being in a horizontal direction to define an imaginary horizontal line called the cut-off, and light from the lamp won't be dazzling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Chang-Hsien Tsai, I-Chang Chen