Having Ball And Socket Mechanism Patents (Class 362/515)
  • Patent number: 11312291
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated element between a light source carrier frame and a leveling motor in a headlight of a motor vehicle, which is used to transform the linear movement of the drive shaft of the leveling motor into the rotation of the carrier frame for a certain angle. The light source carrier frame with one or several light sources is pivotally mounted to the headlight housing that is later on fixed to the car structure. The leveling motor with a drive shaft is fixed to the headlight housing, and can push its drive shaft in or out in a primarily linear direction. Undesirable radial force acting on the drive shaft are minimized or eliminated by the use of the articulated element according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: HELLA Saturnus Slovenija d.o.o.
    Inventor: Edwin Stegovec
  • Patent number: 10093221
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight assembly includes a plurality of snap wedge assemblies with at least one of the snap wedge assemblies including a ball stud configured for engagement with a light module and an insert coupled with the ball stud, the insert including a plurality of wedges and a plurality of snap fingers. The assembly further includes a plurality of carrier receptacles for matingly receiving and securing the snap wedge assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 9481291
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light source, a projection lens through which at least a portion of light emitted from the light source passes, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a reference position of an optical axis of the projection lens. The adjustment mechanism includes a first member having a movement axis, a second member holding the first member, a first screw arranged to adjust the reference position in a first direction, and a second screw arranged to adjust the reference position in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first member is arranged such that the movement axis is positioned on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and including a focal point of the projection lens. An action by a rotation of the first screw and an action by a rotation of the second screw are applied to one of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Shibata, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 9283886
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes: a lamp unit including a unit main body and a connecting portion; a leveling actuator that is connected to the connecting portion and that moves the lamp unit to adjust an irradiation direction of the emitted light; and an aiming mechanism that includes a pair of aiming shafts connected to the connecting portion and that moves the lamp unit to adjust an irradiation direction of the emitted light. The connecting portion has a leveling operation portion to which the leveling actuator is connected and a pair of aiming operation portions to which the respective the aiming shafts are connected. The aiming operation portions are arranged spaced from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicular headlamp. The leveling operation portion is arranged between the aiming operation portions, on an opposite side of the unit main body from the aiming shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 9150266
    Abstract: An oscillating headlight assembly for a motorcycle. A light assemblage is provided that contains a light source, wherein the light source produces a beam of light. At least one pivot pin couples the light assemblage to the motorcycle. A drive wheel is provided that is rotated by an electric motor. A linkage is attached to the drive wheel at an eccentric point. The linkage engages said light assemblage. When the drive wheel is rotated by the electric motor, the linkage causes the light assemblage to oscillate about the pivot pins through a range of motion. The result is a head light with a beam of light that sweeps back and forth while the motorcycle is in operation. This makes the motorcycle much more visible to other vehicles that share the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Paul V. Jones
  • Patent number: 9090204
    Abstract: A holder arrangement of a light module in the housing of a headlamp includes a headlamp leveling actuator being arranged between the light module and the housing for the adjustment of the position of the light module in the housing, wherein the position of the headlamp leveling actuator can be changed in the housing by means of an adjustment device. The adjustment device may include a connecting link which is embodied for the compensation of thermally induced changes of the position of the light module in the housing of the headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Winfried Leisse, Ralf Seiger, Norbert Röhr
  • Publication number: 20150109809
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly typically includes a high beam reflector and a low beam reflector. A linkage synchronizes the aim of a high beam reflector with a low beam reflector while also providing damping for both reflectors to stop them from visibly shaking or fluttering the light beam under vibration in actual use. The damping linkage could also be employed in a single reflector environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: BURTON TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: John Edwards Burton
  • Patent number: 8721143
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (1), having a motor (2) and an actuator component (3) operable by the motor (2), having a movable gear component (4) with a limit stop component (5a, 5b), and at least one limit stop element (6) with a reference plane serving as stop for the limit stop component (5a, 5b) of the gear component (4), wherein at least one limit stop element (6) and/or the first and/or the second limit stop component (5a, 5b) is/are made from a high-temperature plastic material. Furthermore, the invention of such an actuator (1) relates to the use of such an actuator for the headlamp leveling of a headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hella KGaA
    Inventors: Reinhard Wille, Hendrik Rickmeyer
  • Patent number: 8696181
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp with an optical axis adjusting device includes a housing, a reflector assembly pivotably mounted to the housing, a light source assembly mounted to the reflector assembly, and the optical axis adjusting device mounted to the reflector assembly. The optical axis adjusting device includes a threaded shaft and a fulcrum. The fulcrum is pivotably mounted to the reflector assembly and threaded with the threaded shaft. When the threaded shaft is rotated, the fulcrum can move along the axial direction of the threaded shaft and drive the reflector assembly to pivot with respect to the housing, so the angle of the optical axis of the vehicular lamp can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Maxzone Auto Parts Corp.
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Wu
  • Patent number: 8622597
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes a body, a light source and a reflecting module. The body defines an outputting opening. The light source includes an LED. The reflecting module includes a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector. One part of light incident to the first reflector is firstly reflected by the first reflector, secondly reflected by the second reflector, thirdly reflected by the third reflector, and finally travels out of the body via the outputting opening. Another part of the light incident to the first reflector is firstly reflected by the first reflector, secondly reflected by the third reflector, and finally travels out of the body via the outputting opening. The rest part of the light is incident to the third reflector and then is reflected by the third reflector to travel out of the body via the outputting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Fong Tseng
  • Patent number: 8485706
    Abstract: A securing device for connecting a reflector to an adjustment unit includes a connector connected to the reflector and a holding member is connected to the connector. The holding member includes a space and a slot defined axially through a wall of the holding member. Two notches are defined in two ends of the slot respectively. A securing member includes a frame which includes two upright portions and two transverse portions connected between the two upright portions. The two upright portions are engaged with the notches and one of the two transverse portions has a gap which is expanded when the neck of the adjustment rod of the adjustment unit passes therethrough. The sphere on the adjustment rod is located in the space and the securing member clamps the two ends of the slot to prevent the sphere from disengaged form the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: TYC Brother Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Hsun Chien
  • Patent number: 8401741
    Abstract: A headlamp in an automobile, which is rotatable about a yaw axis when negotiating a bend, has a controller for controlling the rotary movement. In order to improve the illumination of a roadway lying in front of an automobile, the controller may take into account a driving profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Justus Illium, Torsten Kanning
  • Patent number: 8240897
    Abstract: An optical axis adjusting apparatus and vehicle light include a lamp housing and a reflector. The optical axis adjusting apparatus includes a ball joint via which the lamp housing and the reflector are connected, an aiming screw, a nut portion, and a support member. The nut portion is screwed onto the aiming screw and the support member is fit onto the aiming screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Narumi
  • 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: 7963715
    Abstract: A push-in connector provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the connector and flexes to snap-fit within in the connector. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the connector and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in connector design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the connector. The connector assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with a variety of ball studs, as well as other items such as shafts of various objects and wires, or may be used a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 7845837
    Abstract: A ball socket for connection with a ball stud provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the socket and flexes to snap-fit within in the socket. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss or socket. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the socket and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in socket design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the socket. The socket assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with disengageable or conventional ball studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • 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: 7762686
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • 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: 7637685
    Abstract: An adjustment device (10) having a socket (12) attached to an article (14) to be adjusted; a housing (16) remote from the article (14); a shaft (18) moveable along a longitudinal axis (20) in the housing (16), the shaft (18) having a socket end (22) engaging the socket (12); a clutch (24) to allow slippage of the shaft (18), the improvement wherein a friction brake (26) is positioned in the housing (16) and engages the socket end (22) of the shaft (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sanders R. Brott, James W. Acker
  • Patent number: 7572042
    Abstract: A leveling device helps to prevent misalignment in the axial direction of an adjusting screw with respect to a shaft. A shaft 20 has an insertion cylindrical portion 21 that is in a generally cylindrical shape, and a shaft-side engagement portion 23 that is connected in the axial direction of the insertion cylindrical portion. An adjusting screw 27 has an insertion shaft portion 28 that mates with the insertion cylindrical portion of the shaft, and a screw-side engagement portion 31 that engages with the shaft-side engagement portion. The insertion shaft portion of the adjusting screw has an irregular portion 28a that is press-fit into the insertion cylindrical portion of the shaft, and that restricts movement in the axial direction with respect to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Deguchi
  • 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: 7517123
    Abstract: A motorized adjuster (30) is used for adjusting the aim of a lamp. The adjuster has a housing (32) and a motor (36). An output shaft (38) passes through the housing and is operably connected to the motor. A ball stud (60) is moved by actuation of the motor and may also be moved by manual operation (41). A clutching feature may be included to prevent damage due to over adjustment attempts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raul Aguinaga, Scott T. Fladhammer, Mark Roszko
  • 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: 20080112179
    Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle includes a lamp unit serving to irradiate a light forward, and an actuator having a single output shaft for tilting the lamp unit vertically and transversely. The lamp unit is disposed in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body and a transparent cover for covering a front surface of the lamp body. The lamp unit includes a body coupling portion to be coupled to the lamp body and an actuator coupling portion to be coupled to the actuator. The lamp body includes a lamp unit coupling portion coupled to the body coupling portion and serving to support the lamp unit tiltably in vertical and transverse directions. The actuator is supported on the lamp body and includes an output shaft for tilting the lamp unit vertically and transversely in engagement with the actuator coupling portion of the lamp unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 7325950
    Abstract: An antiglare device comprises a housing for coupling to a headlight of a vehicle. Surfaces of the housing which face a passenger side of the vehicle are reflective to encourage reflection of light away from oncoming traffic while surfaces of the housing facing towards the driver side of the vehicle are preferably non-reflective to reduce the amount of light reflected towards oncoming traffic. Plates may be supported within the housing through which the light passes in which the plates similarly include reflective and non-reflective surface. The plates may be pivotal between a high beam position parallel to the direction of light projected through the housing and a low beam position in which the plates are deflected in the direction in which the reflective surfaces face towards the passenger side. The plates may instead be horizontal in the high beam position and deflected downwardly in the low beam positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7287888
    Abstract: An adjusting device for automobile headlamp projection angle comprises a case, a bearing ring, a connection beam, a magnet, a main axle, a pair of forward-wound coil and backward-wound coil, a pair of active transmission gear wheel and passive transmission gear wheel, and a circuit board. The circuit board controls the charging of the coils, determining the poiarity of the magnet, whereby the transmission gear wheels will move and drive an up or down shift of the main axle. A stopping piece mounted on the passive transmission gear wheel will move and confine the movement of the main axle between an upper and a lower limits, which limits are controlled by a handle on the circuit board. Therefore, over-extension and over-contraction of the main axle can be prevented. Further, the transmission will be more sensitive, and the total volume of the device will be small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Hsian-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 7284887
    Abstract: A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp is disclosed. The lamp adjuster includes an input shaft, a ball stud bracket in threaded engagement with the input shaft and an o-ring mounted on the ball stud bracket. Rotation of the input shaft causes linear translation of the ball stud bracket, thereby adjusting the aim of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • Patent number: 7252419
    Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle headlight with multiple degrees of freedom enables the rider to aim the light where it is needed, as well as facilitating the factory assembly process by enabling fine adjustment after the headlight is mounted. The motorcycle headlight is attached to the frame via a ball and socket structure cooperatively coupled to at least one positioning arm provided in tandem with the ball and socket structure for accommodating and stabilizing the movement of the ball and socket joint and locking same in position. The positioning arm includes a series of straight segments rotatably attached to one another via adjusters which can be loosened to enable adjustment, and tightened to affix the positioning arm into place. The combination of the ball and socket joint with a pair of positioning arms also provides a stable, robust three-point attachment mount for the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jesse G. James
  • Patent number: 7217016
    Abstract: A lamp mounting apparatus engages a temporal fastening pin with a temporal fastening clip to prevent a positioning surface of a lamp unit from moving in such a direction as to depart from a flange, so that the lamp unit can be kept positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihide Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7207704
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeyuki Tachiiwa, Manbu Maeda, Koichi Nakamura, Fujio Onuki
  • Patent number: 7198392
    Abstract: An adjuster to be used with numerous applications including the adjusting of a headlamp reflector of a headlamp assembly includes a clutch mechanism that prevents over-driving and over-traveling of the adjuster output shaft during an overload condition. The adjuster includes generally an output shaft, drive gear, spring, and a driven gear that allow the headlamp adjuster to clutch. The driven gear is held in an engaged position with the drive gear by the spring force of the spring. In a high torque condition, such as when the output shaft encounters a high load, the driven gear will disengage from the drive gear overcoming the spring force of the spring. In this position, the headlamp adjuster will clutch, thereby preventing the over-driving and over-traveling of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Darien P. Hobbs, Peter B. Brazas
  • Patent number: 7118259
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • Patent number: 7077551
    Abstract: An adjustable element is part of an apparatus such as an automotive headlight which includes a support, and a security cap prevents undetected interference with the adjustment of that element, guaranteeing its inviolability. The adjustment is effected with a control member rotatable about a geometrical axis transverse to the axis of the support. The control member has an adjusting head accessible from outside the support. The security cap is mounted for movement in translation with respect to the support, parallel to the geometric support axis, and includes snap-fitting means co-operating with a zone of the support, to be engaged in response to this movement. The cap is put into a final snap-fitted position, in which it conceals the adjusting head, by a simple push.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Franck Dinant
  • Patent number: 7033053
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip M. Watson, Jo Broshar, Travis S. Floyd
  • Patent number: 7004607
    Abstract: A motorized adjuster for adjusting the aim of a lamp having a housing, motor, and control rod. The control rod passes through the motor. An anti-rotation gear is positioned inside the housing. The control rod passes through the gear. A flex point is positioned inside the housing to functionally engage the gear. The adjuster may be operated manually or electrically. Manual operation is accomplished by actuating a driver inserted into the housing. Electrical operation is accomplished by actuating the motor. Actuating the driver or the motor causes the control rod to move along its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Raul Aguinaga
  • Patent number: 6979109
    Abstract: A sliding adjuster includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing includes mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing includes channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which is engaged in a reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Burton Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6976773
    Abstract: A pivot capsule for a motor vehicle headlamp has a seating receiving a substantially spherical head of a fixing rod of substantially axial orientation extending from a housing of the headlamp to allow the lighting module to pivot. The seating is open at its two transverse ends. The seating has a channel which receives the head, and at least two lugs extending with play on both sides of the channel and the head. The recurved arms incorporate ends bearing on the head substantially at its junction with the rod to hold it securely in the channel. An additional retaining element of the pivot capsule is intended to be inserted via an open end of the seating and which includes at least one retaining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Jean-François Cavanna
  • Patent number: 6971776
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a reflector tiltably supported by an aiming mechanism intervening between the reflector and a lamp body. An aiming fulcrum forming the aiming mechanism is formed with a ball joint including a pivot on the reflector side and a bearing on the lamp body side. The pivot is formed with a shaft portion on the base end side and a ball portion on the front end side. The bearing is formed with a cylindrical ball bearing portion formed on the inner periphery where a ball supporting surface in press-contact with the ball portion opening forward via a ring-like diameter reducing portion. Vertical slits are provided in the open peripheral edge portion of the ball bearing portion. The ball portion is formed into a substantially hemispheric ball portion such that its front side press-fitted into the ball bearing portion has a spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Tomita, Yosiaki Aiso, Ken Matsuoka, Katutada Shirai
  • Patent number: 6971777
    Abstract: Lamp unit for a motor vehicle of the type including at least one housing into which is inserted a lighting module which is fixed in the housing by means of at least one pivot element incorporating a rod of substantially horizontal axial orientation, carried by the housing, of which a spherical head is housed in a capsule integral with the lighting module, wherein it includes at least one retaining enclosure which is traversed by at least part of the rod, which is carried by a wall of the housing, and in which a seating receives the capsule supported vertically substantially aligned with the spherical head, so that the weight of the lighting module bears on the housing, and in that a sidewall of the enclosure has two flanges which are received in a slideway carried by the associated wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Daniel Casses, Jean Masse
  • Patent number: 6945682
    Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles is provided that includes an optical element, which is connected to a support element by at least one ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint has a spherical ball and a spherical socket. The socket encloses the ball with socket segments and is inserted together with the ball into a receptacle, and contacts, via its socket segments, the inside of the receptacle. The socket contacts the bottom of the receptacle with a base, and has on the other side freestanding elastic socket segments that enclose the ball. Elastic detent elements of the receptacle engage behind the base of the socket and retain the socket axially in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Herbert Cramer, Hubertus Hering, Pavel Brostik
  • Patent number: 6923562
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Leathley, Jeff Sanfrey, Edward M. Kalis, Stephen D. McCarthy, Gregory A. Stoi, James Fassett
  • Patent number: 6918691
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gattone, Adolph G. Galinski
  • Patent number: 6913374
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster for adjusting the position of a reflector includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing has mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing also has channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which engages the reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.” A marked-up version showing the changes is enclosed herewith in accordance with 37 CFR §1.121 (b)(iii).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6871989
    Abstract: A headlamp includes a lamp housing defining a lamp body and a front lens. A reflector is accommodated in the lamp housing and a light source is attached thereto. An aiming mechanism tiltably supports the reflector relative to the lamp body, and includes an aiming fulcrum, aiming screws, and nut members attached to the reflector. The nut members are guided by sliding guides in the lamp body, and stress releasing devices having a ball-and-socket joint structure are provided in an attachment portion of the nut members and brackets. A ball portion of a ball-and-socket joint is formed in a nut member body itself provided with a female screw portion, a slider supported by the sliding guides is formed integrally with a side of the ball portion, and the ball portion is supported on a ball receiving portion of bearings attached to the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Nakazawa, Takeyuki Tachiiwa, Norihiro Nishitani, Katutada Shirai
  • Patent number: 6824300
    Abstract: A mounting plug for pivotably connecting a first component to a second component. The mounting plug comprises a ball stud portion comprising a ball and a post. The post comprises means for attaching the ball stud portion to the first component. The mounting plug further comprises a base and a socket chamber integrally molded on top of the base. The socket chamber is adapted to removably and pivotably retain the ball stud portion. The mounting plug further comprises a channel integrally molded to the base adjacent to the socket chamber, with the channel adapted to allow the ball to be inserted there through and into the socket chamber. The mounting plug further comprises a retainer portion integrally molded below the base. The retainer portion comprises at least one tab integrally molded to the retainer portion and adapted to removably secure the socket portion to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin R. Drews, Michael W. Beeler
  • Patent number: 6796693
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Karl Schmitt, Usman Yusuf Shami
  • Patent number: 6793359
    Abstract: A transmission member is swingably connected respectively to a reflector and a nut member, about an axis substantially orthogonal to a tilting direction of the reflector and to an advancing and backward direction of the nut member. As a result, the transmission member, which forms a link of a link mechanism, converts the linear motion of the nut member into rotation motion and transmits the rotation motion to the reflector, and also adjusts a misalignment between the linear motion of the nut member and the rotation motion of the reflector. Accordingly, optical axis adjustment is carried out smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Miyoshi Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 6779912
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Krieg, Hans-Joachim Schmidt, Harry Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20040151005
    Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles is provided that includes an optical element, which is connected to a support element by at least one ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint has a spherical ball and a spherical socket. The socket encloses the ball with socket segments and is inserted together with the ball into a receptacle, and contacts, via its socket segments, the inside of the receptacle. The socket contacts the bottom of the receptacle with a base, and has on the other side freestanding elastic socket segments that enclose the ball. Elastic detent elements of the receptacle engage behind the base of the socket and retain the socket axially in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Herbert Cramer, Hubertus Hering, Pavel Brostik