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.

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.

Abstract: A circuit or combined ballast for driving a fluorescent lamp and at least one light emitting diode (LED) includes an integrated driver circuit having an alternating current (AC) circuit that includes at least one ballast coil for driving the fluorescent lamp and a direct current circuit for driving the LED having a secondary winding inductively coupled with the fluorescent lamp ballast coil for driving the LED. A method of driving a lamp assembly includes at least one fluorescent lamp and at least one light emitting diode (LED) and a combined driver circuit for supplying both the fluorescent lamp and the LED.

Abstract: A circuit or combined ballast for driving a fluorescent lamp and at least one light emitting diode (LED) includes an integrated driver circuit having an alternating current (AC) circuit that includes at least one ballast coil for driving the fluorescent lamp and a direct current circuit for driving the LED having a secondary winding inductively coupled with the fluorescent lamp ballast coil for driving the LED. A method of driving a lamp assembly includes at least one fluorescent lamp and at least one light emitting diode (LED) and a combined driver circuit for supplying both the fluorescent lamp and the LED.

Abstract: A light-source assembly includes a low-pressure fluorescent discharge tube arrangement having a cold spot temperature and radiating white light and at least one light-emitting diode radiating red light. An operating circuit supplies current to the discharge tube arrangement and the light-emitting diode. An outer envelope surrounds at least the discharge tube arrangement and provides a substantially homogenous light resulting from a mixture of the light radiated by the discharge tube arrangement and the light radiated by the light-emitting diode. A base mechanically and electrically connects at least the discharge tube arrangement in the outer envelope to a lamp-holder.