Adjustable Lamp Or Lamp Support Patents (Class 362/523)
  • Patent number: 7758194
    Abstract: A light source adjusting device for a projector is provided. The light source adjusting device includes a base; an adjusting frame having a containing housing; a lamp disposed inside the containing housing as a light source of the projector; a connecting frame connected between the base and the adjusting frame; a first adjusting element disposed on the base and connected with the connecting frame; and a second adjusting element disposed on the base and connected with the adjusting frame, wherein the second adjusting element and the first adjusting element are disposed coplanarly, and a position of the connecting frame is adjusted by adjusting the first adjusting element and a position of the adjusting frame is adjusted by adjusting the second adjusting element, thereby driving the lamp so as to adjust a focal position of the light source adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Jui Lin, Ching-Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20100149827
    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 unstable driving situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Horst Kettern-Kohler
  • Patent number: 7736040
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system and a vehicle headlamp are provided. The headlamp system includes a plurality of headlamps, one headlamp disposed on each of the right and left sides of a front end portion of a vehicle. Each of the headlamps includes a lamp body having an opening portion, a transparent cover attached to the opening portion to form a lamp chamber, and a plurality of lamp units arranged inside the lamp chamber along a width direction of the vehicle. An outer side portion of the transparent cover extends toward a rear side of the vehicle. Each of the lamp units includes a light emitting element disposed such that a light emitting surface thereof faces an inner side in the width direction of the vehicle, and a reflector disposed on an inner side of the light emitting element to forwardly reflect light from the corresponding light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shohei Fujiwara, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7726858
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include a plurality of light projection units each having a replaceable LED lamp, a reflector unit, a projection lens, and a shielding member. A housing can be provided that includes a lens and a rear side part, with the housing configured to accommodate the light projection units. The rear side part can include a mounting opening therethrough with a base plate configured to be hermetically attached to the housing through the mounting opening of the rear side part. The replaceable LED lamp can be attached to the base plate, and an elastic connecting member can be configured to hermetically connect the housing and the base plate so that the LED lamps can be individually replaced. Since the LED lamps can be individually replaced, untrained persons can carry out the replacement operation. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the replacement cost and time as well as improve the rate of operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Sato, Yasuyo Ikeda, Qi Jing, Satoshi Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20100124072
    Abstract: A head light system of an automobile includes a normal head light and an auxiliary head light. The normal head light is fixedly mounted at a front end of the automobile. The auxiliary head light is provided at the front end of the automobile and includes a lamp body and a supporting member. The lamp body has a center of gravity. One end of the supporting member is fixedly mounted to the automobile. The lamp body is pivotally connected to another end of the supporting member. A pivotal connection point between the lamp body and the supporting member is located just above the center of gravity of the lamp body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Shou Chang
  • Publication number: 20100110709
    Abstract: A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member; and a thrust receiver that receives a load of the lamp unit. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a case member; and a driving mechanism disposed in the case member. The lamp unit is coupled to the driving mechanism. The thrust receiver is integrally provided on the case member of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7703954
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp body having a front opening, a transparent cover covering the front opening to form a lamp chamber, and a lamp unit, which forwardly irradiates light, disposed in the lamp chamber. The vehicle lamp includes an aiming device having an output shaft coupled to one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the lamp unit, and a fulcrum portion coupled to the other of the upper surface and the lower surface of the lamp unit. The output shaft is movable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to the lamp body, and is rotatable around an axis extending in a vertical direction. The fulcrum portion supports the lamp unit by a single fulcrum allowing the lamp unit to be tilted in the vertical direction and in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Publication number: 20100091513
    Abstract: A vehicle detection apparatus detects oncoming vehicles, and the illumination angle of the headlight is changed downwardly when oncoming vehicles are detected. When detecting the oncoming vehicles, the vehicle detection apparatus detects brightness or area for the every light source in an acquired image repeatedly, and detects as a variable light source any light source of which brightness or area changes within a reference time beyond a predetermined variation reference value. Then, when a variable light source is detected, it is determined that vehicles exist in the acquired image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Kamioka
  • Publication number: 20100091512
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp of the present invention is provided with a lamp housing and a leveling device. The lamp housing has: a mount portion in which a circular through hole is provided; and an abutment protrusive portion which is provided at the mount portion. The leveling device has: a housing for providing a cylinder portion which is inserted into the circular through hole, and is mounted at a rim of the circular through hole; and an abutment face protrusive portion which is provided partly of the housing and allows the abutment protrusive portion to be in abutment against. As a result, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention allows the abutment protrusive portion to be in abutment against the abutment face protrusive portion, making it possible to ensure a stable distance between the lamp housing and the leveling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: TAKASHI WATANABE, YUUKI SUGIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100080013
    Abstract: The inventive assembly comprises a front face (4) fixable to the front structure (3) of a motor vehicle and a device (6) for fixing optical units (5) and comprising two supports (30) which are remote from each other, each of which is used for carrying the optical unit (5) and is fixable to the front face by one side thereof and to a mud guard (8) of the vehicle body by the other side thereof, wherein the elasticity of each support (30) is substantially greater than the elasticity of the front face (4), thereby making it possible to absorb relative adjustment movements of the corresponding mud guard (8), front face (4) and/or of the optical unit (5). In another variant, the fixing device (6) comprises at least one connection element (52) which is used for connecting the supports (30) to each other and is embodied in one piece therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANT
    Inventors: Caroline Riviere, Sebastien Berne
  • Patent number: 7686490
    Abstract: A vehicle front body structure including a front end module attached to a body front end. The front end module includes a frame member and a headlamp unit supported on the frame member. The headlamp unit is provided with a mounting device which is configured to flexibly support the headlamp unit on the frame member, and to provide a tendency to move the headlamp unit to its attachment position, upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined threshold to the headlamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tazaki, Takehiro Kiuchi, Shinichi Kaneda, Tatsuya Yamaho
  • Patent number: 7682058
    Abstract: A reflector reflects a light from a light source. A projector lens projects a reflected light from the reflector ahead of a vehicle. A shade is used to switch the reflected light into a plurality of beams in a plurality of light distribution patterns. A spring member and a drive unit switch a position of the shade between an obliquely upward and backward position and an obliquely downward and forward position to obtain the light distribution patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100061076
    Abstract: An elevator interior illumination system for adjustably illuminating the interior of an elevator passenger compartment. The system may include a lamp housing mountable in an elevator and a lamp supported within the lamp housing in a position to emit light from the housing through an opening in the housing into a passenger compartment of the elevator. The lamp includes at least one LED that's removable from the assembly from within the elevator passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Man-D-Tec
    Inventors: Terry Roy Mandy, Dalton John Mandy, Brandon Roy Mandy
  • Patent number: 7658522
    Abstract: A headlamp is provided with a lamp unit provided in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body and a transparent cover for covering a front side of the lamp body. The lamp unit is supported in the lamp housing in a suspending state in such a condition that the lamp unit can be swung in vertical and horizontal directions. An output shaft coupled to a lower end of the lamp unit can be rotated around its axis and slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis. A rotation of the output shaft around its axis is transmitted to the lamp unit. By a movement of the output shaft in the direction perpendicular to the axis, a rotation between the output shaft and the lamp unit causes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeru Kuwahara, Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7651251
    Abstract: A combined viewing mirror and turn signal lamp assembly (2) for this purpose includes a generally elongated stay (8) connected at one end (8a) thereof with a body of an automotive vehicle, and a rear viewing mirror (10) connected with the opposite end (8b) of the elongated stay. A turn signal lamp (12) is incorporated in a portion (8c) of the stay intermediate between the ends of the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norikazu Matsumura, Ryota Obuki
  • Patent number: 7651250
    Abstract: A retractable lighting apparatus for the upper surface of a roof of a vehicle includes at least one lighting member adapted to be raised or lowered relative to the upper surface of the roof, and a device for effecting the raising and lowering of the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus has its own upper surface and a base component into which at least one telescopic component can be retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: James William Griffin
  • Publication number: 20100014305
    Abstract: A device for automatic switching of the touring diaphragm by an extreme travel of the height controls of the headlight is provided with a mechanism for changing the spatial distribution of the light, consisting of a projector (1), attached by fixed hinges (2) to the body of the headlight (3). The adjustable hinge (4) enables movement of the projector (1) relative to the body of the headlight (3) by means of an actuator (5), so that in the extreme position there is a collision of the two-armed lever (6) with the body (3) and its rotation on a pivot (7), resulting in a change in the shape of the light beam. A spring (8) can be used to ensure the extreme positions of the travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Vlastimil Sedlacek, Jaromir Cacala, Petr Smajser, Michal Novy, JR.
  • Patent number: 7641372
    Abstract: An advanced headlamp system is proposed for providing a headlamp assembly for vehicles that has peripheral beam technology built in that has a multiplicity of filaments and reflectors built in to provide at least one forward beam and at least one or more peripheral light beams offset in angles to the left (for the driver side) and to the right (for the passenger side) of the forward beam in each assembly each also having a low-beam and a high-beam. The filaments and reflectors are located within a single sealed compartment. An example of a headlamp depicted would have (3) light filament bulbs, (3) reflectors, one pointing forward, one at a 45-degree angle, and one at a 90-degree angle. Included are circuitry and switches to program and to turn the bright lights and the peripheral beam system on or off and to turn the beams on or off automatically when an oncoming car comes within a certain distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Panopoulos
  • Publication number: 20090273943
    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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 7604383
    Abstract: A headlamp fixture and a control system for controlling a vehicular lighting system to produce particular lighting patterns required under different regulatory regimes is disclosed. The headlamps employ semiconductor light sources to create the desired patterns and can include at least two inclined light source elements which are alternately illuminated to produce required side illumination or can include single light source elements which can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise to produce the required side illumination. The lighting system can employ an output from a GPS receiver to determine the country or region in which the vehicle is being driven to automatically configure the operation of lighting system components, such as the side illumination of the headlamps and/or the activation and deactivation of daytime running lights, to meet the regulatory requirements of the country or region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Chad D. Lambert, Chris Wilson, Ronald Owen Woodward
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090213609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the adjustable fixing of a headlamp with a housing (1) in a body opening of a motor vehicle, with at least one lower fixing point (2, 2?) arranged in a lower region, in the vertical direction, of the housing (1) and with at least one upper fixing point (3) arranged in an upper region, in the vertical direction, of the housing, wherein a tab (5, 5?) of the housing (1) is connected to a support part (4) at the upper or lower fixing point via a holder (6) which runs transversely to the beam direction of the headlamp (2, 2?, 3) and can be displaced along a first adjustment direction (Y), wherein the holder is mounted such that it can be displaced with respect to the support part (4) in the first adjustment direction (Y) via a guide, and wherein the holder (6) is assigned a blocking device (11) for fixing the holder (6) in the first adjustment direction (Y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: HPBO GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Kersting, Andre Schmidt
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090196061
    Abstract: A vehicle cornering light can improve the visibility in a diagonally front area of the vehicle without increasing the luminous intensity of the cornering light (or light source thereof). The cornering light that is provided at or near a front corner of a vehicle and is configured to emit light for illuminating a diagonally front area of the vehicle can include a light source that can emit light with a color temperature of from 3700K to 7000K. The cornering light can emit light for illuminating a lateral area ranging from 60° to 75° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The light source can be composed of a first light source configured to emit light for illuminating an area partly overlapping, or adjacent to, an illumination area of the headlight of the vehicle, and a second light source configured to emit light for illuminating an area partly overlapping, or adjacent to, the illumination area of the first light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Susumu Nakamura, Takako Minoda, Yasushi Kita, Norikatsu Myojin
  • Publication number: 20090175048
    Abstract: A lamp mounting seat is adapted for mounting a lamp on a lamp mounting frame of a vehicle. The lamp mounting frame includes a plate body formed with a mounting hole, and the lamp mounting seat includes a seat body and a retaining ring. The seat body includes a base wall and a surrounding wall, which cooperate to define a receiving space adapted for receiving the lamp therein. The surrounding wall includes first and second stop units and a plate engaging groove. The seat body is adapted to be extended through the mounting hole of the lamp mounting frame such that a periphery of the mounting hole is received in the plate engaging groove, thereby mounting the seat body in the mounting hole. The retaining ring is detachably mounted on the surrounding wall for preventing removal of the lamp from the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Woody Hwang
  • Patent number: 7556409
    Abstract: An optical axis regulating device of a lighting device for a vehicle, which serves to vertically and transversely tilt a lamp unit supported on one fulcrum in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body having a concave portion and a transparent cover for covering an opening portion of the lamp body, includes a case, a slider movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the case, an output portion rotatably supported on the slider and coupled to the lamp unit, a vertical regulating device for moving the slider in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse regulating device for rotating the output portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Publication number: 20090129108
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a coupling seat mounted to a vehicle body and a lamp seat received in the lamp seat and having two ends pivotably connected to two lateral walls of the coupling seat. An elastic element is mounted between the coupling seat and the lamp seat to bias an engaging portion on one of the lateral walls of the lamp seat to engage with an engaging portion on one of the ends of the coupling seat to retain the lamp seat in an angular position relative to the coupling seat. The lamp seat is movable in the coupling seat to compress the elastic element and to disengage the engaging portion of the lamp seat from the engaging portion of the coupling seat, allowing the lamp seat to pivot to another angular position relative to the coupling seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Shih
  • Patent number: 7527402
    Abstract: An integrated reading light and personal air outlet for a passenger service unit (PSU) employs a housing carried in the PSU with an air nozzle mounted within the housing and a light ring of light emitting diodes mounted to the housing surrounding the air nozzle. The housing is swivels in the PSU for orientation of a primary axis for directing a light beam from the LED light ring and the air nozzle separately swivels within the housing for orientation of a secondary axis for directing airflow from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen L. Scown, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 7520648
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlight adjustment device with at least one light module mounted to pivot in an intermediate part by means of a pivot device, in which the intermediate part is mounted to pivot directly or indirectly in the headlight housing by means of an additional pivot device. For this purpose, at least one pivot device includes a clamping and/or release device. The headlight adjustment device also includes precisely one drive unit that adjusts the light module or light modules relative to the headlight housing. A low-wear, compact headlight adjustment device is developed with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 7520646
    Abstract: An initialization function of a lighting direction control apparatus of a vehicle lamp is provided with functions: for swinging, in a first direction, a lamp across the initial position until the lamp is bumped; for swinging, in the opposite direction (a second direction), the lamp from the bumped position across the initial position at a predetermined angle; and for swinging, in the first direction, the lamp at an angle across the initial direction. The bumped position is defined as a deflection angle position at which the headlamp does not dazzle the driver of a car approaching from the opposite direction. The predetermined angle is defined as an angle greater than a reflection error angle that is generated at the bumping time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Tetsuya Ishida
  • Patent number: 7513648
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlamp for vehicles with a reflector comprising a reflector opening for receiving a gas discharge lamp, with an ignition device for operating the gas discharge lamp, with holding means for releasably connecting the ignition device to a reflector, with electromagnetically compatible contact means arranged between the ignition device and the reflector, wherein the holding means includes a holding element which together with the ignition device and the gas discharge lamp forms a common unit, and the electromagnetically compatible contact means is integrated in the holding element, in such a way that, in a locking position of the holding element with the reflector, there is an electrically conductive connection between the ignition device and the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.,
    Inventors: Gerhard Rotgeri, Martin Dobrescu, Markus Gösling, Wolfgang Daub
  • Publication number: 20090080210
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight (80) comprises at least two modules (70) for light production, the radiation characteristics of at least one of the modules (70) being adjustable in a reference system associated with the headlight. Preferably, modules (70) of the headlight (80) have different radiation characteristics and the irradiation characteristics of at least two of the modules (70) overlap to form an adjustable radiation characteristic of the headlight (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Für Elektrische Glühlampen MBH
    Inventors: Thomas Reiners, Ralf Vollmer, Alexander Wilm
  • Publication number: 20090059613
    Abstract: A remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus includes a support which is connected to a vehicle. A remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism is connected to the support. One or more light assemblies are connected to the light assembly deployment mechanism. A remote control unit is provided for controlling the remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism. Preferably, a second light assembly is included for providing a pair of light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly deployment mechanism provides for adjustable vertical deployment of the light assemblies up and down in a vertical plane. Also, a remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism can be provided for rotating light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly rotation mechanism provides for rotation of the light units in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Tony C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7481561
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes at least one lamp unit, a holder that holds the lamp unit in a rotatable manner around a vertical axis, and a drive unit that rotates the lamp unit around the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruo Okuda
  • Publication number: 20080316762
    Abstract: A headlight unit having a virtual pivot center provided at a position different from a supported position to a vehicle body. Two, upper and lower headlight supporting portions spaced apart from each other are provided at a rear portion of a headlight unit The upper headlight supporting portion on each side includes a guide shaft formed on a support member of a radiator cover and a groove formed on an upper base portion of the headlight unit. The lower headlight supporting portion on each side includes an elongated hole formed through the support member of the radiator cover and a bolt threadedly engaged with a lower base portion of the headlight unit. The guide shaft and the bolt slide in the groove and the elongated hole, respectively, for performing the swing motion of the headlight unit about the virtual pivot center C to perform an adjustment of an optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Tatsuya SHIOKAWA, Koji Aoki
  • Patent number: 7467884
    Abstract: A hood assembly (100) adapted to be coupled to a vehicle having a hood (102) moveable between an open position and a closed position. The hood assembly includes a hood sub-frame (104) which includes a headlight mounting assembly (108) for permitting a left and right headlight (112 and 114) to be mounted to a left and right side of the hood sub-frame. The hood sub-frame also includes a hood mounting assembly (140 and 142) for coupling the hood sub-frame to the hood such that the hood sub-frame moves with the hood when the hood is coupled to the hood mounting assembly and moved between the open and closed positions. The hood sub-frame also has a cross brace assembly (144) passing between and coupled to the left side of the hood sub-frame and the right side of the hood sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Gregory S Hall, Toby Steere
  • Patent number: 7452116
    Abstract: A lighting/signaling device for a motor vehicle having a source arranged in a reflector which produces a light beam that is transmitted from the reflector along an essentially horizontal optical axis of the headlamp device. A movable flap is coupled to a first motor pivoting the movable flap between at least two positions. A casing which coupled to a second motor can be rotated, with respect to a fixed frame, along an axis which is essentially vertical and essentially perpendicular to the optical axis. The casing also includes at least one compartment for receiving and holding the first motor and the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Philippe Natchoo
  • Publication number: 20080253143
    Abstract: A lighting device for a motor vehicle producing a global light beam, the lighting device comprising a first fixed optical module comprising at least one first light source for producing a first light beam of the type consisting of a light beam with a substantially flat and horizontal cutoff. The lighting device also comprises a second movable optical module comprising at least one first light source for producing a second light beam of the type consisting of a light beam with non-flat cutoff able to be moved with respect to the first light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jonathan BLANDIN, Etienne PAUTY, Benoit REISS, Vanesa SANCHEZ
  • Publication number: 20080225543
    Abstract: A headlamp is provided with a lamp unit provided in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body and a transparent cover for covering a front side of the lamp body. The lamp unit is supported in the lamp housing in a suspending state in such a condition that the lamp unit can be swung in vertical and horizontal directions. An output shaft coupled to a lower end of the lamp unit can be rotated around its axis and slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis. A rotation of the output shaft around its axis is transmitted to the lamp unit. By a movement of the output shaft in the direction perpendicular to the axis, a rotation between the output shaft and the lamp unit causes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sigeru Kuwahara, Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7425085
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight apparatus includes a headlight and an actuator. The actuator horizontally changes a lighting direction of the headlight. The vehicle headlight apparatus drives the actuator such that the actuator horizontally changes the lighting direction of the headlight based on a target swivel angle that is determined based on a travel condition, upon the occurrence of one of the following conditions: (a) the vehicle headlight apparatus detects a dark road section located on a downstream side of a current position of a vehicle, or (b) the headlight is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Ryu Mizuno, Kazuhiko Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20080219022
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a wiring harness, a wiring clip for fixing the wiring harness in the lamp, and a casing for fixing the wiring clip. A force needed for fixing the wiring clip to a rib in the casing can be adjustable. The wiring clip can include both a clip body including at least one wire holder and a spring clip that is located in the clip body. The wiring clip can hold a wiring harness between the at least one wire holder and an inner surface of the casing and at the same time can be affixed to the rib of the casing. The width of the rib can differ in accordance with a longitudinal position of the rib, and the rib can be inserted between a U-shaped spring of the spring clip. Thus, the vehicle lamp can provide for fixing the wiring clip to the rib of the casing while also holding the wiring harness using the wiring clip to firmly fix the wiring harness in the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Yuji Ariki
  • Patent number: 7419289
    Abstract: A lamp unit includes a semiconductor light-emitting element portion, a reflector that radiates light from a light source forward of the lamp, and a driving portion that moves relative positions of the semiconductor light-emitting element portion and the reflector. The semiconductor light-emitting element portion is provided with a light-emitting surface whose outer peripheral shape is generally oblong, the reflector is provided with a parabolic surface that has a focus line in the horizontal direction, and the driving portion is configured such that rotation is possible within a horizontal plane of the light-emitting surface from a first position where a short side of the light-emitting surface is generally parallel to the focus line up to a second position where a long side of the light-emitting surface is generally parallel to the focus line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 7419286
    Abstract: A mounting foot for mounting a light bar on a roof of a vehicle includes at least one platform. The platform includes a recess for slidably receiving a base of a light assembly to mount the light assembly on the platform. The light assembly has a base fixedly secured to the platform and a light enclosure rotatably connected to the base of the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Stein
  • 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: 7394351
    Abstract: A signal assembly mountable to an exterior of a vehicle is configured with a light-generating unit operable to emit a visually perceptible signal, and with a sound-generating unit operable to generate a sound signal. The light and sound generating units are coupled to one another to form a unitary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Wolo Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Stanley Solow
  • Patent number: 7390114
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight arrangement includes a headlight housing adapted to enclose a light source, a vehicle body-connecting device connecting the headlight housing to a vehicle body part, and a vehicle-frame connecting device connect which connects the headlight housing to a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame connecting device includes a side-connecting component that allow a movement of the headlight housing relative to the vehicle frame along a single defined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Rehau AG & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas König, Thomas Mett, Stefan Herrmann, Tobias Pfretzschner, Stefan Lux
  • Publication number: 20080123361
    Abstract: An axial direction of an output shaft of a motor is perpendicular to an axial direction of a shaft that moves back and forth with respect to a housing unit. A plurality of power-supplying terminals is symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical line passing through a center of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Yuuki Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20080112181
    Abstract: An optical axis regulating device of a lighting device for a vehicle, which serves to vertically and transversely tilt a lamp unit supported on one fulcrum in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body having a concave portion and a transparent cover for covering an opening portion of the lamp body, includes a case, a slider movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the case, an output portion rotatably supported on the slider and coupled to the lamp unit, a vertical regulating device for moving the slider in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse regulating device for rotating the output portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 7370998
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a lighting fixture unit that emits white light in upper beam irradiation and emits infrared light in lower beam irradiation. The lighting fixture unit includes: a light source part including a first semiconductor light-emitting element as a white light source and a second semiconductor light-emitting element as an infrared light source; an optical member for irradiating in forward direction the light from each semiconductor light-emitting element; and an optical axis adjusting unit for changing in a vertical plane the direction of optical axis related to the first and second semiconductor light-emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Sasaki, Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Publication number: 20080106909
    Abstract: An aiming device of a lighting device for a vehicle for transversely and vertically tilting a lamp unit supported tiltably in vertical and transverse directions on one fulcrum in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body having a concave portion which is opened almost forward and a transparent cover for covering a front opening of the lamp body includes a case, a slider provided movably in a longitudinal direction along a vertical aiming shaft supported on the case, an output shaft, which is rotatably supported on the slider and is coupled to the lamp unit, and a transverse aiming shaft supported on the slider in almost parallel with the vertical aiming shaft, coupled to the output shaft, and serving to rotate the output shaft by a rotation. The vertical aiming shaft is rotated so that the slider is moved in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya