With Mounting Or Holding Means (e.g., Clamp, Disengageable Mechanical Connector, Optical Fiber Holder) Patents (Class 362/581)
  • Publication number: 20140016345
    Abstract: An illumination system includes a light source device configured by an excitation light source, a light guiding member and a wavelength converter that are connected in order, and an operation check device. The system further includes: a connector configured to directly and physically connect the operation check device to a light signal emitting end which includes the wavelength converter; a detector configured to detect a light signal emitted from the light signal emitting end when the light signal emitting end and the operation check device are connected by the connector; and an operation determiner configured to determine the operations of the excitation light source, the light guiding member, and the wavelength converter by a detection result in the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro NISHIO, Takeshi ITO, Eiji YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140003084
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a fiber optic cable to a light source comprising a female adaptor having a receiving bore and a channel projecting into the receiving bore; a male ferrule, having a first portion insertable into at least part of the receiving bore, and a second portion defined at least partially by a tapered diameter region; and a compressible ring member disposed in the channel that engages the tapered portion when the male ferrule is inserted in the female adaptor in order to provide some resistance to removal of the male ferrule from the female adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: TEDAN SURGICAL INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Marguerite McHenry, Daniel Bass, Terry Johnston
  • Publication number: 20130335996
    Abstract: A portable illumination device having two directable light sources each having rotational and planar (i.e., pivotal) movement capabilities. Each light source is housed in an enclosed housing assembly attached at one end to a power source enclosed in a handle casing for providing power to the light sources, a switch mechanism enabling a user to selectively actuate or deactuate one and/or both light source arrays, a magnet base capable of being mounted on a metal platform, and multiple hooks for suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: BIN YAO, Xing Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 8593298
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface mount circuit board indicator. In one embodiment the surface mount circuit board indicator includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one light emitting diode (LED) die, one or more traces and at least one lens, a housing comprising at least one opening on a side along a perimeter of the housing, wherein the PCB is coupled to the housing such that a light output surface of the at least one LED die faces a same direction as the at least one opening and at least one alignment pin coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Oesterheld, Kenneth Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8573824
    Abstract: The periphery of a fluorescent body is reliably sealed, and entry of moisture or volatilized gas is prevented. An illumination optical unit includes an optical fiber, a fluorescent body, a ferrule as a holding member holding the fluorescent body and the optical fiber, a tubular sleeve member that covers the outer periphery of the fluorescent body, and a protective cover. The ferrule holds the fluorescent body and is fitted into a fitting hole of the sleeve member. An inner peripheral face of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the protective cover are bonded together to seal the distal end side of the fluorescent body, and the fitting hole of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the ferrule are bonded together to bond the proximal end side of the fluorescent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Makito Komukai, Akira Mizuyoshi
  • Patent number: 8562195
    Abstract: A light-emitting module including a light-emitting device, a multi-mode optical fiber, and a housing accommodating the light-emitting device is disclosed. The optical fiber includes a core and first cladding, and has a covered fiber section including a second cladding and a bare fiber section which has a lens for receiving laser light emitted by a light-emitting end surface of the light-emitting device and is not covered with the second cladding. The housing includes an optical fiber penetration pipe for fixing a portion of the bare fiber section so that the light-emitting end surface and the lens face each other. In the optical fiber penetration pipe, the portion of the bare fiber section is fixed by a resin having a refractive index lower than that of the first cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Masuko
  • Patent number: 8561340
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a tube holder including two connectors for receiving either a light-emitting diode (LED) tube and or a fluorescent tube. One of the connectors includes a rotary member rotatably received in a through hole defined in a retainer, and three conductive elastic pieces positioned in the retainer around the through hole. One elastic piece is electrically connected to an LED tube drive circuit board and a fluorescent tube drive circuit board, and the other two conductive pieces are electrically connected to the LED and the fluorescent tube drive circuit boards, respectively. The rotary member can be rotated to first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the LED tube can be activated, and at the second position the fluorescent tube can be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Shan Cao, Zheng-Nian Liu, Yu Hu, Jun-Ping Liu
  • Publication number: 20130272019
    Abstract: Exposed fixture mechanism (or exposed fixture mechanism) and associated mounting features constituting a broad range of structural, aesthetic, and/or functional enhancements to existing recessed fixtures. Embodiments are generally configured to couple at a structural surface at and/or surrounding a recessed fixture. A mounting ring provides secure attachment at the structural surface, A ring cover with or without an exposed fixture mechanism (EFM) typically is coupled to the mounting ring surrounding the recessed fixture via a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to a twist-lock engagement, magnets, screws, or snap on mechanisms. EFMs include a wide variety of aesthetic, functional, and/or structural embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Cheryl Engstrom, Steve Havas
  • Publication number: 20130271671
    Abstract: To provide an electronic device capable of preventing an enclosure from falling down without providing a stand and also improving heat dissipation of the enclosure. An electronic device (1) according to the present invention has a substrate (3) where a data storage unit (5) incorporating a storage medium is mounted, and a columned enclosure (2) for storing the substrate (3) in a standing posture, with an axial direction thereof directed to the vertical direction. The enclosure (2) has a pair of lateral walls (22, 23) opposite to the substrate (3) in the Y1-Y2 direction. The pair of lateral walls (22, 23) have a curved shape curved so that middle portions in the Z1-Z2 direction depart from the substrate (3) more than the respective both ends in the Z1-Z2 direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi SOGABE
  • Publication number: 20130272018
    Abstract: A light source is releasably connected to a scope having a light guide including an input guide member and a connector about the input guide member. The light source includes an elongate housing, a solid state light emissive material at a first end of the housing, a controller which controllably illuminates the light emissive material, a ball lens supported in proximity to the light emissive material. A mounting socket at the first end of the housing is arranged for mating connection with the connector of the scope such that an input end face of the input guide member is in proximity to said ball lens diametrically opposite from the light emissive material while remaining readily separable from the ball lens. A transparent panel at an internal end of the mounting socket protects the ball lens even when the light source is disconnected from the scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Vladimir Khubiryants
  • Patent number: 8558438
    Abstract: Reflector designs for a large area panel light source create induced draft cooling means adjacent to the panel light source. The panel light source has a wavelength conversion element on a solid state light source for emitting light of a first and second wavelength to form a broader emission spectrum of light from the panel light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Goldeneye, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Zimmerman, Karl W. Beeson, William R. Livesay, Richard L. Ross
  • Patent number: 8556486
    Abstract: A light source assembly mechanism includes two sets installed at two ends of an LED lamp tube. Each light source assembly mechanism includes a base, a lamp tube side cap, a turning module side cap and a turning rod. The lamp tube side cap has one side fastened to one end of the LED lamp tube and another side running through the base via a fastening portion to fasten to a coupling portion formed on the turning module side cap. The turning rod runs through the turning module side cap to fasten to the lamp tube side cap. With the same modular elements used at two sides of the LED lamp tube, mold development cost can be reduced, and assembly processes can be simplified. Through turning the turning rod, illumination angle of the LED lamp tube can be adjusted to meet illumination requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Green Lighting Technology, Corp
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 8545079
    Abstract: A light pipe includes a light guiding body and a light shielding. The light guiding body comprises an installing portion, a light incident portion, and a light emitting portion. The light incident portion and the light emitting portion oppositely formed in the two opposite ends of the installing portion. A light shielding member is made of pliable material, and fits over a side surface of the installing portion, an end surface of the installing portion adjoining the light emitting portion, and a side surface of the light emitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhi-Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 8540409
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the light guide (10) comprises a single-pieced light guide body (1). The light guide body (1) includes a transparent material and a light entrance segment (2) having a first cross-section (11) with a polygonal shape. Furthermore, the light guide body (1) includes a light output segment (4) having a second cross-section (22) with a rotund, round, circular, oval or elliptic shape. A transition segment (3) is arranged adjacent to and between the light entrance segment (2) and the light output segment (4). Along the transition segment (3), the first cross-section (11) in particular continuously changes to the second cross-section (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventor: Christopher Eichelberger
  • Publication number: 20130242599
    Abstract: A lighting device (30) comprises a side-light light guide 1? located in a support (2) that has an elongate opening for the passage of light emitted by the light guide. The support (20) is shaped to provide contact edges (24) and the only physical engagement between the support and the light guide is along those contact edges. The support also has planar surfaces internal positioned adjacent, and parallel to, planar surfaces (15) in the light guide to retain the light guide in the required orientation in the support. To enhance the flexibility of the support, in some embodiments only part of the support is continuous along the whole length of the support (FIGS. 14 to 19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David M. Rudek, Joerg R. Purfuerst, Hans-Michael Vogt
  • Patent number: 8534890
    Abstract: A light pipe assembly includes a light pipe and an optical concentrator. The light pipe is elongated between opposite ends along a longitudinal axis. The light pipe is formed from a light transmissive material. The optical concentrator is joined to the first end of the light pipe and includes an end section and an opposite coupling end connected to the first end of the light pipe. The end section is configured to receive light generated by a light source. The optical concentrator is formed from a light transmissive material that conveys light through the optical concentrator. The optical concentrator focuses the light generated by the light source into the first end of the light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada ULC
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Goto, Dragos Luca
  • Publication number: 20130215636
    Abstract: Lighting modules and lighting systems containing one or more lighting modules, and associated methods, are provided that receive light from one or more light sources for projecting it to a target surface, e.g., in a uniform, patterned, or other controlled manner. In various embodiments, the lighting modules and lighting systems can be used to mix the light generated by one or more sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Marco Angelini, Claudia Bigliatti, Ernesto Grossi
  • Publication number: 20130201535
    Abstract: A scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employing the same. The scanner module comprises an illuminator for illuminating light on an object to be scanned. The illuminator includes a light emitting diode, a light guide extending in a main scanning direction to change a direction of the light received from the light emitting diode, and at least one elastic member to elastically support at least one longitudinal end of the light guide. As the light guide is elastically supported by the elastic member, convex deformation or bowing of an emission face of the light guide due to thermal expansion can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8480276
    Abstract: Elongated lighting system comprises an elongated light pipe having first and second ends, with light supplied to those ends by at least one light source, via first and second light couplers that condition light to increase reflections within the light pipe. Light-extraction structure on the light pipe extracts light from the side of the pipe. An indentation in the light pipe has a depth and has surfaces oriented with respect to the pipe so as (1) to redirect light from the first light source that reaches the indentation after passing once through a plane adjacent the indentation, back through the plane and towards the first end; and (2) to sufficiently increase the average angular distribution of light reflected from the indentation and passing back through the plane as would cause at least 50 percent more reflections of the foregoing light within the pipe in the absence of the light-extraction structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Frankiewicz, Roger F. Buelow, II, David Bina, Jeremias A. Martins, Chris Jenson
  • Patent number: 8469571
    Abstract: A single piece light guide is disclosed herein. The single piece light guide may include a light rod and a lens. The single piece light guide may be formed using injection molding. The light guide may have one or more regions between the light rod and the lens. A housing may be provided for the light guide. The housing may have an opening that physically supports the light rod. Therefore, the light rod may be secured into place, which may prevent misalignment during use. The one or more regions between the light rod and the lens may assist in assembling and holding the light guide in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Optical International Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung Kuang Yang, Chien-chih Hsiung, Yu-Hsiang Huang, Wen-Lang Hung
  • Patent number: 8459854
    Abstract: A lighting device (30) comprises a side-light light guide 1? located in a support (2) that has an elongate opening for the passage of light emitted by the light guide. The support (20) is shaped to provide contact edges (24) and the only physical engagement between the support and the light guide is along those contact edges. The support also has planar surfaces internal positioned adjacent, and parallel to, planar surfaces (15) in the light guide to retain the light guide in the required orientation in the support. To enhance the flexibility of the support, in some embodiments only part of the support is continuous along the whole length of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David M. Rudek, Joerg Roberto Purfuerst, Hans-Michael Vogt
  • Patent number: 8454217
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and a light guide member. The housing defines a mounting hole and one or more positioning portions formed on an inner wall of the mounting hole. The light guide member is detachably mounted to the housing and received within the mounting hole of the housing. The light guide member includes a main body, one or more resilient portions formed on the main body, and one or more latching portions formed on the resilient portions corresponding to the positioning portions of the mounting hole of the housing. The latching portion is detachably latched with the positioning portion via the deformation and returning to original shape of the resilient portion. Thus, the light guide member is conveniently mounted on or detached from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhi-Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 8425079
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lighting unit incorporated in the housing of a note PC includes a lens unit provided with a plurality of light guiding lenses formed of a transparent resin, and a plurality of couplers coupling the light guiding lenses. A plurality of light shielding plates project from the inner surface of the housing between the light guiding lenses. Each light shielding plate has an upper edge at a level higher than the light input surfaces of the light guiding lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshikazu Shiroishi, Tomohiro Hamada, Tomoko Kitamura, Toshio Konno, Kohei Wada, Ryosuke Saito
  • Patent number: 8414177
    Abstract: A planar light emitting device (PLED) includes: a light guide plate (LGP) having upper/lower surfaces; a light source substrate (LSS) mounted with a point light source parallel with a side end of the LGP; a first chassis covering a back of the LSS and a lower surface of the LGP in parallel; and a second chassis having an emission opening; a light source member in a side surface of the PLED; and a fixing member on the side of the PLED with an inclined portion. The inclined portion of the fixing member is formed so pressing the fixing member moves the LGP toward the LSS, which is fixed between the side end of the LGP and the first chassis. Removing the fixing member forms a gap between the LSS and the side end surface of the LGP or the first chassis, and the LSS can exit the LSS take-out portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8408729
    Abstract: A lighting device 12 of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources 17 and a chassis 14 that accommodates the light sources 17. The chassis 14 is formed of a plate member and includes a bottom plate 14a of a flat plate and outer rims 21 having a folding configuration formed at the edges of the bottom plate 14a. The outer rim 21 includes a first folded portion 31 and a second folded portion 32 that is formed by further folding a part of the first folded portion 31. Since the outer rim 21 has a double folding configuration, strength of the outer rim 21 itself is increased to suppress distortion of the chassis 14. Accordingly, uniform brightness is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuki Yamamoto, Tamotsu Satoh
  • Patent number: 8403544
    Abstract: A lamp includes a housing, a lamp cover with a hook, a light source, and a lamp cover latching structure. The light source is disposed between the housing and the lamp cover. The lamp cover latching structure includes a securing portion, a latching portion, and a pressing portion. The securing portion is fixed to the housing. The latching portion is capable of latching with the latching hook. The latching portion is capable of separating from the latching hook by pressing the pressing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Chia Wu, Ping-Jung Tsai
  • Patent number: 8388206
    Abstract: There is provided a backlight device with which it is possible not only to prevent an assembly process from being complicated and the number of components from being increased, but also to connect a light source to a connector member satisfactorily and electrically. In this backlight device (20), a distance (W12) from the central axis (O1) of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (23) to a connector terminal portion (240) is larger than a distance (W2) from the central axis of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp to an end portion of a contact portion (23d) of a cap portion (23a) in an F direction but is smaller than a distance (L2) from the central axis of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp to an end portion of the contact portion of the cap portion in an E direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shiyoshi Cho
  • Patent number: 8382346
    Abstract: The invention provides an illumination device, preferably a reading lamp, which, on the one hand, has a compact design and, on the other hand, ensures a flexible illumination of objects, for which, in order to ensure an adequately high illuminance, high-power light sources can be used and which includes preferably a light source and a light-guiding element that can be pivoted and/or tilted around a pivoting/tilting point, which has at least one light-guiding axis and at least one light in-coupling surface as well as one light out-coupling surface, with the light-guiding element being arranged preferably in an axially displaceable manner in such a way that a free beam area can exist between the light source and the light in-coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Bernd Schultheis, Petra Kuntze, Oliver Keiper, Sigurd Dressler, Andreas Hatzenbuehler, Walter Bleuel, Klaus Engelmann, Paul Bou Saleh, Armin Plichta
  • Publication number: 20130033890
    Abstract: A light pipe includes a light guiding body and a light shielding. The light guiding body comprises an installing portion, a light incident portion, and a light emitting portion. The light incident portion and the light emitting portion oppositely formed in the two opposite ends of the installing portion. A light shielding member is made of pliable material, and fits over a side surface of the installing portion, an end surface of the installing portion adjoining the light emitting portion, and a side surface of the light emitting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHI-HUA LIU
  • Patent number: 8346035
    Abstract: A modular radiation integrator assembly including a radiation source that emits radiation, a first integrator module including a first input port and a first output port, an adjust tube configured to partially receive the first integrator module and engage the radiation source in a manner such that the radiation emitted by the radiation source travels to and enters the first input port, and a second integrator module including a second input port and second output port, the second integrator module couplable to the first integrator module outside the adjust tube in a manner such that the radiation exits the first output port and enters the second input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventor: Blaise R. J. Robitaille
  • Publication number: 20120314445
    Abstract: In order for a light guide set including a light source such as an LED and a light guide member receiving light without leakage of light from the light source or the like to be provided, in the light guide set (ST) that includes an LED (32) and an light guide bar (11) which includes a light reception end (12R) receiving light from the LED (32) and which guides the received light and a holding member (25) which holds the LED (32) and the light reception end (12R) thereof on the side of the LED (32), a protrusion (11P) (a second engagement portion/a first engagement portion) is formed in the light guide bar (11), and an opening hole (26Dh) (the first engagement portion/the second engagement portion) is formed in the holding member (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 8317383
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a light pipe assembly including a number of light pipes includes a chassis including two opposite hooks, and two pairs of blocks extending from two of the number of light pipes, respectively. When the light pipe assembly is compressed to be elastically deformed, the light pipe assembly is able to be placed between the hooks. When the light pipe assembly restores, each hook is able to be sandwiched between two blocks of a corresponding pair of blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Zheng, Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Patent number: 8308328
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a design panel 12 made of a resin and a light guide lens 16 that is attached to the design panel 12 so as to guide light from a light source to the outside. An insert hole 20 that is a through hole whose shape is commensurate with the light guide lens 16 is formed in the design panel 12. The light guide lens 16 is inserted into the insert hole 20 by elastically deforming a rim of the insert hole 20 when the light guide lens 16 is pushed into the insert hole 20, to thus be attached to the design panel 12. Auxiliary grooves 22 that promote elastic deformation are formed in a neighborhood of the rim of the insert hole 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Fujimura
  • Patent number: 8282256
    Abstract: A lighting system for efficiently illuminating various structures using LEDs and fiber-optics. The lighting system generally includes a base unit including at least a first socket and a second socket. A first light source is positioned within the first socket and a second light source is positioned within the second socket, wherein more light sources are used for additional sockets. A first lens may be positioned within the first socket over the first light source to emit a first color and a second lens may be positioned within the second socket over the second light source to emit a second color. At least some of the colors of the lenses are preferably different. At least one light transmitter including a light gathering end and a light dispersing end is positioned within a selected socket to emit a respective color through the light dispersing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: John K. Pike, Janet R. Carville
  • Publication number: 20120243253
    Abstract: A backlight for an appliance knob provides a light pipe that may receive light from a light source fixed behind a console at a variety of different extensions permitting ready adjustment of the light pipe to fit closely behind the appliance knob with different console thicknesses and tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Claprood, David C. Gill
  • Publication number: 20120195062
    Abstract: An operation device comprises: a plurality of operation members attached to a common supporting member; and a plurality of inserting components having the same configurations with one another. The operation members include latching apertures for securing the inserting components to the operation members and include a plurality of kinds of structure to be attached to the common supporting member so that opening directions of the latching apertures are different from one another. The inserting components include a plurality of latching projections that protrude outward from a main body, and have configurations that can engage the latching apertures in any one of the operation members. The latching projections protrude from the main body in a plurality of directions corresponding to the opening directions of the latching apertures so that any one of the latching projections can engage the latching aperture in any one of the operation members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kosemura, Yasushi Oonishi, Yuusuke Yoshida, Kenji Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8220953
    Abstract: A modular power grid illumination system is provided. The illumination system generally includes a luminary including a light emitting module, a longitudinal housing assembly to receive the light emitting module, first and second end caps at opposite ends of the housing assembly, and first and second twist-in connectors coupled to respective first and second end caps. The twist-in connectors couple the luminary to a power grid at opposing ends of the luminary while also providing a source of low voltage electrical power to the luminary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: TSM Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20120170305
    Abstract: An illumination system incorporating an optical element such as an optical fibre is disclosed. The system comprises at least one light source and an optical element configured to emit visible light from a series of emission points located along its length when coupled to the light source. Each end of the optical element and the light source are held within a sleeve such that the optical element forms a continuous light guide. The optical element is further adapted to fit within a housing and to be held in tension within that housing, such that the optical element sits within the housing in a preferred orientation. Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: David M. Rudek, Eric Schmuck
  • Publication number: 20120163017
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, an adhering member, and a light guiding pipe. The housing includes a side wall defining a stepped fixing hole, the stepped fixing hole includes a fixing surface towards the inside of the housing. The light guiding pipe includes a light guiding portion. The light guiding portion includes a main body and a flange formed at the outer side of the main body. The flange includes an assembly surface corresponding to the fixing surface. The light guiding pipe is adhered to the housing by the adhering member, with the light guiding pipe inserted in the stepped fixing hole and the assembly surface resisting against the fixing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHI-HUA LIU
  • Patent number: 8206019
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a housing having at least a socket, an electronic device disposed in the housing, a protection member disposed on a side of the housing, a light emitting element disposed on the protection member, a light pipe disposed on the housing for guiding light from the light emitting element, a shield surrounding the protection member and the light emitting element, and a cover encompassing the light pipe, the shield, and the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen-Jung Chen, Yong-Gang Wang, Chih-Tse Chen, Yi-Bin Lee
  • Publication number: 20120155108
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a guide frame with closed and open ends, the guide frame configured to be mounted to a substrate. The guide frame defines at least one cavity configured to receive an electrical component therein. A connector housing configured to be disposed in the at least one cavity and mounted to the substrate can support a retainer that extends outwardly from a body of the connector housing. The retainer can be configured to receive an attachment member supported by a light pipe, and can extend outwardly through the closed end of the guide frame. A heat sink coupled to the guide frame can be configured to have at least a portion of the light pipe disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: FCI AMERICAS TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventor: Michael Scholeno
  • Patent number: 8186864
    Abstract: A light source device includes an excitation light source which generates excitation light, a fluorescent member containing a fluorescent substance which absorbs the excitation light to generate fluorescence, an emitting side optical member which is provided on an emitting end face of the fluorescent member, and a reflector which is provided on the side surface of the fluorescent member. The reflector has an optical property of reflecting the excitation light and the fluorescence. The emitting side optical member has an optical property of reflecting the excitation light and transmitting the fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Iwao Komazaki, Eiji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120098467
    Abstract: An illuminated latch apparatus is provided. The illuminated latch apparatus can include a latch member 100 with at least one surface 110 having a channel 120 formed therein. A light guide 200 having a first end 210 and a second end 220 can be at least partially disposed within the channel 120. A light source 310 can be disposed proximate the first end 210 of the light guide 200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Earl W. Moore
  • Patent number: 8147110
    Abstract: A light pipe assembly includes a lamp assembly and a light pipe. The lamp assembly has a housing that holds a light source configured to emit light. The light pipe is elongated between an attachment end and an opposing distal end. The attachment end is received in the housing of the lamp assembly. The light pipe receives light emitted by the light source. Additionally, the light pipe includes surface elements that are configured to permit the light to emanate from the light pipe between the attachment and distal ends. The surface elements are arranged in a pattern that provides a predetermined distribution of light emanating from the light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada ULC
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Goto, Andras Gyimes
  • Patent number: 8147086
    Abstract: A purse illumination assembly including a power source, a light emitting portion, a touch-sensitive switch, and a circuit assembly connecting the light emitting portion to the power source through the touch-sensitive switch. The touch-sensitive switch is located in an indentation to protect against accidental switching on. The light emitting portion includes a light emitting fabric or may include EL wire alone or in combination with LED lights to provide both lighting and a decorative effect. A driver circuit may be included for driving both the EL wire and the LED lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Cynthia K. Tait
  • Publication number: 20120063161
    Abstract: A light source device includes a single optical waveguide, a plurality of optical sub-assemblies, and an assembly holder. The optical waveguide includes a core area extending along a predetermined axis, a cladding area covering a periphery of the core area, and a first end face extending along a plane intersecting the predetermined axis. The assembly holder has an inner surface supporting the optical sub-assemblies so that the optical sub-assemblies are respectively arranged on a plurality of reference lines and optically coupled to the first end face of the optical waveguide. Each optical sub-assembly includes a semiconductor light-emitting element having a light-emitting surface optically coupled to the first end face of the optical waveguide, and a support member on which the semiconductor light-emitting element is mounted. The reference lines extend in different directions from one point on a predetermined axis of the core area to the cladding area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromi NAKANISHI, Michitomo IIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20120050538
    Abstract: A beam combiner assembly for a night vision device is disclosed. The beam combiner assembly is for use with a night vision device. The beam combiner assembly includes a beam combiner and one or more light pipes. The beam combiner is configured to generate a combined image by combining a first image and a second image. The beam combiner is further configured to transmit the combined image to a user. The one or more light pipes are coupled to the beam combiner in positions corresponding to one or more indicator lights. Each light pipe is configured to receive light from a respective indicator light. Each light pipe is further configured to transmit the light from the respective indicator light to the beam combiner. The beam combiner assembly may be provided in a night vision device including a first image source, a second image source, a microdisplay, and a display connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Ronald Lynam, Scott Joseph Adams
  • Patent number: 8087810
    Abstract: Modular panels can be attached to a substratum, e.g. a wall or ceiling, to display an actively lighted star field. Each panel displays a respective subarea of the star field, the panels being attached onto the substratum in edgewise juxtaposed relationship according to the star field. Each panel defines a set of apertures extending through the panel and distributed over the panel according to the panel's respective subarea. On a back face of each panel is a set of light pipes respectively corresponding to the panel's set of apertures, each light pipe being illuminated by a light emitting diode. Panels can include twinkling stars, constant stars, and/or shooting stars, and energization of the corresponding light emitting diodes is constant or varied accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Chris Isaacson
  • Patent number: 8075173
    Abstract: A trim panel for a vehicle interior provides a distinctive ambient lighting effect. The trim panel has an opening therein and an illuminated insert panel is mounted on the trim panel within the opening. The insert panel is molded of a clear plastic material and has a front face located in the opening and a painted or other rear reflective surface. The insert panel has a clear plastic edge wall located beyond the opening of the trim panel. A light pipe extends alongside the clear plastic edge wall and directs light into the clear plastic edge wall so that the light reflects within the clear plastic material and onto the rear reflective surface of the insert panel to illuminate the insert panel over its entire surface area facing through the opening of the interior trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dale A. Shallcross, Jason D. Carr
  • Patent number: 8066417
    Abstract: Different arrangements for improving the coupling-in efficiency between an LED assembly and a light guide are disclosed. In a first arrangement, a substantially planar end of a light guide is seated on a perimeter wall of a support that encloses a LED assembly, and a reflecting surface enhances coupling efficiency of a light guide. Alternative arrangements use a separate coupler disposed between the LED assembly and the light guide, which coupler has a paraboloid or aspheroid conformation to develop substantially collimated light that is directed into the light guide. The cavity around the LED assembly and within the coupler, may be air or a material having an index of refraction that closely matches the index of refraction of the light guide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laszlo Balazs, Istvan Maros, Istvan Peter Bakk