Bifocal hyperbolic catadioptric collection system for an automotive lamp
First Claim
1. An automotive lamp comprising:
- a. a light source;
b. a reflector positioned to reflect light from the light source; and
c. a lens positioned to receive light emitted from the light source and light reflected off the reflector, the bifocal lens comprising (i) a first portion having a focal point at the light source; and
(ii) a second portion having a focal point at a virtual focus of the reflector.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automotive lamp assembly includes a light source and a hyperbolic reflector positioned to reflect light from the light source. A bifocal lens is positioned in front of the light source and hyperbolic reflector such that it receives light emitted from the light source and light reflected off the reflector. The bifocal lens includes a first portion having a focal point at the light source and a second portion having a focal point at a virtual focus of the reflector. When the light source is energized and emits light, direct light from the light source strikes the first portion of the lens and collimates the light substantially parallel to the optical axis. Light from the reflector strikes the second portion of the lens and is collimated substantially parallel to the optical axis. Altogether, the light passing through the bifocal lens provides a desirable light beam for an automotive vehicle.
48 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An automotive lamp comprising:
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a. a light source;
b. a reflector positioned to reflect light from the light source; and
c. a lens positioned to receive light emitted from the light source and light reflected off the reflector, the bifocal lens comprising (i) a first portion having a focal point at the light source; and
(ii) a second portion having a focal point at a virtual focus of the reflector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of providing a beam of light for an automotive lamp, the method comprising:
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a. providing a light source, a reflector and a bifocal lens, the lens comprising a first portion having a focal point at the light source and a second portion having a focal point at a virtual focus of the reflector; and
b. energizing the light source such that light is emitted from the light source and reflected off the reflector, thereby causing light to pass through the bifocal lens and provide a substantially collimated beam of light. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An automotive lamp comprising:
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a. a light source;
b. a reflector positioned to reflect light from the light source, wherein light emitted from the reflector appears to emit from a virtual focus; and
c. a means for collimating the light emitted from the light source and reflected off the reflector, the means for collimating light including a first focal point at the light source and a second focal point at the virtual focus. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification