Movable condenser lens
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A headlamp for projecting light in a forward direction, said headlamp comprising:
- a reflector having a reflector axis, a first focal point located along said reflector axis, and a forward-facing reflector opening;
a light source located proximate to the first focal point;
a condenser lens disposed forward of the reflector opening, the condenser lens being movable in an arcuate path; and
means for moving the condenser lens in an arcuate path.
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Abstract
A system for adjusting the direction of a light beam from a headlamp assembly comprises a condenser lens which is movable along an arcuate path. As a vehicle turns a corner, the system moves the condenser lens along the arcuate path, so as to direct the light beam in the direction that the vehicle is moving. Because the condenser lens follows an arcuate path, the light beam is not distorted, allowing for greater angular displacement of the light beam.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A headlamp for projecting light in a forward direction, said headlamp comprising:
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a reflector having a reflector axis, a first focal point located along said reflector axis, and a forward-facing reflector opening;
a light source located proximate to the first focal point;
a condenser lens disposed forward of the reflector opening, the condenser lens being movable in an arcuate path; and
means for moving the condenser lens in an arcuate path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17)
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10. A method of steering the beam of light projected by a headlamp, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a headlamp for projecting light in a forward direction, the headlamp having a reflector with a reflector axis, a first focal point located along said reflector axis, and a forward-facing reflector opening;
providing a light source located proximate to the first focal point;
providing a condenser lens disposed forward of the reflector opening;
the condenser lens being movable in an arcuate path;
providing means for moving the condenser lens in an arcuate path; and
moving the condenser lens along the arcuate path the condenser lens moves along the substantially horizontal plane. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
computing a desired angular displacement; and
moving the condenser lens to the desired angular displacement.
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12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of computing a desired angular displacement comprises the step of determining the position of at least one front wheel of a vehicle.
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13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of computing a desired angular displacement comprises the step of determining the speed of the vehicle.
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14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of computing a desired angular displacement comprises the step of determining the position of a steering wheel.
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15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of computing a desired angular displacement comprises the step of determining the speed of a vehicle.
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16. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of providing means for moving the condenser lens in an arcuate path comprises the step of:
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providing means for moving the condenser relative to the reflector, and wherein the step of moving the condenser lens along the arcuate path comprises the step of, moving the condenser lens relative to the reflector.
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Specification