Plural Light Sources Patents (Class 362/543)
  • Patent number: 7905643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light comprising a carrier (3) which has at least one lighting means (4) and which is arranged behind a light pane (12). The aim of the invention is to form a light or a carrier which can be produced in a simple and economical manner and which can be mounted in a small space. The lighting means (4) are arranged on the carrier (3) in such a manner that they essentially correspond to the contour of the light pane (2) and the lighting means (4) is placed in a horizontal manner on one side of the carrier (3) so that the carrier (3) and the lighting means (4) require very little space. The carrier (3) and the light are used in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Butz, Thomas Manth, Veit Schwegler, Cem Olkay
  • Publication number: 20110058386
    Abstract: An integrated element (1) for the illumination of a number plate (101) and for the opening of a door (100) of a vehicle includes an extended body that acts as an opening handle of the door (100) and can be grasped by a user; and a plurality of illumination lights (6) of the number plate (101), housed within the body. The integrated element (1) includes a plastic module (5), inserted within the extended body and integrating: an opening electric element (7) of the door and the plurality of illumination lights (6). The lights possess an operating life duration higher than the expected mean-life of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Olsa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Andrea Penna
  • Patent number: 7901123
    Abstract: A light emitting module includes a semiconductor light emitting element disposed on a rectangular board, and a pair of plane-shaped electrode portions formed on the board and coupled to the semiconductor light emitting element. The pair of plane-shaped electrode portions is separated in first opposite directions, and a center of the semiconductor light emitting element is shifted from a center of the board in one of second opposite directions. End faces of the pair of plane-shaped electrode portions do not protrude in the one of the second opposite directions from an end face of the semiconductor light emitting element on a side facing toward the one of the second opposite directions. The first opposite directions are directions along which one pair of opposite sides of the board extend, and the second opposite directions are directions along which the other pair of opposite sides of the board extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takeda, Tsukasa Tokida, Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 7896533
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight is provided having a basic light source, a swiveling device which is equipped for swiveling the basic light source about a basic swiveling angle, and an infrared radiation source which is coupled with the swiveling device such that, when the basic light source is swiveled by the swiveling device about a basic swiveling angle, the infrared radiation source is swiveled by the swiveling device about an infrared swiveling angle deviating from the basic swiveling angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Enders, Helmut Erdl, Joachim Ripperger, Patrick Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20110038172
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus may include an electrically conductive housing, in whose interior at least one light source and at least one electromagnetic radiation-emitting circuit component configured to operate the at least one light source are arranged; and an electrically conductive cover configured to cover the at least one circuit component; wherein the cover and the housing are electrically connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: OSRAM GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventors: Ralf Vollmer, Thomas Reiners
  • Patent number: 7871188
    Abstract: A motorcycle rider illuminating system includes a motorcycle that includes a rear wheel, a seat and a fender mounted over the rear wheel. A housing is mounted on the fender. An upper light emitter is mounted on an upper side of the housing and is electrically coupled to the motorcycle. The upper light emitter is turned on and emits light when the motorcycle is turned on. The upper light emitter emits light toward the seat to illuminate a motorcyclist's back when the motorcyclist is positioned on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: H Robert Turby
  • Publication number: 20110002133
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising a support for optical modules able to make a rotation movement, comprising a first optical module able to generate a light beam exhibiting a cutoff of the dipped beam type; a second optical module able to generate a light beam exhibiting a substantially L-shaped cutoff; the first optical module and the second optical module of the first lighting device being disposed on the optical module support able to make a rotation movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Pierre Albou, Vanesa Sanchez, Jonathan Blandin
  • Patent number: 7854538
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle or other application, including a circular arrangement of groupings of IR LEDs in a retaining ring, each grouping of IR LED providing a different beam pattern of infrared illumination, and a HID lamp surrounded by the retaining ring, for providing visible light. A switch system is also provided, for enabling either the visible light or the infrared light, and for selecting a beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Helms
  • Patent number: 7850352
    Abstract: A flagpole lamp includes a pole, a socket joint, a circuit board, a positioning base, a waterproof washer, a lucent bar and a pole head. The circuit board, the positioning base and the waterproof washer are fitted in the socket joint. The circuit board has a light disposed through in the positioning base and the waterproof washer respectively. The lucent bar is coupled to the socket joint at one end, and the pole head put at the opposite end. The light of the circuit board can be lit up to emit light out of the lucent bar to enable a driver to clearly see the head corners and the position of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20100309681
    Abstract: A vehicle light having a plurality of optical units utilizing a semiconductor light emitting device as a light source can effectively prevent or suppress illuminance unevenness. One example of such a vehicle light can be a vehicle headlamp that includes four optical units each having a semiconductor light emitting device as a light source. The optical units can be arranged in line in the vehicle width direction so as to prevent the luminance unevenness, which can otherwise be generated due to a gap between optical units disposed in a vertical two-stage arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Masafumi Ohno
  • Publication number: 20100296304
    Abstract: A combination for a vehicle is set forth herein. The combination includes a compartment positioned in the vehicle. The compartment is defined by a plurality of surfaces generally facing one another to define an interior volume. The compartment is thereby operable to hold a stowable item. A first surface of the plurality of surfaces is substantially fixed relative to the vehicle and a second surface of the plurality of surfaces is movable relative to the first surface. The combination also includes at least one self-contained light mounted on the second surface. The at least one self-contained light includes at least one light emitting structure and at least one battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: MARC HAYES, JAMES J. HOBSON, MICHAEL W. CASS
  • Publication number: 20100289244
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle, for example, a self-propelled and/or pedal vehicle such as a tricycle, bicycle, scooter, micro-scooter, or collapsible scooter, for example, adapted for use by children or infants. Accordingly, a self-propelled vehicle comprising illuminatable direction indicator means comprising left turn and right turn indictor means, which selectably operate by turning of a steering means or column of the self-propelled vehicle to the left or to the right, respectively, the steering means or column comprising handlebars in one embodiment. The self-propelled vehicle may comprise a tricycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: H Grossman Limited
    Inventor: Martin Grossman
  • Publication number: 20100265731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compartment provided a tufted textile (100) comprising: a backing (10), and yarns (40) forming tufts extending from a first side of the backing, the compartment further comprising a light source (50; 80) and a conductor arrangement (60) for the light source, wherein the light source, the conductor arrangement and the backing are arranged so as to radiate light from the light source at least partly through the backing, the backing being substantially permeable to light. The tufted textile (100) may be a carpet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen, Tim Dekker
  • Patent number: 7812550
    Abstract: The LED replacement for low voltage lamps has a plurality of LED lights disposed in a housing capped by a multifaceted reflector to provide lighting having comparable lighting characteristics to non-LED sourced low voltage lamps. Power conditioning solid state circuitry is disposed in the housing and provides the LED lights with a regulated excitation voltage source. The power conditioning circuitry has at least one ceramic capacitor in parallel with output leads of a power supply for the lamp. A zener diode pair having anodes connected together is disposed in parallel with the ceramic capacitor. The power conditioning circuitry is disposed in advance of a voltage rectifier and filter bank, whose output is provided to a voltage regulator that provides regulated DC voltage to the LED light sources. Output of the voltage regulator is modulated by thermal protection circuitry that throttles the LEDs off responsive to lamp overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Revlite Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Hans L. G. Harmgardt, Jonathan Wylde
  • Patent number: 7806573
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle includes a lighting unit and an extension for covering a clearance between a lamp body and the lighting unit in a lighting chamber formed by the lamp body and a cover. The lighting unit includes a light source bulb and a reflector for reflecting a direct light emitted from the light source bulb in a forward direction. The extension includes a first extension having a bottom side front end taking a substantially dogleg-shaped section in which a bent portion is turned in a forward direction of the vehicle, and a second extension positioned behind the first extension and having a front edge on an internal surface of a bottom side lighting unit positioned below a rear edge of the internal surface of the lighting unit in a bottom side front end of the first extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro Terada, Tomoharu Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7804420
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an housing that reduces obstruction of the vehicle operator's ability to see through the upper portion of the windshield. Rather than a light shield constructed entirely of a opaque plastic, an interior mounted warning light assembly incorporates a visibility window above the vehicle operator's position. A cutout in the opaque casing material is fitted with a window of transparent one-way mirror material. The mirror coating faces the interior of the light assembly and acts as a shield by blocking flashback when the light assembly is activated, while simultaneously allowing the operator of the vehicle to see upwardly through it to the outside during normal vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John F Girouard
  • Publication number: 20100238676
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit. The first lamp unit includes a first light source, a reflector on which the first light source is mounted, and a first lamp body on which the reflector is supported. The reflector reflects light emitted from the first light source. The second lamp unit includes a second light source, and a second lamp body on which the second light source is mounted. The second lamp body is configured as a one-piece structure including a concealing portion. The concealing portion partially conceals the first lamp unit in a front view of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7798690
    Abstract: A headlamp including a metal bracket and a plurality of light source units 50, each unit having a light source, being mounted on the metal bracket 20, and being disposed within a lamp chamber. Irradiation light patterns of the light source units 50 are combined together to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. Each of the light source units 50 includes a resin shade 58, which is fastened to the bracket 20 by a fastening portion and is disposed forwardly of the light source, and a resin lens 52 connected to the shade 58. Part of the fastening portion is made of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Tetsuaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 7795602
    Abstract: A utility vehicle (100) with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerketvedt, Mitchell D. Johnson, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, Louis J. Brady, James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Michael D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7794128
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting devices toward a front side of the vehicle lamp. The reflector is formed into a shape whose front area is open. A plate-like partition member is disposed inside the reflector to partition the reflector into a plurality of reflecting areas. The semiconductor light emitting devices are mounted on the plate-like partition member in respective reflecting areas such that optical axes of the semiconductor light emitting devices are directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a lamp optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shohei Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Ishida, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7789530
    Abstract: A modular light bar having crisscross lighting in the front and rear. Each module may include two horizontal layers of lighting supported on the underside of a mounting plate and connected to a terminal strip. A quick disconnect connects the terminal strip to a dimmer/flasher and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Stein, Robert E. Kreutzer
  • Patent number: 7775695
    Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle lighting assembly includes a controller, an housing, a plurality of light-emitting sources, a mechanism for selectively pivoting the light-emitting sources, and a mechanism for selectively swiveling the light-emitting sources along clockwise and counter clockwise directions when the light-emitting sources are adapted to the vertical position. The swiveling mechanism further includes a ball and socket coupling and a support beam with axially opposed proximal and distal ends directly coupled to the second beveled gear and one of the light-emitting sources respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Lance Rose
  • Publication number: 20100195346
    Abstract: An optical device, in particular for an automotive vehicle, such as a lighting or signaling device, comprising at least one light source, and at least one light guide designed to guide at least some of the light emitted by the light source, the light guide comprising at least one output face and at least one reflection face designed to reflect, towards the output face, light being propagated in the guide, wherein the light guide exhibits a cylindrical sheet form and/or the output face is not completely planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 7766496
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jonathan Blandin, Etienne Pauty, Benoît Reiss, Vanesa Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20100191419
    Abstract: A combination instrument for displaying operating states of a motor vehicle. The combination instrument includes a three-dimensional model of an object symbolizing an operating state of the motor vehicle. The three-dimensional model of the object is designed to be at least partially translucent, and the three-dimensional model of the object is designed such that it can be illuminated by an illumination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Habeney
  • Patent number: 7762698
    Abstract: An auxiliary lighting energy interruption system for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Menze
  • Patent number: 7762699
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Thomas Reiners, Ralf Vollmer, Alexander Wilm
  • Patent number: 7758223
    Abstract: A lamp includes an outer shell having heat conductivity, a base provided in the outer shell, and a cover provided in the outer shell. The outer shell has a light source support, and a heat radiating surface exposed to the outside of the outer shell. The light source support is formed integral with the heat radiating surface. A light source is supported on the light source support. The light source is heated during lighting, and thermally connected to the light source support. The light source is covered with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Osawa, Kazuto Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20100177523
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for use on a vehicle, comprises a housing configured to be coupled to the vehicle, a mirror coupled within the housing, and a first optical fiber coupled to the housing and visible from the exterior thereof for providing a warning that indicates that the vehicle is turning, braking, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: WILLIAM C. BISNACK
  • Patent number: 7751664
    Abstract: A door handle apparatus for a vehicle, opening and closing a vehicle door, the door handle apparatus includes an informing portion for visually informing a state of the vehicle door, including a locking/unlocking state thereof, to a user by a decorative light, which is a visible light, an operation detecting portion for optically detecting an active-direct operation to the door handle apparatus by the user based on changes in an detection light, and an optical waveguide for transmitting the decorative light and the detection light, which is inputted from a first end portion of the optical waveguide, to a second end portion of the optical waveguide, the optical waveguide functioning as the informing portion by leaking the decorative light on a transmission path so as to be outwardly emitted and as the operation detecting portion by outputting the detection light from the second end portion of the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ieda, Yuichi Murakami, Hiroki Okada
  • Patent number: 7744261
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes a plurality of lamps having their own inherent respective light distribution characteristics. The plurality of lamps includes a first lamp to irradiate an area excluding a nearest field area just in front of a vehicle, and a second lamp which irradiates only the nearest field area. The plurality of lamps are operable to be simultaneously or selectively lit, and are operable so that irradiation lights of the lamps are combined so as to obtain a particular light distribution characteristic in accordance with various driving conditions of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Fukawa, Naohisa Tatara
  • Publication number: 20100149828
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp including, in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body having a front opening and a transparent front cover attached to the front opening, a semiconductor light-emitting element; and an inner lens positioned forward of the semiconductor light-emitting element. The inner lens includes a first light control portion for diffusing light from the semiconductor light-emitting element in a horizontal direction; and second light control portions respectively positioned on left and right sides of the first light control portion, each of which have a reflective surface for reflecting the light from the semiconductor light-emitting element in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroya Koizumi
  • 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: 7736039
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with a first unit having a first main reflector for reflecting light from a first semiconductor light emitting element to a front side, and a second unit having a second main reflector for reflecting light from a second semiconductor light emitting element to the front side. A light emitting region of the first unit and a light emitting region of the second unit are arranged to be separated from each other. An additional optical unit for receiving light irradiated from the first and the second units to irradiate to the front side is arranged between the first unit and the second unit such that a light emitting region of the additional optical unit connects the light emitting region of the first unit and the light emitting region of the second unit to be optically recognized as a single light emitting region as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Nakazawa, Yasuyuki Kato, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20100142218
    Abstract: A light emitting diode lamp, includes a pair of contacts for the electrical connection of the light emitting diode, wherein the pair of contacts includes two crimp contacts separated electrically from one another, each crimp contact including a conducting input including a conducting crimping skirt and a clinching zone intended to receive by clinching an electrical contact of the light emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Olivier Middy
  • Publication number: 20100140894
    Abstract: A vehicle has a footboard 116 with side edge channels 130, each housing a rod or tube 112 forming illumination. The rods or tubes are connected to power means that include a battery or dynamo. Each rod or tube can include a transparent or translucent polymeric sheath for a series of LEDs. A switch provides on/off control and can provide different modes of illumination of the LEDs. The vehicle can be a foldable micro-scooter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Martin Grossman
  • Patent number: 7731401
    Abstract: An exterior automotive lamp may be formed with LED light sources by efficiently using the available light. The LEDs are arranged in an array to illuminate a central lens to produce the horizontal spread from the central portion of the LED beam. Meanwhile a reflector gathers the more disperse side-emitted portion of the LED beam and directs that light as an outer sheath to form a supplementary portion of the beam. The lamp efficiently provides a beam that may be adapted for highbeam, lowbeam, fog, or signal purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Sylvania LLC.
    Inventors: Robert Lee King, Dennis Wilkerson, Dennis Black
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7722236
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with an upper stage light source unit, a middle stage light source unit, and a lower stage light source unit. The upper stage light source unit, the middle stage light source unit, and the lower stage light source unit are provided at a lamp body constituting a lamp member by way of a support member. A low beam light distribution pattern is formed on a front side of a vehicle by overlapping light from the respective light source units. The lower stage light source unit includes two subunits, the two subunits commonly share a single cylindrical lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7714516
    Abstract: When the level at an input terminal goes low upon the reception of a signal to dim an LED, a PNP transistor is rendered on and a voltage at the positive input terminal of an operational amplifier is raised, in accordance with a time constant that is defined by a resistor and a capacitor. In accordance with the increase in this voltage, a source current is supplied from the operational amplifier to a current detection terminal, and as the value of the source current is gradually increased, a current flowing across the shunt resistor of the switching regulator is gradually reduced. Further, the light emission level of the LED is gradually lowered from the fully lighted state to the 70% lighted state, and there is, for the LED, a light quantity change of about 30% in ten seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Ito, Takanori Namba
  • Publication number: 20100110708
    Abstract: A warning light adapted for mounting to an overhead rack of a vehicle has a housing which through one end forms a throat configured to receive an end of a tubular rack member. The housing includes a pair of shell members which cooperate to define the throat and openings for the first, second and third light units. The throat has a geometry which is generally complementary to the geometry of the profile of the tubular member. The shell members are configured to capture the light units for proper positioning. An upper portion of the housing allows access to an upper track of the tubular rack member. The light units are arranged to produce an illumination pattern visible from the front, side and rear of the vehicle. Preferably the first, second and third light units are substantially identical units which employ LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Jon H. Lyons, William J. Pokorny
  • Patent number: 7703958
    Abstract: A quick release illuminating and display apparatus and system for vehicles and structures to provide lighting and illumination effects and to display data or other information on a display screen. The apparatus and system includes a removable housing assembly with illumination sources, a power source and an optional display screen to provide lighting to accent a vehicle or structure and to display data, pictures or other information. The apparatus and system includes a quick release mechanism with a biasing cam operably connected to a number of biased lock shafts. The controlled movement of the biasing cam operates so as to quickly lock or unlock the housing assembly onto or off of the support structure. The apparatus and system has enhanced lighting and display effects by the use of optional ball bearings, a cap to exhibit team or manufacturer logos, the use of LED lights secured to directional nipples, a display screen, a USB port, computer memory, a control switch, remote control operation and solar power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Christoff
  • Publication number: 20100093267
    Abstract: A service apparatus for a transportation means comprises a first component in the form of an air shower with an air inlet and at least one air outlet, and a second component in the form of an illumination device. The first component and the second component are arranged essentially centrically in relation to each other, wherein one of the two components encloses the other component essentially in a ring-shaped manner. In this way an integral reading light with a forced-air nozzle, or an integral forced-air nozzle with a reading light, is implemented that uses little design space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Hogh, Jochen Mueller
  • Patent number: 7682057
    Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting module comprising a concave reflector, and at least one light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector in order to illuminate at least upwards, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The reflector is associated with a flat plate, the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the said plate comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The reflector is determined so as to transform a spherical wave surface coming from the source into a wave surface boiling down to an arc of a circle situated in the plane of the plate, and the lens is of revolution about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the plate and passing through the center of the said arc of a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 7651252
    Abstract: Provided is a lamp unit using light-emitting-diode (LED) light sources, more particularly, a lamp unit using LED light sources which can generate a low beam and a high beam using LED light sources. The lamp unit includes a first LED light source unit which includes a first row of LED light sources; a second LED light source unit which includes a second row of LED light sources that is disposed below the first row of LED light sources; and a reflection plate which comprises a reflection surface that projects a low beam or a high beam upon turning on or off the first or second LED light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignees: SL Seobong, SL Lighting
    Inventor: Jong-Un Kim
  • Patent number: 7645062
    Abstract: A light source apparatus for vehicle lamps and particularly vehicle headlights can include a plurality of LED elements mounted in a cavity located on a base surface or on a base. Each of the LED elements can be arranged in such a manner as to form an emission shape and a brightness distribution that is suited for a light distribution pattern, and especially a light distribution pattern for vehicle headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yatsuda, Teruo Koike, Takuya Kushimoto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7628518
    Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a hub shaft, a hub shell, a bearing arrangement, an electricity generating mechanism and at least one lamp. The hub shaft is configured and arranged to be mounted in a non-rotatable manner to a bicycle frame. The hub shell has a hollow interior with the hub shaft being disposed in the hollow interior of the hub shell. The bearing arrangement is arranged between the hub shell and the hub shaft in such a manner that the hub shell can rotate freely with respect to the hub shaft. The electricity generating mechanism is arranged inside the hub shell and is configured to generate electricity in response to relative rotation of the hub shell with respect to the hub shaft. The lamp is arranged on at least one end of the hub shell and illuminated using electricity generated by the electricity generating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Koji Uno
  • Patent number: 7628516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headlamp adjusting device with lamp units that can be adjusted in groups. To this end, each lamp unit is mounted individually directly or indirectly in the headlamp housing by means of one respective joint; and it is swivelably mounted in a first feed mechanism. The headlamp adjusting device comprises a second feed mechanism. The second feed mechanism guides the first feed mechanism. The orientation of the feed motion of the first feed mechanism and the orientation of the feed motion of the second feed mechanism enclose an angle, which is not equal to an integral multiple of Pi. With the present invention a space-saving headlamp adjusting device for adjusting the lamp units in two directions of adjustment is developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Mertens, Otto Muller, Frank Tebbe
  • Patent number: 7628517
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle headlight assembly designed to increase the productivity, the vehicle headlight assembly includes a light projecting group (34) accommodated within a casing (31) and including a plurality of light projecting units (29, 30). Each of the light projecting units (29, 30) in turn includes a light emitting element (37, 38), and a support member (40A, 40B) supported by and within the casing (31). The support members (40A, 40B) of each light projecting units (29, 30) cooperatively form a single holder (40A, 40B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Stanley Electric CO., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Domoto, Katsushi Ono