With Common Housing Patents (Class 362/544)
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Patent number: 6439739Abstract: The invention relates to an incandescent lamp with at least one incandescent coil which can be used for generating a high beam in a motor vehicle headlight, which lamp is additionally capable of performing the function of a daytime running light. The use of a dimmed high beam as an energy-saving daytime running light (DRL) has the disadvantage of a light distribution belonging to the high beam which is unsuitable for the function of a daytime running light. Furthermore, the high beam, if it is to fulfill the requirements as regards the maximum luminous intensity of the daytime running light, would have to be so strongly dimmed that the halogen cycle in the bulb of the incandescent lamp can no longer be maintained. This will lead to blackening at the bulb inside and a shorter lamp life.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Ingolf Sischka
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Publication number: 20020114166Abstract: A light assembly for a motor vehicle has a housing having a housing opening covered by a lens. At least one reflector is arranged in the housing, and at least one light guide is arranged in the housing between the at least one reflector and the lens. One or more LEDs as a light source are arranged hidden in the housing such that rays emitted by the LEDs are partially reflected on the at least one reflector toward the light guide. The light guide gives the impression of a fluorescent lamp being mounted in the light assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Otto Rolf Muller, Stephan Berlitz, Friedbert Schmitt
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Patent number: 6409369Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a single light source cooperating with fixed optical means to produce a fixed beam which is generally spread widthwise and which is such as to perform two functions selectively, namely to enhance a dipped passing beam produced by another headlight and to produce a further beam, such as a foglight beam, with a specific top cut-off. The beam comprises at least two regions which are bounded by at least two portions of the top cut-off line, these portions being arranged at different levels. The invention also relates to a pair of headlights of this type, one on the right of the vehicle and one on the left.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Antoine De Lamberterie
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Publication number: 20020075695Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes right and left reflectors disposed in a lamp body and a ballast that allows a discharge bulb mounted in the reflector to continue a stable discharge. The pair of right and left reflectors is offset in the vertical direction. The right reflector is also offset in the fore-and-aft direction to be located behind the adjacent left reflector. The ballast is disposed to extend over enlarged spaces extending from below the right reflector. Thus, the center of gravity of the ballast is made close to the center of gravity of the headlamp excluding the ballast.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Hiroki Fujinami, Norihiro Nishitani
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Patent number: 6406172Abstract: 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 (LEDs). 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 spatial distribution of the light beam (6, 6′, . . . ; 7, 7′, . . . ) generated by the light source (4; 5) is continuously adjustable. Preferably, the light source (4; 5) comprises opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) only. Preferably, the spatial distribution is influenced by the speed of the vehicle (1), the rotational position of the steering wheel of the vehicle (1), the weather conditions, and it can also be influenced by the driver of the vehicle (1). Preferably, the spectral characteristics of the light beam (6, 6′, . . . ; 7, 7′, . . . ) generated by the light source (4; 5) depend on the position in the light beam (6, 6′, . . . ; 7, 7′, . . . ).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Simon H. A. Begemann
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Patent number: 6402356Abstract: A vehicle lamp having a body, a lens, a first light source, a reflector, and a second light source. The body has a front face, a side, and an opening face, wherein the opening face is curved from the front face to the side. The lens covers the opening face of the body. A lighting chamber is defined by the body and the lens. The first light source and the reflector are arranged in the lighting chamber. The reflector includes a front side for reflecting the rays of the first light source substantially in the front direction, and also includes a reverse side. The second light source is arranged adjacent the reverse side of the reflector so that rays of the second light source are reflected by the reverse side of the reflector and are irradiated substantially to the side of the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshimasa Gotou
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Patent number: 6394636Abstract: A vehicular headlamp comprising a lighting compartment, first and second reflectors, a bulb, and a lighting circuit unit. The lighting compartment is defined by a lamp body and a front lens. The first and second reflectors are provided in the lighting compartment, and the second reflector is beside the first reflector. The bulb is mounted on the second reflector. The lighting circuit unit is provided below the first reflector and electrically connected to the bulb.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhisa Ashizawa, Yu Shinomiya, Kazutami Oishi
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Patent number: 6392559Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating the exterior of an automotive vehicle has a remotely controlled lamp or set of lamps mounted to the underside of the vehicle for providing illumination both below the vehicle and under the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary the lamps illuminate upon receipt of a predetermined signal from a transmitter. The lamps may also illuminate upon opening a vehicle door to illuminate the path of an exiting passenger.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Emanuel M. Sharpe, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020057578Abstract: A vehicle lamp fixture comprising a reflector that is made of a thermoplastic resin and is covered with a light reflecting film on its surface and a lens that is made of a thermoplastic resin and is mounted on the reflector. The reflector has a welding leg portion which projects from the circumferential edge of the reflector, and the tip end of the reflector welding leg portion is formed with an inclined surface which is inclined with respect to a direction in which the lens is brought to make a contact with the reflector when welding is performed between the reflector and the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kageyama, Teruaki Inaba
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Patent number: 6386731Abstract: A light emitting unit of one or more kinds selected from light sources such as, neon lamp, cold cathode fluorescent lamp, electro luminescence (EL), and light emitting diode (LED) accommodated in a protecting enclosure together with a rectifier circuit, is mounted on a rotating body of an automobile such as a wheel or a tire. Power for illumination is supplied from an extra miniature generator installed on the rotating body converting its rotating kinetic energy into electrical energy by means of a specially designed vane, an eccentric swing block, and a bearing disc with associated transmission gear wheel to continuously supply electricity to the light emitting unit. Both sides of the automobile are therefore well illuminated in a dark environment so as to achieve traffic security and contribute to beautiful night scenery.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Chen-Kang Cheng
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Patent number: 6379029Abstract: A vehicle lighting fixture for securing to a vehicle, the lighting fixture includes a base panel having a base panel front surface and a base panel rear surface and having a non-invasive attachment mechanism on the base panel rear surface, and having a strap engaging mechanism; a laterally extending wire cover strap securable to the strap engaging mechanism and having a cover strap rear surface and having non-invasive attachment mechanism on the cover strap rear surface; a light source secured against the base panel front surface; a lens panel extending over the front of the light source and secured to the base panel front surface; and a lens frame secured over the lens panel and covering the perimeter of the lens panel, and connected to the lens panel by a lens frame connector mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: Martin P. Stanton
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Patent number: 6371636Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode Lamp Module for specific use in all vehicle tail, brake or turn signal lamp fixtures for integrated single and dual element operation. The module has integrated dual element control circuitry, voltage and current control circuitry, brightness enhancement circuitry, and LED circuitry built into the universal body to produce a bright, reliable, long life, energy efficient LED lamp that fits all vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Jam Strait, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Wesson
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Patent number: 6371635Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device for a vehicle, having a light-decoupling element in a decoupling bay of the vehicle. The light-decoupling element is fed by a light source arranged at a distance, where an optical fiber connects the light source and the light decoupling element. A light panel is used to achieve a visual shielding of an inner bay containing structural elements and components. The light panel facilitates a visual shielding of the rear inner bay.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.Inventors: Alfred Ott, Uwe Frederking, Wener Heinz, Karsten Eichhorn, Ewald Topp, Gerhard Jost, Micheal Wuestefeld, Stefan Wiesner
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Publication number: 20020039297Abstract: A head lamp device includes a structure in which a discharge lamp has a discharge bulb and a reflector of a substantially hemispheric shape arranged in an upper part of a housing. A filament including a filament bulb and a reflector of a substantially hemispheric shape is arranged in a lower part of the housing. The front opening of the lamp housing is covered by a front lens. The discharge bulb can generate two to three times as much luminous flux as a conventional filament bulb. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the discharge bulb as compared to the filament bulb. This makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the head lamp device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeru Kodaira, Kenichi Takeda, Tetsuya Suzuki, Toru Hasegawa
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Publication number: 20020024810Abstract: A structure that ensures air tightness and waterproof performance of a cord insertion hole in a back cover of a lamp body. The arrangement allows a reduction of man hours for fixing a power supply cord to the back cover. In an implementation, a cylindrical outer wall 702 is provided that surrounds cord insertion holes 704a, 704b through which power supply cords 6a, 6b are inserted for sending current to light source bulbs 1a, 1b. A resin mold portion filled inside the outer wall fixes and integrates the power supply cords 6a, 6b in the cord insertion holes 704a, 704b. The resin mold portion includes a lower mold layer 9a on the side of the cord insertion holes 704a, 704b that adheres well to the back cover 7, and an upper mold layer 9b laminated over the lower mold layer 9a and having good heat resistance properties. The upper mold layer 9b prevents creep in the lower mold layer 9a, and the lower mold layer maintains air tightness and waterproof performance at the cord insertion hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Akira Nagakura
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Publication number: 20020003708Abstract: A marker lamp distributes light without the use of mirrors or reflectors. The marker lamp uses a combination of corner cube optics and intersecting cylindrical prisms on the lens, distributing light in accordance to the United States and the United Nations standards for the European community for marker lamps. The marker lamp uses as a light source a reduce number of light emitting diodes, a maximum of three. The marker lamp is design to be slim and sturdy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Philip C. Roller, Jon A. Stineman
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Patent number: 6334701Abstract: A head lamp device includes a structure in which a discharge lamp has a discharge bulb and a reflector of a substantially hemispheric shape arranged in an upper part of a housing. A filament including a filament bulb and a reflector of a substantially hemispheric shape is arranged in a lower part of the housing. The front opening of the lamp housing is covered by a front lens. The discharge bulb can generate two to three times as much luminous flux as a conventional filament bulb. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the discharge bulb as compared to the filament bulb. This makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the head lamp device.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeru Kodaira, Kenichi Takeda, Tetsuya Suzuki, Toru Hasegawa
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Patent number: 6332699Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system which provides additional light for right and left bearings of an automobile when driven at night. The lighting system includes a lighting body having a front protrusion and an interior compartment within which right and left lighting units are mounted, each of the right and left lighting units being arranged at an angle of about 45° from the front protrusion. The lighting body is mounted to the front part of the automobile and can be adjusted to direct the illumination generated by the lighting units more upwardly or downwardly relative to the road. A sensor operating piece and proximity sensors attached to the steering wheel provide input to a microcomputer circuit which actuates the right or left lighting unit in response to a right or left turn of the steering wheel, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Inventor: Hyun Jo Lee
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Patent number: 6331066Abstract: A lighted vehicular mirror assembly includes a mirror case, a reflective element, a support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle, and two lamp assemblies, each having a light source, a reflector member, and a lens. Each reflector member is shaped to direct light emitted by the light source to form a pattern of light directed generally downwardly and rearwardly when the light source is electrically activated. The reflector and lens in each lamp assembly work with one another to collect and direct light to different areas of the vehicle, preferably the lap areas of the driver and front seat passenger of the vehicle. Each reflector member preferably minimizes at least one of light bending, shaping and diffusing of light by its respective lens.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John P. Desmond, Sean McCormack, Patrick J. Lawlor, Rick Mousseau
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Publication number: 20010046139Abstract: A lamp apparatus or a vehicle headlamp comprising first and second lamp units that are provided adjacent to each other in the lateral direction so as to tilt in a lamp body by first and second aiming mechanisms, respectively. First supporting portions for supporting a fulcrum pin and aiming screws of the first aiming mechanism are provided behind the first lamp unit in the lamp body, and second supporting portions for supporting a fulcrum pin and aiming screws of the second aiming mechanism are provided behind the second lamp unit in the lamp body; and at least one of the plurality of first supporting portions and at least one of the plurality of second supporting portions are provided so as to overlap each other in a direction in which the lamp units are disposed when the headlamp is viewed from front.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuya Hashigaya
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Publication number: 20010046136Abstract: A light assembly for exterior rearview mirrors of vehicles has a support and one or more first LEDs provided as luminous bodies arranged on the support. Two or more second LEDs are provided as luminous bodies and arranged on the support. The first LEDs have a current intensity that is higher than the current intensity of the second LEDs. At least one of the first LEDs is series connected to at least two of the second LEDs, and the at least two second LEDs are parallel connected to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Christine Weber, Helmut Eberspacher, Thomas Klett, Robert Apfelbeck
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Publication number: 20010046138Abstract: A vehicle light having a multi-reflex optical system can include a light source, at least one pair of ellipse group reflecting surfaces located so as to substantially surround the light source. Each ellipse group reflecting surface can be symmetrical relative to the light source and have a first focus in the vicinity of the light source, a second focus, and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the vehicle light. The same number of parabolic group reflecting surfaces as the ellipse group reflecting surfaces can be located substantially linearly, with each parabolic group reflecting surface having a focus on the second focus of the corresponding ellipse group reflecting surface and a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the optical axis of the vehicle light.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Hiroo Oyama, Go Adachi, Masahito Okamoto, Yoshifumi Kawaguchi
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Publication number: 20010043477Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device for a vehicle, having a light-decoupling element in a decoupling bay of the vehicle. The light-decoupling element is fed by a light source arranged at a distance, where an optical fiber connects the light source and the light decoupling element. A light panel is used to achieve a visual shielding of an inner bay containing structural elements and components. The light panel facilitates a visual shielding of the rear inner bay.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2000Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Alfred Ott, Uwe Frederking, Wener Heinz, Karsten Eichhorn, Ewald Topp, Gerhard Jost, Micheal Wuestefeld, Stefan Wiesner
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Patent number: 6317038Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for signalling the deceleration of a motor vehicle. It comprises a signal lamp having an illuminating area divided into luminous sections, each equipped with its own light source, and means for controlling the lighting of a number of light sources which increases with the deceleration of the vehicle. The luminous intensity of the illuminating area remains substantially constant whatever the number of lighting sections lit. This constant intensity can be obtained by supplying the light sources with substantially constant power. The means for controlling the lighting of the light sources comprise a deceleration sensor and connection means which selectively link the light sources to an electrical-energy source as a function of an output signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Joel Leleve, Jean Rit
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Publication number: 20010038536Abstract: Disclosed is a combination marine accessory assembly for conveniently installing a plurality of marine accessories. The assembly contains, within a single housing, a plurality of marine accessories such as lights and horns. The accessories are mounted within a single housing, and the housing is installed on the open deck of a boat. The housing of the invention further provides protection for the marine accessories.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Ronald E. Wiggerman, Rudolph P. Gueik, Allan E. Boleslawski
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Publication number: 20010026452Abstract: An aircraft floodlight includes a lens placed in front of a housing thereof, a gas discharge lamp that is provided along with a reflector, and an electronic power supply unit. The housing has at least two reflectors that are aligned at different angles to one another and generate overlapping cones of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Bernd Ganzer, Norbert Koniczek, Peter Metzger
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Patent number: 6296382Abstract: A multi-chamber lamp has a lamp housing with a plurality of reflectors. A closure pane is provided on the lamp housing. An intermediate pane, located between the reflectors and the closure pane extends over an entire light emergence plane of at least one reflector. The closure pane as well as the intermediate pane are at least partially free of optical function. The intermediate pane supports a shield device for the light source associated with the at least one reflector, which is surrounded by an optics-free area. A cover apparatus completely encompasses the at least one reflector provided with the intermediate pane and covers also a peripheral rim of the intermediate pane as well as shields an interior of the lamp housing from view from the outside.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.Inventor: Antonius Hamelbeck
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Patent number: 6286984Abstract: A light for motor vehicles has a housing having a peripheral edge. A light screen is connected to the peripheral edge of the housing. At least one light source is arranged at least at a portion of the peripheral edge behind the light screen within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Roland Berg
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Patent number: 6283621Abstract: A vehicle interior lamp assembly comprises a light assembly carried within a housing. A cover is snap fit to the housing and carries a lens in registration with the light assembly. The light assembly includes a dome shape reflector, into which a light bulb is positioned, and a light switch slidingly positioned within a slotted flange attached to the housing. A light switch actuator, in operational connection with the light switch, is captured by the cover. The lens is formed with a double convex middle region and a pair of outer regions formed with a plurality of serrations which reflect light toward the light reflector to thereby provide a uniform pattern of illumination about a preselected area. In one preferred embodiment, the housing supports a pair of lighting assemblies to permit selective illumination of a passenger's seat, table, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: ASC Industries, Inc.Inventor: Gregory G. Macri
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Publication number: 20010015899Abstract: There has been limitation that since in a prior lamp for the vehicle, an amount of light is switched in the case where combining the lamp units which usage is different, a combination thereof is impossible except for the lamp unit with the same light color and so forth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Toshiyuki Kondo, Hidetaka Okada
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Patent number: 6273594Abstract: A vehicle indicator lamp is described that radiates red light and which has a superior sense of transparency and an excellent appearance. The lamp includes a cylindrical red transparent cap around a light-source bulb with respect to a lamp chamber for a rear fog lamp. A reflective surface forms the rear portion of the lamp chamber and diffuses and reflects light from the light-source bulb. A portion of a front lens is formed of a colorless transparent lens. When the lamp chamber is observed from the front, the reflective surface is visible through the colorless transparent lens and the red color of the red transparent cap can be seen reflected on the entire surface of the reflective surface or a part thereof. As a result, the sense of transparency of the lamp fixture is improved and the vehicle indicator lamp exhibits a novel appearance compared with that of conventional lamps having a single front red lens.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshimi Ikeda, Kazuhiro Hanamori
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Patent number: 6273593Abstract: Automotive lighting systems include a casing which defines an interior space and a pair of shafts extending thereacross so as to establish adjacent first and second interior space regions. Lamps are positioned in respective ones of these adjacent first and second interior space regions and are covered by a respective pair of lenses. Each lens has proximal and distal ends and is connected pivotally at the proximal end thereof to a respective one of the shafts to allow for independent pivotal movements of the distal end between inoperative and operative positions. Push switches are operatively connected to respective ones of the lamps and positioned in respective ones of the first and second interior space regions in such a manner that the distal ends of each lens is in contact with a respective push switch. In such a manner, the push switches may be operated in response to the pivotal movements of the lenses between its inoperative and operative positions to thereby illuminate the lamps.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T an TInventors: Hiroshi Yabata, Kouji Mikami
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Patent number: 6270241Abstract: In an assembly of at least one headlight and an indicator light for a motor vehicle, the headlight includes a lamp which is mounted in a reflector, and the indicator light, which is situated adjacent to the headlight, includes a lamp and reflective means for flux recuperation. The headlight and the indicator light also have adjacent lenses. The reflective means comprise a first reflector cooperating with the lamp of the indicator light, and a second reflector, the lamp and the first reflector of the indicator light being disposed behind the reflector of the headlight, and the second reflector of the indicator light is disposed in line with the lens of the indicator light.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Patrice Collot, Jose Ordonez, Vincent Godbillon, Jean Rit
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Publication number: 20010010635Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventor: Yoshimasa Gotou
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Publication number: 20010010636Abstract: A vehicle lamp having a body, a lens, a first light source, a reflector, and a second light source. The body has a front face, a side, and an opening face, wherein the opening face is curved from the front face to the side. The lens covers the opening face of the body. A lighting chamber is defined by the body and the lens. The first light source and the reflector are arranged in the lighting chamber. The reflector includes a front side for reflecting the rays of the first light source substantially in the front direction, and also includes a reverse side. The second light source is arranged adjacent the reverse side of the reflector so that rays of the second light source are reflected by the reverse side of the reflector and are irradiated substantially to the side of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventor: Yoshimasa Gotou
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Publication number: 20010008486Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: July 19, 2001Applicant: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Futami
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Patent number: 6257748Abstract: The right headlamp in a four-lamp type headlamp system is provided in such a manner that its lamp having a discharge bulb which is on the outside as viewed in the direction of width of the vehicle body is positioned at the corner of the front of the vehicle body, and the configuration of the surface of the lens is a curved surface which is curved backwardly and outwardly as viewed in the direction of width of the vehicle body. Furthermore, at the outermost end, as viewed in the direction of width of the vehicle body, of the lens surface, the horizontal component of the normal thereat is inclined at an angle (=about 70°) outwardly as viewed in the direction of width of the vehicle body with respect to the axial line in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Kazuya Hashigaya
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Patent number: 6257744Abstract: The invention relates to a safety lighting device for use on a snowmobile. The safety lighting device includes a light emitting diode for providing illumination, an energy source for providing a current, a switch for controlling electrical connectivity between the light emitting diode and the energy source, and an energy source mounting assembly for holding the energy source on a snowmobile. The light emitting diode preferably provides a luminous intensity of at least about 1,000 mcd at 25° C. and a forward current of 20 mA. The energy source preferably provides a current of between about 1 and about 5 volts. The energy source mounting assembly preferably includes a first surface constructed and arranged for mounting to a snowmobile, and a second surface constructed and arranged for holding the energy source. Preferably, the energy source is either an alkaline battery source or a lithium battery source. It is expected that two size AA lithium batteries will meet the requirements of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Snow Glow, IncorporatedInventor: Allen J. Lakosky
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Patent number: 6257746Abstract: A signaling assembly is described and which includes a semitransparent substrate, a light emitting assembly which is disposed in spaced relationship relative to the semitransparent substrate and which when energized emits electromagnetic radiation; and an opaque light orientation assembly which is positioned adjacent to the semitransparent substrate and which permits electromagnetic radiation to pass through the semitransparent substrate at an oblique orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Todd, Daniel J. Mathieu, Allen A. Bukosky, Jason J. Lawrence
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Patent number: 6254262Abstract: A signaling lamp allows improved serviceability and dependability. The lamp includes a light source, housing, backing and removable sealing mechanism. The housing includes a casing for coupling the housing to the backing, and a lens with a plurality of convex nodes along the interior surface for more efficiency collecting light from the light source. The modular structure and a pigtail socket achieve improved serviceability by allowing components to be individually replaceable and by increasing connectivity. Gaskets and an o-ring in conjunction with an o-ring slot formed in the backing of the lamp enhance sealing of the components. A heat sink on the backing operates to remove heat from the interior of the lamp. A current draw circuit and LED-based light source reduce the current draw to allow the lamp to use the standard battery from the primary vehicle as a power source.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventors: Paul D. Crunk, Peter J. Crunk, Katherine A. Crunk
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Patent number: 6241373Abstract: The present invention relates to a clearance and sidemarker lamp assembly in which a three-section printed circuit board (PCB) is mounted to a three-section enclosure. The enclosure has a main center section coupled to two side sections by means of a hinge. When the enclosure is coupled to a lamp housing, the side sections are folded down and tucked behind raised retaining ribs formed in the housing. LEDs in the main center section thus provide illumination perpendicular to the lamp, while LEDs in the angled side sections provide illumination to either side of the lamp. A lens may cover the assembly in order to blend the light into a continuous arc covering 180°.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.Inventors: Rodney M. Kelley, Jay F. Koehler, Charles R. Snyder
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Patent number: 6241372Abstract: A one piece molded vehicle lamp includes a housing portion, a lens portion, and a hinge connecting the housing portion to the lens portion. At least one connector secures the lens portion to the housing portion. A bulb is located on an inside of the housing portion. Light emanating from the bulb reflects light from the bulb outward through the lens portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: North American Lighting, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Bloomfield, Deval Desai, Ronald A. Wheat
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Patent number: 6238073Abstract: A vehicle signal lighting unit includes a light source, a plain outer lens, and a composite reflecting mirror consisting of a unit reflecting surface which reflects light having desired light distribution characteristics from the light source. The light source emits no direct light in an illuminating direction of the vehicle signal lighting unit, and is positioned to allow incident light against said composite reflecting mirror from at least two directions, and to prevent direct observation of the light source itself through the outer lens. Each unit reflecting surface of said composite reflecting mirror includes reflecting surface which reflects light from the light source from said two directions. Since the light source is provided outside an effective luminescent surface, the light source cannot be observed directly from outside through the plain outer lens. The light source can be mounted on both ends of the lighting unit outside an effective luminescent surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Takeaki Okamura
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Patent number: 6193400Abstract: A headlight for a vehicle operating in accordance with a projection principle has a reflector, a light source, a lens through which a light emitted by the light source and reflected by the reflector passes, at least partially light-permeable element which at least partially surrounds the lens at least over a part of its periphery and is provided locally with optical profiles so that the light emitted by the light source and not engaged by the reflector passes through the element and is collected by the element, the light reflected by the reflector and passing through the lens forming an upper bright-dark limit, and at least one additional light source which produces a limiting light and is arranged so that the light emitted by the at least additional light source at least partially passes through the element.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Kurt Schuster, Gerhard Weihing
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Patent number: 6190027Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighting device to illuminate the running board of a vehicle. One embodiment of the lighting device includes an electroluminescent element from which light emanates, an optical element for focusing the light, and a transparent tube surrounding the electroluminescent element and the optical element. In another embodiment of the lighting device, the transparent tube itself is provided with optical power for creating the desired light pattern.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: North American Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Andrew Lekson
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Patent number: 6183119Abstract: A lighted vehicular mirror assembly includes a mirror case, a reflective element, a support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle, and at least one lamp assembly having a light source, a reflector member, and a lens. The reflector member is shaped to direct light emitted by the light source to form a pattern of light directed generally downwardly and rearwardly when the light source is electrically activated. A lens provides shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of the reflector and includes a first prescription region, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John P. Desmond, Sean McCormack, Patrick J. Lawlor, Rick Mousseau
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Patent number: 6176605Abstract: The headlight unit has at least one low beam headlight and at least one high beam headlight. The headlight unit is constructed so that it fulfills the different sets of legal regulations for the high beam in both the U.S.A. and Europe. According to the regulations in the U.S.A. the high beam produced by the high beam headlight must have a maximum light intensity in the center of the high beam and at least one required light intensity on the opposing traffic side. The at least one required light intensity on the same traffic side is provided by the low beam propagated from the at least one low beam headlight. This low beam has an asymmetric light-dark boundary that is higher on the same traffic side than on the side of the opposing traffic. According to the European regulations a comparatively higher maximum light intensity is permitted in the center of the high beam and a comparatively lower light intensity is required in the lateral regions.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Esref Altunay, Friedemann Schlienz
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Patent number: 6170972Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprising: a light source; a lamp body having a front opening portion thereof; and a front lens disposed in a front opening portion of a lamp body having a light source therein, wherein said front lens is a compound lens made from a plurality of lens bodies which are integrally formed by making joint between sectionally hook-shaped side edge portions which are bent toward the back surface sides of said respective lens bodies so that said compound lens has a continuous surface, a joint surface between said side edge portions being configured so as to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a lens surface line crossing a joint portion, said joint portion being constituted by an obtuse hook-shaped side edge portion in which said joint surface and said lens surface line form an obtuse angle therebetween, and an acute hook-shaped side edge portion in which said joint surface and said lens surface line form an acute angle therebetween, wherein an acute front edge portion of said acute hType: GrantFiled: August 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoshi Fukuhara
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Patent number: 6152590Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a motor vehicle inside a housing 4. One or more light emitting diodes 9 which emit substantially white light are employed as lighting emitters. On account of the small amount of waste heat of the light-emitting diodes 9 the lighting device can be particularly easily integrated into existing subassemblies of the motor vehicle, in particular into the outside mirrors, inside mirror, trim strips and door handles, and can serve to illuminate the region around the vehicle or the interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Furst, Harald Buchalla
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Patent number: 6129448Abstract: A reflector (3) for a lamp LL having a discharge bulb (5) and a reflector (4) for a lamp HL having an incandescent bulb (6) are arranged so that the depth dimension of the rotary parabolic portion of the former reflector is set greater than that of the rotary parabolic portion of the latter reflector and that the opening dimension of the former reflector is widthwise greater than that of the opening dimension of the latter reflector. The effective reflection area of the reflector (3) is then increased and reflection efficiency is also increased when light from the discharge bulb (5) is reflected from the reflector (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshinobu Takasaki, Tomonori Aoyama