Reflector Patents (Class 362/514)
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Publication number: 20080089085Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: Jan Popelek
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Publication number: 20080043481Abstract: A vehicle headlight having a light source to emit light and a reflector for illuminating forward the light emitted from the light source, wherein the reflector is comprising a plurality of movable mirrors to be operated independently and optionally and a fixed mirror disposed outside these movable mirrors, whereby the light emitted from the light source to the movable mirrors are not blocked mutually so that a distribution of light illuminated from the vehicle headlight is minutely and quickly controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Shingo Yokoyama, Masatoshi Kanamaru, Masaya Horino, Tatsuhiko Monji, Ken Ohsumi
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Patent number: 7325954Abstract: A vehicle light with a bulb arranged sideway is provided which can reduce a length of the entire light without a deterioration in its brightness and with a simple configuration. The vehicle light can include a light source arranged sideway on an optical axis extending horizontally in the front-to-rear direction of a vehicle. First and second projection lenses can be arranged in front of the light source above and below the optical axis. First and second reflecting surfaces can be provided for reflecting light emitted from the light source to the respective first and second projection lenses. A third reflecting surface can be provided for reflecting light emitted upward from the light source toward the area below the light source. A plane mirror can also be provided and configured to direct light reflected from the third reflecting surface toward the rear focus of the second projection lens.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Futami
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Patent number: 7322724Abstract: A headlamp for motor vehicles of the reflector or projector design having at least one low beam light chamber, with a discharge light source, and at least one high beam light chamber, with a halogen light source. The direction of the rays produced in the high beam light operational mode are adjusted by means of simultaneous vertical swiveling of both light chambers and independent horizontal adjustment of the low beam light chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Kletensky, Milan Cejnek, Libor Stambersky
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Patent number: 7322726Abstract: A headlamp with a cost effective and simple headlamp adjuster is provided which allows adjustment of the aim of headlamps from the front of the headlamp with an adjusting tool. In many circumstances, the adjusting tool will be a commonly and readily available tool, such as a Philips screw driver, but it is also contemplated that an adjusting tool with a proprietary end shape can also be employed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Chris Bartlett, Savo Okuka
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Publication number: 20070291502Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Hirohiko Ohshio
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Publication number: 20070268715Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle for lighting in a longitudinal emission direction. The lighting and/or signalling device has: at least one light source emitting light rays; and at least one light guiding sheet in which the light rays issuing from the light source spread by successive reflections, such that the guide sheet comprises at one end a reflective layer so as to redirect the light rays into the at least one sheet, and in that an output contour the sheet, at the end remote from the reflective layer, comprises a reflective profile, in particular inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of said sheet, so as to reflect the light rays reflected generally in an emission direction which is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: VALEO VISIONInventor: Antoine De Lamberterie
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Patent number: 7281831Abstract: To provide a direction indicator of a compact design effective to secure brightness and visibility during the blinking operation of the direction indicator, the direction indicator (9 or 11) includes an indicator body (92) adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body structure (FR), a lens member (93) mounted on the indicator body (92), a light emitter (12) and a reflector (13) positioned inwardly of the lens member (93), the reflector (13) reflecting an illuminating light, emitted from the light emitter (12), towards an intended area. A plane of joint (92b, 93b) between the indicator body (92) and the lens member (93) is inclined relative to a widthwise direction of the vehicle body structure (FR), and the lens member (93) has a laterally outer vertex portion (93a) protruding laterally outwardly from a position of a laterally outer vertex portion (92a) of the indicator body (92).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kaoru Kouchi, Motoaki Kanou
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Patent number: 7275847Abstract: A headlight optical axis adjustment method where, on an imaged picture of a light distribution pattern of low beam illumination from a master headlight whose optical axis has been adjusted, a relative positional relationship between a horizontal and oblique line of a light/dark boundary line. A reference point is determined on the imaged picture to correspond to a bulb center. An acceptance frame is set based on an imaged position of an intersection of the horizontal and oblique line. On an imaged picture of a light distribution pattern of low beam illumination from a headlight to be adjusted, a horizontal and oblique line of a light/dark boundary line are detected based on a relative positional relationship with the reference point, and the optical axis of the headlight to be adjusted is adjusted so that an intersection of the detected horizontal and oblique lines is within the acceptance frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Kiyota
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Patent number: 7264387Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Glenn McCarter, Arun Kumar, Todd D. Irgang
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Patent number: 7264376Abstract: A lamp assembly that may be used as a fog lamp or headlamp includes a mounting bracket, a reflector, and an adjuster. The reflector is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket and the adjuster is secured to the reflector. The adjuster is secured to the mounting bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw forming part of the adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector and aiming of the lamp. The adjuster is secured to the bracket prior to the reflector being mounted to the mounting bracket. The bracket and adjuster are provided in pre-assembled fashion.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Burton Technologies LLCInventor: John E Burton
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Publication number: 20070183167Abstract: A vehicle light that includes a semiconductor light emitting device can have a simple structure which suppresses deterioration of the light emitting quality of the device. The vehicle light can be configured to prevent aging and/or deterioration of components, such as a vapor deposited silver coating on the reflection surface of a reflector of the light. The vehicle light can also include a projector type optical unit that has the following components: a semiconductor light emitting device; a reflector which surrounds the semiconductor light emitting device from a rear side such that light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device is reflected in a forward direction; and a projection lens which projects light being directly from the light emitting device or after reflected by the reflector in the forward direction. Furthermore, a space around the semiconductor light emitting device of the optical unit can be hermetically sealed from the outside atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventors: Teruo KOIKE, Shinya Omori, Mitsuo Yamada, Tatsuya Umeyama
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Publication number: 20070177400Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes a reflection type lamp unit including a first LED that emits light downward; and a reflective face that reflects part of the light emitted by the first LED outward to the front of the vehicle lighting device. Part of the light emitted by the first LED is output, as directly emitted light, directly to the front of the vehicle lighting device. The reflective face includes a first reflective portion that reflects light as vertically almost parallel light and as horizontally diffused light, and a second reflective portion that reflects light below the light reflected by the first reflective portion and above the directly emitted light.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: August 2, 2007Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Masashi Tatsukawa
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Publication number: 20070177399Abstract: For creating a lighting system (1) for a vehicle comprising a reflector (4) and a light source (5), wherein the lighting system (1) can be adapted with as low an outlay as possible to different specifications in regard to light distribution, it is proposed that a light distribution corresponding to a first specification can be created by the interaction between the reflector (4) and a first light source (5), and that a light distribution in accordance with a second specification can be created by the interaction between the reflector (4) and a second light source (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventors: Jorg Lubs, Thegan Wolff
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Patent number: 7249876Abstract: An improved lamp holder for a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp includes a base and a metallic positioning member, in which the metallic positioning member includes a vibration-damping clamping ring having three extension feet extending outwards and downwards from a bottom rim of the clamping ring and inserted into their respective corresponding insertion slots of the base; and the clamping ring clips a lamp tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Kong Li Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheng-Chao Jong
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Patent number: 7244055Abstract: An illumination device for single-track motor vehicles that emits bundled light in the form of a light beam bundle, that in a first propagation direction (A) is aimed at the roadway area located in front of the motor vehicle. The illumination device (SCH) comprises a light module (LIM) that emits light in a second propagation direction (B) and where at least one optical reflection device (SPI) is arranged in the beam path of the light. Light emitted by the light module (LIM), first of all, will hit the optical reflection device (SPI) and then will be deflected by the latter into the first propagation direction (A). At least one optical reflection device (SPI) can be swung around at least one swing axis. According to the invention, at least one swing axis (SA1) lies essentially in a plane that extends parallel to the longitudinal vehicle midplane (FLE) or that is the longitudinal vehicle midplane (FLE).Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbHInventors: Josef Kanzler, Alfred Scheichelbauer
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Patent number: 7207704Abstract: A vehicular lamp having a distance adjustment section that adjusts the distance between the lamp body and the reflector and includes an adjustment shaft, a gear member, and a receiving element. The adjustment shaft has a spherical end; the gear member includes a shaft portion that has the adjustment shaft therein, elastic pawls protruding from the shaft portion, and empty spaces defined by the elastic pawls to allow flexure of the elastic pawls toward the shaft portion; and the receiving element is formed on the back surface of the reflector. The gear member having the adjustment shaft is rotatably inserted in an insertion hole of the lamp body, the elastic pawls are engaged with the edge of the insertion hole to prevent the gear member from slipping out; and the spherical end of the adjustment shaft is engaged with the receiving element and prevented from rotating.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeyuki Tachiiwa, Manbu Maeda, Koichi Nakamura, Fujio Onuki
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Patent number: 7207697Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided that has sufficiently high efficiency irrespective of a size of a light source. The illumination apparatus projecting light forward includes an LED chip, a small-diameter reflecting mirror positioned in front of the LED chip for receiving light from the LED chip to project the light forward, and a reflecting mirror enclosing the LED chip and the small-diameter reflecting mirror for directing and reflecting forward the light from the LED chip.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Shoji
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Patent number: 7201504Abstract: An optical module for an automobile lighting device adapted to selectively emit a principal light beam generated from a principal light source for performing a principal lighting function and a secondary light beam generated from a secondary light source for performing a secondary lighting function. The optical module having a fixed or retractable shield for providing a principal lighting function such as a main beam with or without a cut-off. The optical module further including a retractable reflecting mirror movable from a retracted position, where the mirror does not substantially interfere with the principal light beam, to a working position in which the reflecting mirror is substantially centered on the optical axis of the optical module and oriented so as to give, from light rays issuing from the secondary source, a secondary beam constituting the secondary lighting function.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Patrice Collot, Etienne Pauty
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Patent number: 7195667Abstract: A composition for the manufacture of an opaque silvery coating on a glass surface is provided. The composition comprises a mixture of at least two metal powders. The metal powder mixture contains carbonyl iron and aluminum, and a carrier liquid for forming a suspension of the metal powder mixture. A method for manufacturing an opaque silvery coating for a lamp having a glass envelope is also provided. In the method, a suspension comprising a mixture of carbonyl iron and aluminum powders in a carrier liquid is applied onto the envelope of the lamp. The suspension is dried, and thereafter the composition remaining from the suspension is burned at a temperature above 500° C. A lamp with a glass envelope and a single layer opaque coating covering at least a part of the glass envelope is also disclosed. The opaque coating comprises 50 to 80 weight % carbonyl iron and 20 to 50 weight % elementary aluminum.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: István Mudra, Péter Szemere
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Patent number: 7182491Abstract: A headlamp adjusting system, particularly for motor vehicles, includes a headlamp body and optical system having reflector and regulating elements for adjustment and fixation of the reflector. The reflector is carried by a part of a pivot holder that, by means of a weakening hinge, allows swinging movement of the central portion of the pivot holder. The fixed portion of the pivot holder is connected to the headlamp body. A socket for holding an end of the regulating element is provided at the free side of the pivot holder. For adjustment of the reflector in two mutually different planes, the central part of the pivot holder is swingable by means of two hinges.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stanislav Cajanek, Josef Wagner, Sr.
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Patent number: 7150548Abstract: A reading lamp for an aircraft cabin, particularly installed above a passenger seat, has a light source emitting a light beam with an optical axis extending substantially horizontally so that a light beam can be deflected by an optical deflector such as a mirror, to a passenger seat. This orientation of the light source provides a compact construction of the reading lamp. Preferably the deflector position is adjustable relative to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Carsten Kohlmeier-Beckmann, Detlef Heym
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Patent number: 7128455Abstract: A vehicular headlamp having a light source bulb inserted into a reflector from a side of an optical axis Ax at a position below the optical axis enables an area to the side of the optical axis of the reflective surface of the reflector to be utilized effectively for light distribution control. The shape of the reflective surface of the reflector in a vertical cross section that includes the optical axis Ax is defined by a curve, which is formed such that a normal line of each point of the reflective surface is positioned between a bisector of a line segment that joins each point with a light source and a line segment that joins each point with an upper end edge of a shade, and a bisector of the line segment and a line segment that joins each point with an upper end edge of a rear surface opening of a projection lens.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Yamamura
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Patent number: 7118258Abstract: A projection-type vehicular headlamp structure that is capable of forming at least two types of light distribution in at least two modes, and is also capable of controlling the radiated light thereof with high precision in addition to keeping to a minimum any noticeable difference when switching between modes. A portion of a reflector is structured as a mobile reflection portion which may separate from a remaining reflective portion. An additional reflector is disposed generally behind the mobile reflective portion. The additional reflector is incident to light from a light source when the mobile reflective portion is separated from the remaining reflective portion. Light incident from the mobile reflective portion, the remaining reflective portion, and the additional reflector is reflected forward to a projection lens of the vehicular headlamp, providing illumination in the area preceding a vehicle's traveling path.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Yamamura, Kenichi Takada, Masao Kinoshita, Masahito Naganawa, Motohiro Komatsu, Mitsuyuki Mochizuki
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Patent number: 7118259Abstract: An adjuster having a housing or lamp housing with an adjuster portion, a gear positioned inside the housing or adjuster portion, a control rod engaged to the gear and extending from the housing or adjuster portion, and at least one tang outside the housing or adjuster portion such that the tang engages the control rod and prevents rotation thereof. As such, rotation of the gear results in linear movement of the control rod. The adjuster may be positioned on a lamp housing, or other structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLCInventor: Scott Fladhammer
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Patent number: 7114835Abstract: A headlamp adjuster is provided for use and access from the front of a headlamp assembly on which it is installed. The adjuster includes an input shaft and an output screw in substantially parallel, spaced arrangement. A gear train drivingly connects inner ends of the input shaft and the output screw. Rotation of the input shaft about its longitudinal axis causes axial translation of the output screw.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Peter B. Brazas
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Patent number: 7052165Abstract: An automotive headlight assembly includes a concave parabolic reflector having a focal axis and a focal point on the axis spaced from the reflector surface. A halogen light source is mounted on an elongated tubular conduit that is oriented on the focal axis of the parabolic reflector. A power mechanism is connected to the tubular conduit for sliding the conduit through a clearance opening aligned with the focal axis, so that the light source is moved between a high beam position on the focal point and a low beam position located at a different point on the focal axis, through an infinite number of in between positions, thus allowing the driver to adjust the focal point of the light to any desired distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Peter Field
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Patent number: 7052164Abstract: A headlamp assembly including a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of the headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing with or without an adjuster housing. The gear screw has an O-ring in radial compression so as to ensure a good seal.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Burton Technologies LLCInventor: John Burton
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Patent number: 7033053Abstract: The subject invention relates to automotive head lamp assemblies with a low beam unit and a high beam unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the low beam unit and high beam unit is connected to one another by an adjuster bracket. The adjuster bracket allows for two ball studs to interact with the adjuster bracket. The first ball stud interacts with the adjuster bracket and high beam reflector so that the high beam reflector's vertical axis can be adjusted to make it parallel to the vertical axis of the low beam reflector. The second ball stud interacts with the adjuster bracket and low beam reflector so that both the low beam reflector and high beam reflector are adjusted vertically at the same time and in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Guide CorporationInventors: Phillip M. Watson, Jo Broshar, Travis S. Floyd
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Patent number: 7021804Abstract: A lamp assembly with a multi-stage reflector is described for use with automobile lamps. A singular shield is positioned about a light source inside a housing. A first reflective surface and a second reflective surface are formed on the housing. The singular shield is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the moveable shield blocks light from striking the second reflective surface, and a main beam is projected from the lamp assembly. In the second position, the moveable shield allows light to strike both the first and second reflective surfaces, and a second beam is projected. Thus, the singular shield may be moved to switch between the main beam and the second beam, creating the ability to alter the functionality of the lamp assembly. More than two reflective surfaces and moveable positions may be used, to create a multitude of possible beam patterns.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Guide CorporationInventor: Paul D. Van Duyn
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Patent number: 7008091Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation assembly is described and which includes, a supporting substrate having a region through which visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation forming a signal may pass; first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters are provided and which are positioned adjacent to one of the surfaces defined by the substrate, and which, when energized, emit electromagnetic radiation; and a single reflector is disposed in eccentric reflecting relation relative to the first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters, and wherein emitted electromagnetic radiation is reflected by the single reflector and passes through the supporting substrate region which passes electromagnetic radiation, in different directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: K.W. Muth Company, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Mathleu, Daniel R. Todd
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Patent number: 7008094Abstract: A vehicle light can include a light source, a major reflecting surface, a projection lens, and a shutter. A first reflecting surface of an ellipse group reflecting surface preferably has a first focus on the light source and a second focus, capable of being inserted in or removed from an optical path from the light source to a second fixed reflecting surface. A first fixed reflecting surface of a parabolic group reflecting surface can include a focus on the second focus of the first reflecting surface, and at least two second reflecting surface elements. The second fixed reflecting surface can include a first focus on the light source and at least two third reflecting surface elements for reflecting light rays that have traveled an optical path from the light source thereto without being reflected by the first reflecting surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
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Patent number: 6945679Abstract: A tire illuminating apparatus 12 for illuminating the tires 14 of a vehicle 10 is provided. The tire illuminating apparatus 12 includes a base member 20 which is coupled to the vehicle 10 above the tire 14. The illuminating apparatus 12 is also provided with a light directing member 36 which is coupled to the base member 20 which directs light so that diagonally extending light beams are cast on the tire 14. An illuminating member 44 for providing a predetermined source of light is also provided. The illuminating member 44 is coupled in the base member 20 so that light is provided to the light directing member 36 to illuminate the tire 14 as desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Raymond Young
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Patent number: 6923562Abstract: A vertically adjustable headlight assembly having a headlight housing, a reflector positioned within the housing and an adjuster mechanism including a channel and an adjustment member. An end of the adjustment member is accessible outside of the housing and the other end is received in the channel. When advanced or retracted, the end of the adjustment member travels within the channel causing the reflector to pivot within the housing and vertically adjust.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Leathley, Jeff Sanfrey, Edward M. Kalis, Stephen D. McCarthy, Gregory A. Stoi, James Fassett
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Patent number: 6921187Abstract: A vehicle lamp including light sources, a reflective mirror for effecting desired light distribution by reflecting light emitted from the light sources and a lens disposed in front of the reflective mirror. In the vehicle lamp, the reflective mirror has a dummy portion which makes no contribution to effecting light distribution and is exposed to the outside through the lens, and an indicative mark for identifying the lighting device is formed integrally with the dummy portion. As the indicative mark can be visually recognized from the outside through the lens, the indicative mark needed not be formed on the lens. When lighting devices having different light distribution characteristics are provided, it is only needed to produce reflective mirrors respectively having corresponding indicative marks and the rest of the parts including the lens and the lamp body can be provided for common use.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Mochizuki, Susumu Kakidaira
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Patent number: 6918691Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly having a housing, a shaft axially moveable in the housing and a gear having a thread engaging a thread of the shaft for causing axial movement of the shaft from rotation of the gear. The gear and/or housing are adapted to receive rotary input tools for adjustment. All parts can be made of plastic or other non-corrosive materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Gattone, Adolph G. Galinski
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Patent number: 6910790Abstract: A headlight for providing a light beam adapted to illuminate the verge of the road. From the rear towards the front along a horizontal reference axis are an elliptical reflector, a light source, and a convergent lens element. The reflector and light source are mounted for pivoting movement, to provide a movable optical axis with respect to the longitudinal axis. The lens is fixed. A lateral portion arranged in an angular sector is swept by the movable optical axis, and is designed to cause the light beam to be modified as a function of the offset angle defined by the movable optical axis with the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Antoine De Lamberterie, Jean Matthieu Tourenq
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Patent number: 6910789Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a reflector installed so as to be tiltable by an aiming mechanism installed in the lamp body. The aiming screw of the aiming mechanism has a rearward-extending portion that extends out of the lamp body, and a crown gear is attached to an area near the end of the rearward-extending portion so as to be spaced apart from a screw supporting wall of the lamp body that supports the middle portion of the aiming screw. An expanded-out wall that functions as a screwdriver guide for supporting a screwdriver that is used to rotate the crown gear is provided above the screw supporting wall. The end of the rearward-extending portion of the aiming screw is supported by a bracket that is installed near the screw supporting wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Masayoshi Kuroda
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Patent number: 6848816Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Kash A. Munir, Mark Olijnyk, Patrick McCaffrey, Paul Schwarz, Alex Gersch, Paul van de Loo, Maarten J. Schuumans, Andrew D. Herps, Adam S. Peacock, Richard G. Teal, Chris Moase
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Publication number: 20040264208Abstract: A headlamp for an automobile including: a container-shaped lamp body that forms, together with a front cover mounted on the front opening of the lamp body, a lamp chamber; a reflector that has a light source and is tiltable around a predetermined horizontal tilt axis inside the upper portion of the lamp chamber; and a leveling actuator that is provided on the outside bottom of the lamp body and has an actuation shaft movable in the back and forward direction of the lamp body and connected to the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takaaki Nishizawa
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Publication number: 20040240222Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly have a fixed annular boss, a shaft axially moveable through the boss, and a gear having a thread engagement with a threaded portion of the shaft. A cap is non-rotatably engaged with the shaft and the boss.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Peter B. Brazas, Michael T. Gattone
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Patent number: 6799874Abstract: A headlamp that is installed at the front of an automobile, such headlamp including a light source, a main reflector, and a sub reflector. When the light source is turned on the headlamp reflects the light from the light source with the main reflector and the sub reflector to illuminate a road surface in a target luminous intensity distribution pattern, and chances the luminous intensity distribution pattern by moving the sub reflector. The main reflector and the sub reflector are prepared based on a composite combination of reflection surfaces of free curved surfaces. The sub reflector is movably disposed at a position where the light from the light source is directly incident to the sub reflectors and also at the position where the sub reflector does not interrupt a light path through which the light from the light source is incident to the main reflector.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yutaka Nakata
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Patent number: 6796696Abstract: A vehicle light can include a light source, a major reflecting surface, a projection lens, and a shutter. A first reflecting surface of an ellipse group reflecting surface preferably has a first focus on the light source and a second focus, capable of being inserted in or removed from an optical path from the light source to a second fixed reflecting surface. A first fixed reflecting surface of a parabolic group reflecting surface can include a focus on the second focus of the first reflecting surface, and at least two second reflecting surface elements. The second fixed reflecting surface can include a first focus on the light source and at least two third reflecting surface elements for reflecting light rays that have traveled an optical path from the light source thereto without being reflected by the first reflecting surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
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Patent number: 6796679Abstract: A two-piece reflector has a base member with a substantially planar surface including a substantially complete reflector and a partially complete reflector projecting therefrom and integral therewith. First and second spaced apart supports are associated with the partially complete reflector and project from the base member and provide pivot points therein. A substantially concave housing is adjustably fitted to cooperate with the partially complete reflector. The concave housing has a pair of spaced apart, projecting, axially aligned nubbins, a first of these nubbins being rotationally fixed to the pivot point in the first support and a second of the nubbins being rotationally fixed to the pivot point in said second support. This allows rotational adjustment of the housing about the axis defined between the pivot points. Means are provided attached to the concave housing for fixing the same in a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Valeo Sylvania L.L.C.Inventors: John L. Smith, Jr., Paul W. Krinop
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Patent number: 6796693Abstract: A headlamp adjuster configured for engagement with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The headlamp adjuster includes a U-shaped structure which is engaged with a screw and which is engageable with the reflector. The screw is prevented from translating substantially upon rotation, but the headlamp adjuster is configured such that rotation of the screw causes the U-shaped structure to translate thereby moving the reflector. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft portion which is threadably engaged with an internally threaded bore of the U-shaped structure. The U-shaped structure may be a single piece which is engaged with the screw and is engageable with the reflector, or may include a U-shaped member which is engaged with the screw and a slide member, where the slide member is engageable with the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Karl Schmitt, Usman Yusuf Shami
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Patent number: 6796694Abstract: A vehicular signal lamp providing a uniformly bright appearance even when the lamp is observed in a lateral direction. A reflecting surface of a reflector is composed of a plurality of reflecting elements for diffusing and reflecting in right and left directions the light from a light source bulb. A left direction maximum diffusion angle of the respective reflecting elements is set to a smaller value the nearer the reflecting element is located to the left end portion of the reflecting surface, and a right direction maximum diffusion angle R of the respective reflecting elements is set to a smaller value the nearer the reflecting element is located to the right end portion of the reflecting surface. Thereby, when the light is observed in a lateral direction by moving the viewing position from the light front direction to the right or left, the entire reflecting surface appears bright within a certain light viewing angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
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Patent number: 6779912Abstract: The headlight, especially for a motor vehicle, includes at least two separately adjustable reflectors and a reflector height adjusting mechanism for adjusting the reflector heights separately or synchronously. The reflectors include a first reflector for high beam light and/or fog light and a second reflector associated with a low beam light module. The reflector height adjusting device includes separate adjusting devices for individually adjusting the respective heights for the at least two separately adjustable reflectors and a coupling member for the separate adjusting devices. When the separate adjusting devices are put in a coupled state by the coupling member the heights of the at least two reflectors are synchronously adjusted by operation of only one of the separate adjusting devices. The method for adjusting light radiated from the headlight includes performing a pre-adjustment in which each of the reflectors is separately adjusted by the separate adjusting devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Krieg, Hans-Joachim Schmidt, Harry Hofmann
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Patent number: 6776513Abstract: The invention proposes a motor-vehicle headlamp (10), of the type including a main optical system (23) which comprises, arranged from back to front overall along a main optical axis (A—A), a main light source (16), a main reflector (14) of the elliptical type, and a converging main lens (18), characterised in that it includes a secondary optical system (36) comprising: a secondary light source (48) which is arranged behind the main lens (18) and off the path of the light rays emitted by the main light source (16); and an optical distribution element (42) which is interposed between the secondary light source (48) and the exit surface (19) of the main lens (18), in such a way as to form, at the exit from the main lens (18), a secondary regulatory beam for indicating.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Patent number: 6773152Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle has a light module with at least one reflector and a light source, a first frame with which at least a part of the light module is connected, a first adjusting element for swivelling the first frame around a first swivel axis, a second frame in which the first frame is supported and which is turnable around a second swivel axis, a second adjusting element for swivelling the second swivel frame, a body-fixed frame support in which the second frame is supported, the frames being arranged so that the swivel axes extend perpendicular to one another and arranged in one plane, a base adjustment element for adjusting at least one of the frames around an adjusting axis which is aligned with one of the swivel axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbHInventor: Heinz Ruckwied
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Publication number: 20040105275Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is configured to have a plurality of lamp units employing light-emitting diodes as light sources. One lamp unit takes as a light source a light-emitting diode into which a single light-emitting chip is packaged. Other lamp units may take as light sources light-emitting diodes into which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are packaged. A diffusion area is formed by means of radiation of light output from the lamp units.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kiyoshi Sazuka, Hiroyuki Ishida, Masashi Tatsukawa