Plural Light Sources Patents (Class 362/543)
  • Publication number: 20040141329
    Abstract: Proposed is a lighting system for aircraft cabins comprising light emitting diodes (8.1-8.5, 9.1-9.5, 10.1-10.5, 11.1-11.5) which are arranged at or in a cabin wall means, in which there are provided a plurality of lighting units (4-7) which each have at least one light emitting diode (8.1-8.5, 9.1-9.5, 10.1-10.5, 11.1-11.5) and are connected to an output (2.1-2.3) of a control device (1), wherein actuation of the lighting units (4-7) is effected independently of each other by way of the control device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Walter Fleischmann, Markus Stoffler, Dirk-Achim Schevardo
  • Publication number: 20040136203
    Abstract: The invention relates to an indicating and/or lighting device for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a casing inside which there are arranged at least one main light source, at least one reflector associated with the main light source(s), optionally at least one intermediate screen that is substantially transparent and lies opposite said main light source or at least one of said main light sources, and a closing covering for the casing. At least one of the faces of the closing covering and/or of the optional intermediate screen is provided with a plurality of foci for diffusing light by means of surface alterations of said face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Publication number: 20040114392
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprising a casing seat, a substrate with a plurality of LEDs; a reflecting panel and a lampshade. One surface of the reflecting panel is formed with a plurality of receiving chambers; and each receiving chamber is capable of receiving an LED. Light from the LEDs is collected effectively and then emitted out. An inner edge of each receiving chamber of the reflecting panel is a smoother surface or a textured surface. Moreover, the reflecting panel is integral formed with a casing seat for being assembled to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Jui Hou
  • Patent number: 6736524
    Abstract: The invention proposes a headlight producing a principal lighting beam with cutoff, comprising a principal light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, a shield which comprises a cutoff edge arranged in the vicinity of a second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cutoff in the principal lighting beam, and a convergent lens, a focal plane of which passes close to the second focus of the reflector, a secondary light source being arranged between the shield and the lens; comprising an optical distribution element arranged in front of the shield, so as to distribute the light rays emitted by the secondary source on the input surface of the principal lens, with a view of producing a secondary lighting beam, the secondary source being arranged outside the path of the light rays coming from the principal source and directed towards the input surface of the principal lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6722775
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a headlamp unit and an auxiliary lamp in which the brightness of an end portion of the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the headlamp unit is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the auxiliary lamp unit. The high luminous intensity area of the auxiliary light distribution pattern partly overlaps the high luminous intensity area of the low beam light distribution pattern, thus allowing the low beam light distribution pattern and the auxiliary light distribution pattern to be combined. Further, by way of controlling the beam irradiation intensity of the auxiliary lamp unit by a light control unit, the brightness of the low beam light distribution pattern is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern that has brightness in response to the vehicle running condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 6709141
    Abstract: A warning illumination system adapted to be mounted on a motor vehicle (automobile, truck, motorcycle, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the system is designed to project a single or a pair of light beams forwardly and angularly from the front of the vehicle. As contemplated the beam(s) is projected a distance of fifty to one hundred feet in front of the vehicle and at a horizontal angle across the vehicle which may range from forty-five to sixty degrees. For maximum effectiveness, it has been determined that the beam should be projected at a vertical angle so that it intersects the road at approximately a thirty degree angle. The thus projected beam reaches forward and across the lane of traffic, making the extreme end of the beam visible to an oncoming driver approaching from a hidden curve or blind corner. The beam is visible to the oncoming driver critical seconds before the approaching vehicle is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Sebastian Sisti
  • Publication number: 20040052087
    Abstract: In a vehicular lamp, a plurality of LED lines to which a plurality of LEDs are connected in series, are connected in parallel. The LEDs are arranged in a flat plane on a circuit board, the plurality of LEDs are arranged symmetrically with respect to a first centerline of the flat plane. Therefore, even when any one of the LEDs in the plurality of the LED lines becomes incapable of emitting light leading to all of the LEDs connected in series in the LED line to turn off, because the LEDs in the LED line are arranged symmetrically, the symmetrical balance of the LEDs shut down is maintained as an entire lamp, and the overall appearance of the lamp can be preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Takaaki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6690272
    Abstract: An accessory brake light system for a vehicle comprising a secondary brake light attached to a front of said vehicle. A power source is provided for supplying power to a primary brake light. The primary brake light is attached to the rear of the vehicle. A switch connects the power to the primary brake light when the brake is engaged by an operator which causes the primary brake light to illuminate. A delay mechanism is provided which is capable of determining a delay period after the brake is engaged and the power is connected to the secondary brake light after te delay period thereby illuminating the secondary brake light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Darren K. Hall
  • Patent number: 6682210
    Abstract: A tip up light bar assembly includes front and rear light bars pivotally supported above transversely opposed end assemblies joined by connector bars to form a rigid support structure. Each light bar is built on a rigid substrate having a uniform cross section. Longitudinally extending features of the rigid substrate provide locations for mounting light sources, electronic assemblies and lenses which, together with gaskets, define a weather-resistant enclosure surrounding the light sources and electronic assemblies. The light bars pivot at transversely opposed ends to a vertical position in which the light sources are elevated above traffic. Each end assembly includes a base plate, a pivotally mounted pivot plate. A gas spring reduces the dead weight of the light bar while a limit strap controls angular movement of the light bar relative to the base plate to approximately 90°. A motor-drive actuator exerts outward force on the pivot plates to move the light bars between a horizontal and vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Ford, Jeffrey A. Nelson, Peter J. Tiezzi
  • Publication number: 20040012977
    Abstract: An automobile exhaust pipe tail diaphaneity dazzling structure provides an outer tube, an inner tube and a circuit board. A plurality of concave light convergence areas are provided on the outer tube with a gap each formed at where the light convergence area breaks away from the outer tube. The circuit board is fixed between the outer and the inner tubes and provides a plurality of light emitting diodes thereon. When the light emitting diodes are turned on, they give dazzling decoration effects to the exhaust pipe particularly during driving at night to alert approaching vehicles to achieve dual purposes of attractive appearance and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Polo Hou
  • Patent number: 6676282
    Abstract: A headlamp (2; 3) of a vehicle (1) has a light source (4; 5) comprising a plurality of opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14), preferably light-emitting diodes (LED's). At least one of these opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) has, in operation, a luminous flux of 5 lm or higher. According to the invention, the spectral characteristic of the light beam (6, 6′; 7, 7′) generated by the light source (4; 5) depends upon the position in the light beam (6, 6′; 7, 7′). Preferably, the light source (4; 5) comprises opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) only. The light beam comprises at least two light beam segments (6, 6′; 7, 7′) having essentially different spectral characteristics. Preferably, one of the light beam segments (6′; 7′) is mesotopically tuned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Simon H. A. Begemann, Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20030223246
    Abstract: The invention proposes a headlight (10) producing a principal lighting beam with cutoff, comprising a principal light source (16) which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus (F1) of the reflector (14), a shield (22) which comprises a cutoff edge (34) arranged in the vicinity of a second focus (F2) of the reflector (14), so as to form the cutoff in the principal lighting beam, and a convergent lens (18), a focal plane of which passes close to the second focus (F2) of the reflector (14), a secondary light source (42) being arranged between the shield (22) and the lens (18);
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6655823
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for an exhaust tail pipe includes an outer duct, an inner duct located in the outer duct, an illuminating means located between the outer duct and the inner duct, and a conductive wire linking the illuminating means to brake lights to enable the illuminating means to emit light synchronously with the brake lights. The illuminating means includes a front anchoring lid, a front insulation pad, at least one LED panel, a rear insulation pad, a rear anchoring lid, an asbestos heat insulation pad and a plug lid. Because the LED panel is sandwiched by the insulation pads on the front and the rear side, the front anchoring lid and the inner duct form an interval therebetween, and the plug lid and the outer duct have radiation openings formed on the periphery thereof and form a radiation space, the LED panel and the conductive wire may be prevented from damaging in high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Liang Fei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Tien Chang
  • Patent number: 6637917
    Abstract: A side flashing lamp (4, 4′) for fitting in the cover cap (2) of an external rear view mirror (1) for motor vehicles, comprising a lamp housing having an elongate light exit opening (3) which in the installed condition extends from the outward side of the cover cap (2), which is remote from the vehicle, substantially horizontally towards the vehicle, at least one group of light sources (12) which are arranged distributed substantially uniformly along a line which in the installed condition extends substantially horizontally over the width of the light exit opening (3), and at least one optically active device (10) which focuses the light of the at least one group of light sources (12) in a main radiation direction which in the installed condition faces substantially in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Fer Fahrzeugelektrik GmbH
    Inventors: Martina Schwanz, Rolf Kuenstler, Daniel Matthie, Markus Braeutigam
  • Publication number: 20030179585
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for illuminating a vehicle interior has an elongated housing which supports a printed circuit board that has an electrically conductive pattern. A plurality of electrical terminals are connected to the electrically conductive pattern for coupling the lighting assembly to a source of electricity. A plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged in a plurality of rows on the printed circuit board. The light emitting diodes in each row being electrically connected in series between two of the electrical terminals. The light emitting diodes are so connected that application of electricity to selected ones of the electrical terminals causes illumination of different combinations of the rows of light emitting diodes which results in the lighting assembly producing different light intensity levels in the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip Lefebvre
  • Publication number: 20030169599
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp utilizing an indirect lighting technique employing a plurality of LED light sources and which has a slim profile and improved appearance when lit. A reflector is provided which is composed of a plurality of small reflectors having a serrated shape and arranged in a linear array extending in the lateral direction. A LED light source is provided in a space to the side of each of the small reflectors, and light is radiated onto the reflecting surface of the adjacent small reflector. With this configuration, there is no need of providing a special cover member to hide the LED light sources when viewed from the front of the lamp. The small reflectors may also be arranged in a rectilinear array to achieve a uniformly illuminated generally planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
  • Patent number: 6616315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a first reflector (20, 20′) of elliptical shape, at a first focus (F1) of which is located a main light source (10), the light rays emitted by this source (10) and reflected by the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) being directed towards a concentration spot located at a second focus (F2) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′), the first (F1) and second (F2) focuses of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) defining a main optical axis (Oy) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′), a convergent lens (30) being placed such that its optical axis is coincident with the main optical axis (Oy) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) and that the second focus (F2) of the reflector (20, 20′) is located on the focal line (LF) of the lens (30) in order to emit a light beam of rays parallel to the main optical axis (Oy).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Publication number: 20030165063
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus for a rim cover is disclosed. The light-emitting apparatus includes a light source and a generator. The light source is attached to the rim cover. The generator is attached to the rim cover. The light source is connected with generator. When the rim cover is rotated, the generator generates electricity in order to power the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Shun-Ten Liaw
  • Publication number: 20030156420
    Abstract: A first lamp unit and a second lamp unit are arranged in two vertically-spaced stages within a lamp chamber, which is formed by a lamp body and a light-transmitting cover, in such a manner that the second lamp unit is disposed over the first lamp unit. The second lamp unit is so constructed that at least part of reflected light from a reflector can pass through the light-transmitting cover disposed forwardly of the first lamp unit. The direction of radiation of the beam from the second lamp unit can point downward, so that the light can be directed toward a zone of the road near and ahead of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20030147252
    Abstract: The system comprises a pair of optical assemblies, left and right respectively, each including a support base on which a plurality of optical elements are mounted, and a transparent cover for protecting the optical elements and being passed through by the light emitted by these latter. Each optical element includes a LED light source controllable by a remote control unit and is intended to carry out one function from the group comprising position light, dipped-beam headlight, main-beam headlight, fog headlight and turn indicator light. By virtue of the use of LED optical elements, it is possible to provide optical assemblies of small sizes, the shape of which can be adapted easily to that of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: FIORAVANTI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Matteo Fioravanti
  • Publication number: 20030147250
    Abstract: A front license plate light attachable on the front bumper of an automobile which comprises generally a lamp or lamps shining on the front license plate when the engine is in operation whether the license plate is mounted on the front bumper or another part of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: David Allen Grant
  • Patent number: 6601980
    Abstract: An infrared-ray radiating lamp which is prevented from being mistaken for a tail lamp or a stop lamp by ensuring that not only infrared rays but also visible rays are emanated from a front lens simultaneously. The lamp includes a lighting chamber defined by a lamp body and a front lens, a reflector disposed in the lighting chamber, and infrared-ray radiation means and visible-ray radiation means disposed in front of the reflector in the lighting chamber. The infrared rays radiated from the infrared-ray radiation means and the visible rays radiated from the visible-ray radiation means are emanated from the front lens simultaneously when the lamp is lit. Thus, the rays distributed by the lamp include both red infrared rays and white visible rays, and therefore a red color is not particularly noticeable. Thus, the infrared-ray radiating lamp when lit is not mistaken for a tail lamp or a stop lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kobayashi, Atsushi Sugimoto, Takashi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030142502
    Abstract: A headlight for a motorcycle illuminates the space in front of the motorcycle, through which a longitudinally-extending, vertical central plane passes. The motorcycle headlight comprises a light source and a plurality of lenses having centers and arranged to receive light from the light source. The light source is disposed outwardly from the center plane of the motorcycle with respect to the centroid of the centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Hidenari Kawai
  • Patent number: 6592242
    Abstract: A pair of auxiliary lights to be conveniently and unobtrusively carried at the opposite sides of a motorcycle in order to cooperate with the standard front headlamp and thereby advantageously provide the operator with a wide field of view including both frontal and lateral illumination so as to be better able to see approaching objects and landmarks and have sufficient time to react thereto. Each auxiliary light includes a housing, a light bulb enclosed by the housing and a foot peg bracket detachably connected to one side of the housing at which to receive a corresponding one of the left or right foot pegs of the motorcycle. A shifter mount bracket is detachably connected to the opposite side of the housing of one of the pair of auxiliary lights, and the gear shift pedal of the motorcycle is coupled to the shifter mount bracket of the one of the pair of auxiliary lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Brian C. Scaccia
  • Patent number: 6582001
    Abstract: The rear combination lamp is set closer to the storage box by providing left and right pairs of bulbs, and bulbs forming left and right access openings for performing maintenance of the bulbs on the lower box, and closing the access openings with lids respectively. Since maintenance work of the bulbs can easily be made from the inside of the storage box and the rear combination lamp may be set closer to the storage box, the rear portion of the vehicle may be formed compact in configuration even when a large rear combination lamp is disposed rearward of a large storage box. Therefore, the width or the entire length of the rear portion of the vehicle body is not increased, and thus the appearance and operability of the vehicle may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuichi Yagisawa, Junji Kikuno, Kengo Yano, Akihiko Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6578997
    Abstract: A multi-ocular light composed by using a multi-ocular lens integrating a plurality of lenses and comprising one illumination light source for said multi-ocular lens, and a reflector mirror for distributing light from this single illumination light source to said respective lenses, wherein a signal light source is provided at the back of said multi-ocular lens to correspond to at least one lens of this multi-ocular lens, in order to assure the illumination function when said illumination light source is turned on, and the signal function when said signal light source is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • Publication number: 20030107900
    Abstract: A device and method for precise visual indications of predetermined perimeter locations of a land vehicle is provided. The device has an electromagnetic generation mechanism for generating a high intensity, low diffusing, electromagnetic beam and a projection mechanism for securing the electromagnetic generation mechanism to the vehicle. The method of projecting the beam outward, downward, and perpendicular to the vehicle, parallel to a predetermined perimeter location provides the driver a precise visual indication of the perimeter location relative to other vehicles or obstacles. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic generation mechanism is a plurality of lasers in a phased-array projection mechanism that produce a line of beams, in the visible light spectrum, over a wide area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas F. Ellison
  • Patent number: 6575607
    Abstract: A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Marie Klemish, Andrew Michael Voto, Ronald Kenneth Selby
  • Patent number: 6575611
    Abstract: A support for a taillight of a motor vehicle has a support member and electric leads connected thereto. Electronic components are connected by welding seams produced by laser welding to the electric leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Achim Kugler, Christine Weber
  • Patent number: 6572249
    Abstract: A horizontal disk shaped bicycle light has a plurality of illuminating elements arrayed around its circumference, selectively illuminated at slow, medium and fast (or continuously “on”) rates and selectively illuminated in an all around or a side and rear only pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Randall B. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6568839
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20030095404
    Abstract: A novel light wherein the source of illumination is an array of light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board. The board is contained within an impact resistant housing. Several different embodiments are disclosed for the housing, including injection molded and extruded variants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Eric R. Becks, Thomas F. Gauthier, Donald L. Russell
  • Patent number: 6558018
    Abstract: Vehicle light apparatus for removably mounting on an elongate member of a vehicle such as a stroller or bicycle has its own battery power supply mounted on a rectangular web of pliant material that has opposed long sides. The long sides are provided with fasteners so that the web may be wrapped around an elongate member of a vehicle and the two long sides then joined together to hold the apparatus in place. The battery may be rechargeable, and a built-in battery charger may be incorporated into the apparatus. Light emitters are powered by the battery and positioned to emit light from opposed sides of the member. The lights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), electroluminescent strips (EL), or incandescent bulbs. The lights may be flashing sequencing for safety and decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Alvin S. Blum
  • Patent number: 6550950
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp for attachment and for electrical connection to a motor vehicle includes a housing enclosing an array of light emitting diodes. The housing has a light transmitting cover for sealing and protecting the diodes. The diodes emit light of at least two colors. The colors may be selected by a control that may be a remote control. One of the colors may be that associated with fog lights. An array of emitters is disposed to spell out a word such as alarm or help. The device may include an array of sockets adapted to receive plug-in diodes so that the consumer may spell out a particular word such as a name to personalize the light. The emitters may be strobed for emphasis. One or more emitters may be wired to emit light only when the running lights are on and the vehicle battery voltage is below a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6550951
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a lighting circuit unit for lighting a discharge bulb, the lighting circuit unit being provided on an exterior surface of the side wall of the lamb body that is located on the inner side of the lamp body with respect to the width direction of a vehicle. An electric supply cord extending from the lighting circuit unit is disposed along the reflecting surface backside portion of a reflector that is installed in the lamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tanaka, Takafumi Iwama, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6550945
    Abstract: A luminous pedal for a bicycle has a body with an I-like frame formed therein. An axle hole is longitudinally defined through the frame. An end cover is assembled at the front end and has a second hole in alignment with the axle hole. An axle has a head extending out from the second hole. A plurality of permanent magnets is circumferentially provided thereon and arranged N-pole by S-pole alternately. A coil seat with a coil is secured in the chamber. The permanent magnets are received in the coil seat. Two luminous plates is respectively secured at the side parts of the body and each have a plurality of luminous elements and electrically connected with the coil by a wire so that when the pedal is operated by a user, current is generated to light the luminous elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Chen Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030072167
    Abstract: The invention proposes a motor-vehicle headlamp (10), of the type including a main optical system (23) which comprises, arranged from back to front overall along a main optical axis (A-A), a main light source (16), a main reflector (14) of the elliptical type, and a converging main lens (18),
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Publication number: 20030067786
    Abstract: A headlamp (2; 3) of a vehicle (1) has a light source (4; 5) comprising a plurality of opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14), preferably light-emitting diodes (LED's). At least one of these opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) has, in operation, a luminous flux of 5 lm or higher. According to the invention, the spectral characteristic of the light beam (6, 6′; 7, 7′) generated by the light source (4; 5) depends upon the position in the light beam (6, 6′; 7, 7′). Preferably, the light source (4; 5) comprises opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) only. The light beam comprises at least two light beam segments (6, 6′; 7, 7′) having essentially different spectral characteristics. Preferably, one of the light beam segments (6′; 7′) is mesotopically tuned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: U.S. PHILIPS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simon H.A. Begemann, Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20030063477
    Abstract: An integrated light and accessory assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes at least one lamp for illumination of a vehicle, and also includes reflective, conductive and insulative portions inside a housing, and a module for controlling or accessorizing the assembly. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the assembly. The method includes providing materials for molding or shaping the components of the assembly, selectively etching conductive materials, molding the materials into a desired configuration, connecting a lamp and an accessory module to the conductive portions, and enclosing the components in a housing. A portion of the module may be removed for emergency lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Motor Co.
    Inventors: Walter Kuzma Stepanenko, Jay DeAvis Baker, Lawrence LeRoy Kneisel, Richard Keith McMillan, Brenda Joyce Nation, Cindy Maria Rutyna, Charles Frederick Schweitzer, Peter Langer
  • Publication number: 20030058653
    Abstract: A surface illumination system is provided that includes a lighting system mounted upon a vehicle body, such as an aircraft body. The lighting system is adapted to illuminate the surface beneath and around the periphery of the aircraft. For example, the lighting system is preferably adapted to illuminate the surface beneath at least one of the tail and distal ends of the wings. A further embodiment of the lighting system is adapted to illuminate the surface in a non-static manner. By increasing the illumination about the periphery of the aircraft, the surface illumination system draws increased attention to the aircraft and provides ground vehicles, taxiing aircraft, and landing aircraft advanced warning of the presence and position of obstacle aircraft on the ground, thereby reducing the possibility of collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Konicke, James E. Veitengruber, C. Edward Wischmeyer
  • Patent number: 6533444
    Abstract: A lighting directional sign includes a L-shaped illuminating unit including a casing, an illuminator protected by the casing, and an electric input connector provided on the casing and electrically connected with the illuminator, wherein the illuminating unit is disposed in a lamp chamber of a vehicle signal light and electrically connected with a power outlet of the vehicle signal light. The illuminating unit is aligned as an arrowhead shape in such a manner when the vehicle signal light is switched on, the illuminating unit is automatically switched on in order to signify the further motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Wen I Auguste Lee
  • Publication number: 20030031020
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a headlamp unit and an auxiliary lamp in which the brightness of an end portion of the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the headlamp unit is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the auxiliary lamp unit. The high luminous intensity area of the auxiliary light distribution pattern partly overlaps the high luminous intensity area of the low beam light distribution pattern, thus allowing the low beam light distribution pattern and the auxiliary light distribution pattern to be combined. Further, by way of controlling the beam irradiation intensity of the auxiliary lamp unit by a light control unit, the brightness of the low beam light distribution pattern is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern that has brightness in response to the vehicle running condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20030026107
    Abstract: An irradiating direction control device 1 of a lamp 7 for a vehicle carries out an operation for a vehicle attitude based on detection information obtained by vehicle height detecting means 2 and changes the irradiating direction of the lamp according to the vehicle attitude. Nonvolatile storage means 4 is caused to store data indicate of an actual vehicle height value in the reference state of the vehicle attitude or a difference between the actual vehicle height value and a vehicle height value for a vehicle design, thereby calculating the tilt of the vehicle attitude based on vehicle height data corrected by the stored data at time of irradiation control and controlling the irradiating direction of the lamp correspondingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Toda, Makoto Izawa
  • Patent number: 6511216
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle signal device mounted in the interior of a vehicle which, when activated, is visible outside the vehicle, but which is not readily apparent outside the vehicle when not in operation. The signal device does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when activated, and does not affect the aerodynamics, handling, or overhead clearance of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: George H. Strickland
  • Patent number: 6508576
    Abstract: An illumination device formed as a light for a motor vehicle has at least one light emitting element which emits light producing an illumination intensity distribution, and at least one additional light source which emits a light supporting the production of higher illumination intensity value in at least one partial region of an illumination intensity distribution produced by the light exiting the illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Silke Emmelmann, Michael Hamm
  • Patent number: 6508563
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Thomas A. Hough
  • Publication number: 20030012033
    Abstract: A headlight assembly for a working vehicle includes a body (16) having a front frame (19), and side frames (20) bent and extending rearward from opposite ends of the front frame, and light source units mounted in a pair of right and left openings (21) formed in the body. The body (16) is an integral unit formed of resin. The light source units include a pair of right and left main bulbs for forward illumination, and reflector units for forwardly reflecting light from the main bulbs. A cover member (18) is provided for covering at least a large part of the body. The cover member (18) includes a pair of right and left lens regions opposed to light radiating planes of the reflector units (32), respectively, a front wall region (33) interconnecting the these lens regions, and side wall regions (34) bent and extending rearward from lateral ends of the lens regions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hajime Shikiya
  • Patent number: 6505962
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp in which a lighting chamber is composed of a body and a lens covering an opening face of the body, the vehicle lamp includes: a first reflector, which is arranged in the lighting chamber, for reflecting the rays of a first electric bulb in substantially the front direction; a second electric bulb arranged at the rear of the first reflector so that the second electric bulb cannot be seen from the front direction; and a second reflector for reflecting the rays of the second electric bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Gotou
  • Patent number: 6499870
    Abstract: A vehicle tail light has a housing having a light source chamber and a light window delimiting one side of the light source chamber. A first light source provides a first signaling function and a second light source provides a second signaling function. The first and second light sources are mounted in the light source chamber remote from the light window. A first reflector, having a first horizontal reflection angle, and a second reflector, having a second horizontal reflection angle, are mounted in the housing opposite the light window. The first light source emits light being reflected at the first reflector onto the light window and passing through the light window to the exterior of the tail light. The second light source emits light being reflected at the second reflector onto the light window and passing through the light window to the exterior of the tail light. The second reflection angle is different from the first reflection angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Zwick, Otto Müller, Rudolf Bauder
  • Publication number: 20020196641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting and indicating device for a motor vehicle, including at least one main light source, associated with a reflector in order to emit a light beam of predetermined photometry along an optical axis through glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Norbert Brun