Gear Driven Patents (Class 362/524)
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Publication number: 20080304278Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes a first reflector disposed fixed with respect to the light source; a second reflector rotatable in a direction that opens and closes a reflective surface of the first reflector; a bracket rotatably supporting the second reflector via a shaft that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source; an actuator attached to the bracket; an attachment includes an insertion hole into which the driving rod of the actuator is inserted and first and second connection holes into which the connecting shaft of the second reflector is inserted. The second reflector includes a connecting shaft that projects in a direction generally perpendicular to an optical axis of the light source. The actuator includes a body and a driving rod that projects from a portion other than a center portion of the body and moves in an axial direction. The first connection hole and the second connection hole of the attachment open one way and open in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiko Ogino, Hirohiko Ohshio
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Publication number: 20080291690Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes an output shaft driven by a co-rotatable gear. Threads on the shaft engage splines in a thin wall boss, the splines having limited circumferential engagement with the screw. The thin wall boss deflects outwardly in response to forces that build in the engagement of the shaft and splines, to release driving engagement between the splines and the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Michael T. Gattone, Stanley Piotrowski
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Patent number: 7452154Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignees: NIFCO Inc., Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoaki Aoshima, Nobuhiro Hara, Takeyuki Tachiiwa
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Patent number: 7445365Abstract: A position adjustment device includes a housing, a limit rod, a movable rod, a rotation knob, a linking member, a driven member, a worm wheel, a direct-current motor, and a circuit board. Thus, the movable rod is movable to adjust the position and projecting angle of the headlight so that the direction of the headlight can be adjusted according to the slope of the road so as to provide a larger illuminating zone and a better viewing angle, thereby protecting the driver's safety when driving the car. In addition, the position and angle of the headlight is adjusted manually or in a motorized manner, thereby facilitating the user adjusting the direction of the headlight.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Lezi Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shou-Kang Hsu
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Publication number: 20080266890Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with a plurality of lamp units respectively including light sources, and optical units for emitting light from the light sources ahead of the lamp unit, and a driving unit configured to swivel the plurality of optical units in different strokes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Mitsuyuki MOCHIZUKI, Seiichiro YAGI, Yuji YASUDA
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Patent number: 7438457Abstract: An input shaft for a lamp adjuster is disclosed. The input shaft includes a top portion and bottom portion. The top portion and bottom portion can move axially relative to one another such that the input shaft can have a plurality of different lengths. The input shaft can also include a clutching feature. An adjuster and lamp assembly including an input shaft according to the present invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLCInventor: John Whynott
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Publication number: 20080175014Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
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Publication number: 20080112181Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Masahiro Kusagaya
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Publication number: 20080106909Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
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Patent number: 7364333Abstract: In a vehicle headlight system with a light source (2) and at least one reflector (1) for shaping the light emitted by the light source into a high beam and a low beam, and with a shield (7) adjustable via an actuating element (9) between a position in which the light from the light source (2) is blocked across a maximum cross section and an essentially transmissive position in which this light is substantially allowed to pass through, the actuating element (9) adapted for adjusting the shield (7) in a plurality of intermediate positions between the maximal blocking and the essentially transmissive position in which intermediate position the blocked cross section is less than the maximal cross section.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Gerhard Kurz, Volker Oltmann, Reinhold Schoeb, Bernd Woltermann
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Publication number: 20080093942Abstract: A step-by-step motor able to carry out up-and-down motion includes a housing, a bearing, a connecting member, a magnet, a rod unit, a right-handed coil, a reverse coil and a bayonet socket combined together. After the electric wires of the bayonet are electrically connected, the right-handed coil and the reverse coil respectively connected with the electric wires will be electrified to actuate the magnet and the connecting member to rotate clockwise or counter- clockwise. Simultaneously, the rod unit will be driven by the connecting member to move up or down linearly, able to carry out transmission effectively, small in size and taking less space.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Hsian-Yi Huang
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Publication number: 20080089086Abstract: A lamp device for vehicles includes a lamp unit for irradiating light in a desired light distribution pattern, a support body configured to support the lamp unit so as to be tiltable up and down, and tiltable right and left, and an actuator for tilting the lamp unit up and down with respect to the support body, and for tilting the lamp unit right and left with respect to the support body. The actuator includes a right-and-left tilting mechanism and an up-and-down tilting mechanism provided in an actuator housing. The right-and-left tilting mechanism includes an output shaft capable of turning in a right-and-left direction coupled to said lamp unit. The up-and-down tilting mechanism includes an output portion capable of moving said actuator housing back and forth with respect to the support body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Tsutomu Takiguchi, Naoki Takii
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Publication number: 20080080164Abstract: A shock absorbing mounting for a rotating warning light for a light bar is provided by the assembly of the rotator with a base member useful for mounting one or more rotators and other light producing array units. The light bar base member has longitudinal grooves and the mounting enables the rotator to be attached wherever desired along the grooves. The grooves are blind grooves. The rotator has its own base with a plurality of holes in which are provided resilient shock absorbing grommets with holes therethrough. The assembly of the rotator to the light bar base member is via self-threading screws which have heads, parts of which may be washers, which enlarge the diameter of the heads. The screws are of such length that when they engage and are stopped by the bottom of the grooves, the head compresses the grommet sufficiently to provide a resilient shock absorbing connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventor: Michael F. Mastin
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Publication number: 20080019140Abstract: The invention concerns a headlight adjustment device with at least two drive units for adjustment of a light module, each drive unit having at least one drive motor. For this purpose each drive unit includes a gear mechanism with two input elements movable relative to each other, which are connected by means of a coupling element. At least one input element of each drive element is coupled to the drive motor of the drive unit. Each coupling element is connected to an output element of the corresponding gear mechanism. In addition, each output element has an adapter for connection to the light modules. A headlight adjustment device is developed with the present invention, which has high dynamics and permits simple adjustment of the headlight in at least two directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: SCHEFENACKER VISION SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBHInventors: Daniel J. Flynn, Robert Apfelbeck, Andreas Leittretter
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Patent number: 7287888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventor: Hsian-Yi Huang
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Patent number: 7217018Abstract: An improved structure of the automobile lamp includes a base, a fixing pipe having two longitudinal grooves, and a lamp seat fixedly connected on the base inside the fixing pipe for combining with an automobile lamp body. An outer pipe is provided with a driving gear at its bottom end for engaging with a DC reduction motor and two staggered threads at its inner call. A colored inner pipe is provided between the fixing pipe and the lamp seat. Two guiding rods extend from the inner pipe and penetrate through the two longitudinal grooves of the fixing pipe to be received in the staggered threads of the outer pipe. When the output shaft of the DC reduction motor rotates, it drives the outer pipe to rotate and move the inner pipe forwardly to cover the automobile lamp body to change its light into another color.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventor: To-Cheng Chen
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Patent number: 7198392Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: Darien P. Hobbs, Peter B. Brazas
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Patent number: 7175319Abstract: A lamp body 20 includes a lamp unit 60 whose irradiation direction is changed according to a running state of a vehicle, a horizontal driving mechanism 90 for horizontally changing the irradiation direction, and a vertical driving mechanism 100 for vertically changing the irradiation direction. The horizontal driving mechanism and the vertical driving mechanism are integrated with each other, so that a lighting apparatus 10 can be mounted in a vehicle by using only a small mounting space. Moreover, the lighting apparatus 10 needs only small numbers of components and mounting man-hours.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Tsutomu Takiguchi, Kazuma Mochizuki, Naoki Takii
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Patent number: 7121706Abstract: In an actuator of a vehicle headlamp unit for deflecting a direction or a range of illumination, a step-like rib for supporting a printed circuit board is formed at an inner side of a peripheral edge portion of a resin molded casing, and an opposed rib is formed at an outer side of this peripheral edge portion by a generally channel-shaped groove. A gear in a gear mechanism of the actuator is made of a resin having self-lubricating properties. The actuator includes a brushless motor, a yoke molded of a resin having a cylindrical container-shape. A gear is formed integrally on a central portion of an outer end surface of the yoke. A fixing means for fixing the stator coil of the brushless motor to a housing or the board has a positioning structure for positioning the stator coil.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Keiichi Tajima, Atsushi Sugimoto, Kazuma 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: 7090384Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes a housing, an expandable member on the housing, and an adjuster member which is extendable and retractable relative to the housing. One end of the adjuster member is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly, and the other end of the adjuster member is receivable in the expandable member. The expandable member is configured to expand to accommodate retraction of the adjuster member. The expandable member may be a bellows which is, for example, molded to the housing. The housing may be molded over the bellows, or vice versa. Alternatively, the bellows may be attached to the housing using, for example, a snap ring, adhesive or some other suitable means.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: Gary E. Hendricks
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Patent number: 7066632Abstract: A lightweight and compact headlamp adjuster is constructed primarily from plastic materials. The adjuster may include a VHAD that is non-recalibratable after the headlamp aim is factory set. The adjuster includes an input shaft that engages a gear located within a housing. When the input shaft is rotated, a ball stud moves linearly to adjust the headlamp to which it is connected. The adjuster is not subject to over-adjustment when it includes a clutching mechanism provided by the interaction of the ball stud with the gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLCInventor: John E. Burton
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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: 7004607Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLCInventor: Raul Aguinaga
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Patent number: 6979109Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Burton Technologies LLCInventor: John E. Burton
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Patent number: 6926431Abstract: The invention relates to an external rearview mirror having an illumination source capable of illuminating various portions of an vehicle and the surrounding area depending upon the operational status of the vehicle. The illumination source is adjustable to selectively illuminate predetermined areas of the vehicle and the surrounding area. Two sets of light-emitting diodes of selected colors can be arranged and controlled so that the first set of LEDs can be selectively illuminated as a turn signal indicator, and the first set and second set can be selectively illuminated so that the combined illumination forms a white light suitable for illumination, such as a “puddle light” or backup light.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy, Kris D. Brown, Kenneth C. Peterson
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Patent number: 6918687Abstract: A leveling apparatus for a vehicle headlamp has a case body, a motor disposed within the case body, a worm wheel supported by the case body rotatably but unmovably in the longitudinal direction and rotated by the motor and a shaft screwed into the worm wheel. The shaft and the worm wheel are screwed together by thread ridges provided on the inner side of the worm wheel and thread ridges provided on the outer periphery of a driven portion forming the shaft. The thread ridges on one side out of the thread ridges on two sides are formed by one to two pitches.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hirohisa Deguchi
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Patent number: 6913374Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLCInventor: John E. Burton
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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: 6899450Abstract: A rear illumination and reflective viewing fixture for motor vehicles comprised of a spoiler member, a left and a right mounting base for the pivotable installation of the spoiler member onto the posterior aspect of a van or other vehicle, and a drive mechanism. The spoiler member has a minimum of one mirror and two directionally adjustable lamps, with a rod situated in each of its two extremities that enables coupling to the left and right mounting bases. The drive mechanism consists of a motor, two bevel gears, and two microswitches that are installed inside the left mounting base and utilized to axially revolve the spoiler member. The electrical wiring of the two directionally adjustable lamps and the drive mechanism motor is connected to the reverse light power supply lines of the host motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Chou A-Gi
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Publication number: 20040264209Abstract: Apparatus for achieving suitable illumination of an area in front of a vehicle includes the ability to limit a deflecting operation while the vehicle is traveling when it is preferable not to deflect a lamp in accordance with a steering operation. If a turn signal is input from a turn signal switch at a time when a motor vehicle turns to the right or turns to the left, and a steering operation is carried out in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the turn signal, a deflecting operation of the lamp is stopped. If the direction of the turn signal does not match the steering direction when the vehicle turns, for example, to the left, an area in front of the vehicle in the traveling direction can be illuminated after the vehicle turns to the left by fixing the deflection direction of the lamp in the straight traveling direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Masao Okawa
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Publication number: 20040223333Abstract: A continuously adjustable illuminating apparatus includes a base, a light source, a reflector and a continuously adjustable mechanism. The base has a through hole, and the light source movably passes through the through hole and emits light rays. The reflector surrounds the base and is mounted to the base to collect the light rays and reflects the light rays for output. The continuously adjustable mechanism may continuously move the light source so as to continuously adjust a relative position between the light source and the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Tzu-Hsiung Lee, Cheng Hao Lin, Devon Shyu
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Publication number: 20040208017Abstract: In an actuator of a vehicle headlamp unit for deflecting a direction or a range of illumination, a step-like rib for supporting a printed circuit board is formed at an inner side of a peripheral edge portion of a resin molded casing, and an opposed rib is formed at an outer side of this peripheral edge portion by a generally channel-shaped groove. A gear in a gear mechanism of the actuator is made of a resin having self-lubricating properties. The actuator includes a brushless motor, a yoke molded of a resin having a cylindrical container-shape. A gear is formed integrally on a central portion of an outer end surface of the yoke. A fixing means for fixing the stator coil of the brushless motor to a housing or the board has a positioning structure for positioning the stator coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Keiichi Tajima, Atsushi Sugimoto, Kazuma Mochizuki
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Patent number: 6799876Abstract: A lighting device, including an optical system capable of generating a light beam and consisting of a light source and of a reflector, the optical system being mounted on a chassis by way of a fixed point including a ball-joint articulation. The optical system is held on the chassis by a second elastic link and by a third link capable of being put into motion by an actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Jean Paul Ravier
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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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Publication number: 20040184283Abstract: A rear illumination and reflective viewing fixture for motor vehicles comprised of a spoiler member, a left and a right mounting base for the pivotable installation of the spoiler member onto the posterior aspect of a van or other vehicle, and a drive mechanism. The spoiler member has a minimum of one mirror and two directionally adjustable lamps, with a rod situated in each of its two extremities that enables coupling to the left and right mounting bases. The drive mechanism consists of a motor, two bevel gears, and two microswitches that are installed inside the left mounting base and utilized to axially revolve the spoiler member. The electrical wiring of the two directionally adjustable lamps and the drive mechanism motor is connected to the reverse light power supply lines of the host motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Chou A-Gi
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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: 6746142Abstract: A headlamp for an automobile includes a lamp body, a light source, a reflector, and an aiming mechanism. The aiming mechanism includes a screw insertion hole and an aiming screw operable to move the reflector by pivoting the aiming screw. The aiming screw includes a supported portion supported by the screw insertion hole, a male screw portion forward from the supported portion, and a pivotal movement operating force transmitted portion rearward from the supported portion. A front end side of the supported portion includes an elastic locking portion operable to pass through the screw insertion hole by being deformed elastically to an inner side in a radial direction, and a rear end side of the supported portion is integrally formed with an elastic rib brought into press contact with a peripheral edge portion on a rear end side of the screw insertion hole to fixedly position the aiming screw.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katutada Shirai
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Patent number: 6733162Abstract: A vehicle lamp. A lamp chamber is partitioned by a lamp body in a vessel-like shape and by a front face lens, a reflector is attachedly inserted with a light source and is contained in the lamp chamber, and an aiming mechanism is interposed between the lamp body and the reflector for supporting the reflector inclinably to the lamp body. The reflector is inclined by rotating an aiming screw supported by a screw inserting hole provided at the lamp body. A rear end portion of the aiming screw projects to the rear side of the lamp body and includes an integrated crown gear made of a metal. A disk face of the gear is provided with a raised wrench engaging portion for engaging with an L-shaped wrench to thereby operate to rotate the aiming screw by using the L-shaped wrench extending from the side of the lamp piece. Aiming screw adjustments can be carried out even when there is no rear space behind the lamp piece. The wrench engaging portion can be formed simply.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Kurita, Katsuhiko Iiyama
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Publication number: 20040008520Abstract: A mobile illumination system for a golf course comprises a vehicle and a lamp set, the vehicle can move around while the lamp set illuminates the golf course at night time, the lamp set is composed of at least two spot lights and is able to adjust its angle individually for golfers to strike ball and to aim destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Yao-Hung Huang
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Patent number: 6648494Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes an optical means whereof the direction of irradiation is change by rotation, a motor, an output shaft for driving the optical means, and a rotation transmitting mechanism for transmitting rotation from the motor to the output shaft. The motor, the output shaft, and the rotation transmitting mechanism are accommodated in the case body, and a revolving shaft of the motor is supported by the case body.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Sugimoto, Keiichi Tajima, Kazuma Mochizuki, Tsutomu Takiguchi
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Patent number: 6623147Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes abnormality detecting means for detecting abnormality in the AFS of the vehicle lighting apparatus, and means for adjusting optical axis of the lamp in the vertical direction for setting the angle of the optical axis of the lamp downward in the vertical direction in comparison with the reference angle upon receipt of abnormality-detected signal from the abnormality detecting means. When the vehicle lighting apparatus lapsed into malfunction, by tilting the optical axis of the lamp in the deflected state downward in the vertical direction, the lamp is prevented from dazzling oncoming cars even when the lamp is in the deflected state toward the oncoming cars, thereby realizing failsafe which is preferable in terms of traffic safety.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihisa Hayami, Tetsuya Ishida
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Patent number: 6619809Abstract: An orientation-adjusting device for a vehicle head light comprises a housing encasement, an active unit, a driven unit, a cover, and driven screw rod, an elastic unit, and an elastic sealing unit. The housing encasement is installed with an elliptical hole and an axial hole. The active unit has an axial portion axially installed to the axial hole, and a gear portion located in the housing encasement. The driven unit is installed with a gear portion engaged with the gear portion of the action unit, and an axially-formed penetrating hole, which includes a threaded hole section near the active unit and a threadless hole section remotely away from the active unit. The cover is installed on the housing encasement to cover the interior of the housing encasement for preventing the driven unit from projecting out from the housing encasement.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Ekpac Taiwan, Ltd.Inventor: Zu-Yu Chiang
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Patent number: 6568837Abstract: A motorized headlamp adjuster which is operably connectable to a control circuit and which is engageable with a headlamp assembly. Specifically, the headlamp adjuster includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The headlamp adjuster includes a housing, and the adjuster output shaft extends from the housing. The adjuster output shaft preferably has a sealing member thereon which seals with the housing. Preferably, an external surface of the housing also has a sealing member thereon for engaging and sealing with the housing of the headlamp assembly when the headlamp adjuster is installed. As such, the headlamp adjuster is sealed, and seals with a headlamp housing when installed. Preferably, the headlamp adjuster does not include several complex components and is relatively easy to assemble.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
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Patent number: 6547410Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: 911 Emergency Products, Inc.Inventor: John C. Pederson
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Patent number: 6527427Abstract: A device for setting the distance between a first and a second component, in particular for the horizontal and vertical setting of motor vehicle headlamps, includes a setting screw which is connected to the first component, and which engages the second component. The drive for the setting screw has a slipping clutch that prevents overadjustment of the distance setting device after a maximum torque is reached. The slipping clutch prevents the transmission of torque to the setting screw by slipping, and thereby prevents damage to the distance setting device.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLCInventor: Joachim Schröder
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Publication number: 20030012031Abstract: A vehicle lamp. A lamp chamber is partitioned by a lamp body in a vessel-like shape and by a front face lens, a reflector is attachedly inserted with a light source and is contained in the lamp chamber, and an aiming mechanism is interposed between the lamp body and the reflector for supporting the reflector inclinably to the lamp body. The reflector is inclined by rotating an aiming screw supported by a screw inserting hole provided at the lamp body. A rear end portion of the aiming screw projects to the rear side of the lamp body and includes an integrated crown gear made of a metal. A disk face of the gear is provided with a raised wrench engaging portion for engaging with an L-shaped wrench to thereby operate to rotate the aiming screw by using the L-shaped wrench extending from the side of the lamp piece. Aiming screw adjustments can be carried out even when there is no rear space behind the lamp piece. The wrench engaging portion can be formed simply.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Takashi Kurita, Katsuhiko Iiyama
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Patent number: 6502972Abstract: A vehicular headlamp has a reflector which is supported at not less than three points through respective link members in relation to the lamp body in a tiltable manner. The reflector is molded by molding of a synthetic resin material. At least one of the link members is supported by an attachment piece which is integrally formed with and protrudes outward from a location where the opening periphery of a reflective surface of the reflector as viewed from the blanking direction during molding of the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Matsubara