Manually Operable (e.g., Remote Manual Actuation) Patents (Class 362/529)
  • Patent number: 11142116
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes, among other things, a lamp housing, a headlamp adjuster system within the lamp housing, and an access control member moveable from an accessing position to a covering position while coupled to the lamp housing. The headlamp adjustor assembly is accessible through an aperture in the lamp housing when the access control member is in the accessing position. The headlamp adjustor assembly is inaccessible through the aperture in the access control member when the access control member is in the covering position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald John Nakic, Nicholas James Nowicki, Anthony Nicholas Aquilina
  • Patent number: 9067532
    Abstract: Adjustment device of the position of a first part of a lighting and/or signaling device of a motor vehicle in relation to a second part of this device. The adjustment device has a screw in mechanical liaison with the first part and in helical liaison with the second part, the helical liaison comprising: a sliding pivot liaison linking the screw to the second part, the screw being clipped into a bore which has an opening according to a first axis (X) and a conformation completed on the second part which matches the threads of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Cyril Herbin, Olivier Grebert, Nicolas Simmet, Rémi Maliar
  • Patent number: 8994517
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 8981912
    Abstract: A method of selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources by means of a remote controller includes the remote controller: instructing, by omnidirectional transmission, the light sources to each transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source; —receiving the directional signals from the light sources; and selecting one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the method includes: generating, remotely of the light sources, codes to be transmitted by the light sources; and—the remote controller instructing each one of the light sources which one of the remotely determined codes to transmit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni
  • Patent number: 8764256
    Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system of a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly and a light module disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The light module includes a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light. The illumination sources are individually controlled responsive to said the input to provide a customized illumination beam emanating from the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The system may include a control that is responsive to the user input to selectively individually energize the light emitting diodes, and the control may individually adjust a duty cycle of each of the light emitting diodes responsive to the user input. The light module may include a ground illumination light source, a backup light source and a turn signal indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Eric S. Deuel
  • Patent number: 8475022
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided which includes a housing, first and second light sources located in the housing, and an articulating reflector. The articulating reflector is located within the housing and moves between a use position in front of the first light source to reflect light from the second light source and a retracted position. Accordingly, light assembly housing is effectively used to provide a secondary light source, such as a daylight running lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh, Edward R. Golden
  • Patent number: 8251558
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp system and corresponding kit, including (left and right) headlamps and a mode switch (control mechanism) responsive to inputs from a mode switch console or other user interface arrangements, the combination of headlamps and mode switch providing high and low beam on-road illumination and a higher level of illumination for off-road illumination using the same light source in each headlamp as is used for the on-road illumination. Cooperation between a light source driver circuit in each headlamp and the mode switch results in the light source in each headlamp being driven by more or less current, as required by the selected mode. A (daytime) running lights mode of operation may also be provided using the same light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Hubert, James M. Helms, Mark R. Barie, Richard P. Lizotte
  • Patent number: 8235565
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a first aiming mechanism and a second aiming mechanism that enable a lamp unit to be assembled to a vehicle body from the outside or the inside. The lamp body includes a pair of first vertical tilt axis structural members that are provided on a rear portion and engage with the vehicle body tiltably around a first horizontal tilt axis, and a pair of second vertical tilt axis structural members that are provided on both left and right sides and retained tiltably around a second horizontal tilt axis with respect to the vehicle body. The first aiming mechanism has a first optical axis adjusting portion that tilts the lamp unit around the first horizontal tilt axis via an aiming screw. The second aiming mechanism has a second optical axis adjusting portion that tilts the lamp unit around the second horizontal tilt axis via an aiming screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiro Nishitani
  • Patent number: 8132946
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for an automobile headlight or similarly situated work piece comprising a housing with a first opening and a second opening, a thread-less drive shaft extending through said top opening and having one end having a drive shaft connector connected via a first stop bolt to a first end of a pivot arm and the second end of said drive shaft for connection with said automobile headlight, a threaded input shaft extending through said second opening engaging an input shaft mounting bracket with a threaded portion of said threaded input shaft wherein said input shaft mounting bracket is further connected via a second stop bolt to a second end of said pivot arm, wherein said pivot arm is secured to said housing via a central pivot bolt, wherein a rotational adjustment of said input shaft will alter the position of said input shaft mounting bracket thereby altering the position of said second end of said pivot arm thereby altering the position of said first end of said pivot arm thereby causing sai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Ching Tsung Lai
  • Patent number: 7946745
    Abstract: A system for mounting a headlight on a motor vehicle comprising a rigid housing closed by a protective glass. The system comprising: a first connecting element fixed to the headlight, a second connecting element fixed to the motor vehicle, the first and second connecting elements being assembled so as to slide one in the other. The first and second connecting elements are curved and mounted at least partially about a center of rotation of the headlight providing rotational movement of the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Christophe Baert, Malik Bakacha
  • Publication number: 20110058383
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for an automobile headlight or similarly situated work piece comprising a housing with a first opening and a second opening, a thread-less drive shaft extending through said top opening and having one end having a drive shaft connector connected via a first stop bolt to a first end of a pivot arm and the second end of said drive shaft for connection with said automobile headlight, a threaded input shaft extending through said second opening engaging an input shaft mounting bracket with a threaded portion of said threaded input shaft wherein said input shaft mounting bracket is further connected via a second stop bolt to a second end of said pivot arm, wherein said pivot arm is secured to said housing via a central pivot bolt, wherein a rotational adjustment of said input shaft will alter the position of said input shaft mounting bracket thereby alerting the position of said second end of said pivot arm thereby altering the position of said first end of said pivot arm thereby causing sai
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Ching Tsung Lai
  • Patent number: 7824087
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Gattone, Stanley Piotrowski, Kui-Chiu Kwok
  • Patent number: 7775696
    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: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Suzuki
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7661848
    Abstract: An installation light for a vehicle or aircraft comprises a multitude of lighting elements. These lighting elements may be activated individually or in groups, in a manner such that the radiation direction and/or emittance angle of the light emitted by the installation light may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: DAe Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Günnewig, Ralf Göke, Wolfgang Marquardt, Christopher Follet
  • Patent number: 7645060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for a motor vehicle light unit that enables the light unit to be mounted displaceably on an equipment module. The support includes a guide for guiding the light unit along a predetermined path relative to the equipment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Gérald Andre, Laurent Decker, Hugues Cheron, Naoufil Ben Mariem
  • Patent number: 7618169
    Abstract: A light projecting rearview mirror apparatus comprises a telescopic mirror housing with fully pivoting light case on a bottom of the housing. Further, the housing rotates for added lighting directional control. The apparatus is fitted as replacement or original equipment and provides for safely lighting adjacent to an auto at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Herbert Lee
  • 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: 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: 20090161380
    Abstract: An optical axis adjusting apparatus for use in a vehicle light is disclosed, which can reduce the load that an aiming screw and a nut portion should bear. The optical axis adjusting apparatus can include a ball joint via which the lamp housing and the reflector are connected, an aiming screw configured to allow the reflector to rotate with respect to the lamp housing around the ball joint, the aiming screw having a root portion and a tip portion with the root portion being supported by the lamp housing so as to be freely turned. A nut portion can be provided on the reflector and configured to be screwed onto the aiming screw. A support member can be configured to support the tip portion of the aiming screw positioned opposite to the root portion so that the tip portion can be rotated. After the nut portion is screwed onto the aiming screw and the support member is fit onto the tip portion of the aiming screw, the support member is attached to the lamp housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Yoshitaka NARUMI
  • 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: 7500768
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight has a motor operated adjustable mounting for adjusting the beam of light in a plane. The adjustment device includes an ear on the headlight with an axially extendable arm, the extension of which is driven by an electric motor. Rotation of the motor causes motorized adjustment of the beam. The motor is slideably mounted in a retainer for movement parallel to the extendable arm. A manually adjustable screw adjusts the position of the motor along the slide to permit manual alignment of the headlight beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Chen
  • Patent number: 7470050
    Abstract: A projector type vehicle light can provide an improved far distance visibility in a highway mode and other improved headlight performances by switching the low beam distribution and the highway mode light distribution while utilizing AFS functions. The projector type vehicle light can include a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit. The first lamp unit includes a light source, a reflector, a projection lens, and a light-shading member, and is configured to reflect light from the light source by means of the reflector and project light in the forward direction by the projection lens. The second lamp unit can have almost the same configuration as the first lamp unit and is located adjacent to the first lamp unit and either above or below it. The cut-off line formed by the first lamp unit can be located at an angular position below the horizontal line by 0.57 degrees in order to form a low beam distribution for an ordinary road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • Patent number: 7411515
    Abstract: The invention is a method and remote control apparatus for controlling an electronic device that is capable of indicating a low battery state without the need for cooperation with the electronic device. In one aspect, the invention is a remote control apparatus for controlling an electronic device comprising: a power supply having a voltage; and means to activate an indicator, wherein the activation means activates the indicator in the first way when the voltage is at or above a predefined threshold and the activation means activates the indicator in the second way when the voltage is below a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Robert John Giger, Mark Gilmore Mears, Roberto Montanez
  • Patent number: 7354183
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 7303321
    Abstract: A clip which is configured to keep a headlamp adjuster together during installation (and preferably also shipping), thereby allowing for one hand, easier installation. The clip can be left on the assembly after installation, or it can be removed, whichever is preferred. The clip is configured such that leaving it in place will not interfere with standard operation of the headlamp adjuster. A method of installing a headlamp adjuster with one hand is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley C. Miller, Karl R. Schmitt
  • 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: 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: 7070309
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a head lamp assembling device of a front end module of a vehicle, which is capable of locating a head lamp of the vehicle in an exact position of a fender of the vehicle. The head lamp assembling device includes: a carrier assembling stand for fixing the carrier; position adjusting means for adjusting a position of the head lamp; and movable means for moving the position adjusting means of the head lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Jae-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 7052164
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Burton Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • 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: 6994454
    Abstract: A vehicular cornering lamp which radiates beams having different light distribution patterns in accordance with different driving conditions such as different driving speed ranges. A bulb shade blocks light from a front filament from reaching a lower reflecting area on a reflecting surface of the reflector of the lamp while allowing light from the front filament to strike only an upper reflecting area, while an upward light blocking shade provided above and adjacent the light source bulb blocks light from the rear filament from reaching the upper reflecting area while allowing light from the rear filament to strike only the lower reflecting area. The active area of the reflecting surface of the reflector can be changed by switching illumination between the front filament and the rear filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 6910789
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Masayoshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6773153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6733162
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kurita, Katsuhiko Iiyama
  • Publication number: 20040062053
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight assembly having a lamp housing that is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body. One embodiment of the invention includes a lamp housing that is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body and includes a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded adjustment mechanism that is inserted through an aperture in the vehicle body and into the housing aperture. Rotation of the adjustment mechanism adjusts a position of the lamp housing relative to the vehicle body. Typically, a head portion of the adjustment mechanism is positioned on an exterior of the vehicle and is accessible by an operator of the vehicle from a normal operating position of the vehicle for adjusting the position of the housing relative to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Arctic Cat, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Bergman, John Zins
  • Patent number: 6634778
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp capable of moving an auxiliary light distribution pattern in the horizontal direction by pivoting an auxiliary lamp fixture unit in which degradation in the visibility of the road surface ahead of the vehicle caused by movement of an auxiliary light distribution pattern is substantially reduced. The brightness of a low-beam light distribution pattern formed by a headlamp unit is partially reinforced with auxiliary light distribution patterns formed by a pair of auxiliary lamp fixture units. When the vehicle turns, one of the auxiliary light distribution patterns is moved in the same direction with an upward displacement, whereby sufficient visibility ahead of the vehicle is assured. As a result of this movement, the hot zone of the auxiliary light distribution pattern is separated from the hot zone of the low-beam light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 6568837
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 6540386
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp wherein aiming adjustment of two reflectors can be conducted accurately regardless of the positional relation between aiming screws operating in conjunction with each other. The headlamp includes first and second reflectors mounted in a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body opening at its front and a lens covering the front opening of the lamp body, the reflectors each being tiltable by turning of an aiming screw of a corresponding aiming mechanism that supports the corresponding reflector in a tiltable manner relative to the lamp body. A belt mechanism rotationally couples the two aiming screws for allowing the first aiming screw for tilting the first reflector and the second aiming screw for tilting the second reflector to be turned in conjunction with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Fujino, Takasumi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20030043591
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6450674
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 6447154
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Publication number: 20020067620
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly comprising a reflector, with three (3) mounting bosses arranged in a triangular fashion on the rear side thereof, a light source and a housing. Three (3) pivot sockets are fixedly attached to each mounting boss, respectively. The vehicle lamp assembly also comprises two (2) ball pivot adjusting screws that are movably secured within two (2) of the three (3) pivot sockets, and an actuator ball pivot that is movably secured within the third pivot socket. An actuator is fixedly attached at one end to the housing and attached at the other end to the actuator ball pivot in a manner that permits linear motion of the actuator. The invention further comprises a vertical adjuster plate and a reflector plate. Movement of the actuator causes the reflector to adjust in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thus allowing the vehicle lamp assembly to produce both low beam and high beam lighting functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Vanduyn, Tony E. Collins
  • Patent number: 6354718
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp utilizing a light source bulb of the H4 type and which provides a low-beam light distribution pattern which makes it easy for the driver to drive and reduces the possibility of oncoming drivers being dazzled by glare. A light source bulb is securely supported by a reflector so that left and right upper edges of a shade are located at substantially the same height and an axis of a filament is upwardly offset from an optical axis of the reflector at a predetermined angle. A reflecting surface of the reflector is provided with a downward deflective reflection zone which downwardly deflects and reflects the light that has traveled from the filament past the right upper edge of the shade and impinged on a traveling-lane-side reflection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Iwaki, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6338567
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a headlamp reflector of a headlamp assembly. The device includes a housing and a directing member, such as an adjustor screw, which generally extends from the housing. The directing member has an end which is engageable with the headlamp reflector of the headlamp assembly, and an opposite end which is configured to receive a driver generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the directing member. The directing member provides that rotation of the driver about an axis which is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the directing member causes the directing member to translate relative to the housing thereby causing adjustment of the position of the headlamp reflector which is engaged with the first end of the directing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 6315438
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp of a movable reflector type comprising a lamp body, a reflector having a lamp, and an aiming mechanism disposed between the lamp body and the reflector and structured so as to support the reflector and adjust the angle of the reflector with respect to the lamp body when aiming screws mounted in screw insertion holes of the lamp body are turned; and a portion of each of the aiming screws which is installed in and supported by the screw insertion hole is made of plastic, and annular elastic waterproofing ribs are formed on the plastic portion of the aiming screw so as to be brought into a sliding contact with the inner surface of the screw insertion hole, thus securing a waterproofing capability for the vehicle headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katutada Shirai, Takashi Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20010033494
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald Denley
  • Patent number: 6290379
    Abstract: An aiming mechanism of a headlamp for an automobile, comprises: a lamp housing which is mounted on a vehicle body; a headlamp unit supported tiltably about a tilting fulcrum provided in front of the lamp housing; a hollow cylindrical nut member supported rotatably about an axis by a bearing provided in the lamp housing; and an aiming screw which is threadedly engaged with the nut member, extends forward, is prevented from rotating with respect to the headlamp unit, and is adapted to advance and retract in an axial direction to tilt the headlamp unit connected to a forward end thereof as the nut member is rotated, wherein a crown-shaped gear capable of meshing with teeth of a screwdriver disposed in a direction perpendicular to the aiming screw is formed integrally on the nut member, and at least two screwdriver guides for guiding the screwdriver are provided in vicinities of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Iwasaki, Masataka Chouji
  • Patent number: 6260993
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes: a reflector having a rear surface and an aiming screw coupling portion; a lamp body having an inner surface, for containing the reflector tiltably; an aiming screw extending in a substantially longitudinal direction coupled to the aiming screw coupling portion of the reflector and the lamp body; a first projected portion formed near the aiming screw coupling portion on the rear surface of the reflector; and a second projected portion formed on the inner surface of the lamp body in a place behind the first projected portion. When the reflector is tilted up to a predetermined angle position, the first and second projected portions are brought into contact with each other within a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the aiming screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ito
  • Patent number: 6220735
    Abstract: A head lamp for vehicle use is provided, which includes a intermediate tilting member tiltably supported by a lamp body at three points. One point acts as a tilting fulcrum, while the other two points are supported by an aiming adjusting member of an aiming adjusting mechanism, for changing positions of the intermediate tilting member with respect to the lamp body. The head lamp also includes a reflector which is tiltably supported by the intermediate tilting member at three support points, wherein two points are formed into tilting fulcrums, and the other point is supported via a leveling actuator of a leveling adjusting mechanism, for changing a position of the reflector with respect to the intermediate tilting member by an automatic operation or a remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Matubara