Company patents
SL Corporation
SL Corporation, despite its strong historical focus on lighting, shows a surprising shift away from its core categories, with Non-portable Lighting Devices declining by 36.4% so far in 2026 and Vehicle Lighting & Signaling plummeting by 80.0% in the same period. This indicates a broad de-prioritization across its traditional lighting and automotive components, though Electric Vehicle Propulsion, while a small portion of the portfolio at 3.7%, is an emerging focus with a 100.0% YoY growth in 2026.
Patent Trend by Technology Area
Yearly patent publications since 2023
Product themes
Product-level themes inferred from filings since 2023, with category chips showing where each theme appears. Select a theme to filter the patents below.
161 US filings (since 2023) · 12 categories · 21 themes
Optical systems and components specifically designed for automotive lighting applications, focusing on beam pattern generation, light distribution, and compact integration within vehicle structures.
Combining lighting elements with other functional components or into complex structures, such as mirrors, emblems, or multi-function fixtures, often involving advanced optical or thermal management.
Systems that dynamically adjust vehicle headlamp beam patterns, direction, or intensity based on driving conditions, vehicle state, or detected objects to improve visibility and safety.
Lighting systems designed for aesthetic enhancement, mood setting, or functional illumination within the vehicle cabin, often integrated into trim, panels, or transparent surfaces.
Transmissions designed to provide a continuous range of gear ratios between fixed limits, often employing ball-planetary, toroidal, or belt-pulley mechanisms, and including their control systems for stable operation in various directions.
Utilizing vehicle lights for communication, warnings, or signaling to other vehicles, pedestrians, or external systems, beyond basic turn signals and brake lights.
Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting light output, distribution, color, or intensity based on environmental conditions, user presence, content, or specific application needs.
Methods and components for optimizing the performance, efficiency, and control of electric motors, inverters, and power converters within electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle drivetrains.
Electronic, hydraulic, or steer-by-wire systems that precisely control vehicle direction, often incorporating feedback loops, compensation, and adaptation for various driving conditions or vehicle types.
Addresses the design and arrangement of electric motors, transmissions, and associated power electronics (like inverters) to form integrated drive units for hybrid or electric vehicles, including specific components like busbars and electric brakes.
Control systems for managing vehicle braking and maintaining a stationary state, including brake pedal actuation sensing, automatic brake hold functions, and coordination with parking brakes.
Methods and apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing medical devices, waste, or environments, often employing radiation, chemical agents, or thermal processes, and including monitoring systems.
Locking mechanisms specifically designed for automotive applications, recreational vehicles, or unique door types like bi-fold, sliding, or container doors, often incorporating specific safety, noise reduction, or operational features.
Optical structures and lens designs that improve light extraction efficiency from LED dies and modules, including diffractive films, micro-lens arrays, reflectors, and color-conversion layers.
Technologies for efficiently delivering power to electric vehicles, encompassing fast charging, wireless charging, and smart grid integration, alongside vehicle-side control and management of the charging process.
Integration and control of electronic components within the vehicle, including power distribution, thermal management for integrated circuits, and advanced user interfaces such as voice assistants, often involving specialized housings or trim.
Compact and lightweight lighting devices designed to be worn on the body or easily carried, often featuring ergonomic designs, integrated power sources, and adjustable illumination.
Systems utilizing various sensors (e.g., cameras, radar, sonar) to perceive the vehicle's surrounding environment, detect objects, and process/display relevant information to the driver for enhanced awareness, assistance in maneuvers, or safety.
Novel configurations and materials for gears and drivetrain components, including specialized profiles, self-aligning features, damping elements, and complex gear train arrangements like planetary, cycloidal, or strain wave gearing.
Mechanical designs for robust light fixture housings, mounting assemblies, and environmental protection, particularly for outdoor or public installations like streetlights and signage.
Designs and components for efficiently supplying, collecting, and managing lubricants (oil, grease) within gearboxes and transmissions to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and extend component operational life.
Patents
Showing 1-10 of 272