Abstract: An exercise device includes a swing arm, a foot link and a connection link. A portion of the connection link is configured to be disconnected from the foot link.

Abstract: A reflector assembly includes at least one reflector body having an inner cavity including a first inner surface conformable along a first geometric curve, and a second inner surface conformable along a second geometric curve. An outer surface is conformable about the first geometric curve. A plurality of through apertures are spaced about the reflector body, each formed between the outer surface and a transition region between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. A coolant flow source directs a coolant toward the reflector body. A first portion of the coolant contacts the outer surface, and a second portion of the coolant enters the inner cavity through the apertures. Providing apertures at or adjacent to the change in reflector body wall thickness allows a positive flow of cooling medium around and into the reflector body, while positioning an arc lamp outside of a cooling medium direct impingement path.

Abstract: A system and method for providing light generated at a location that is easily accessible by a person on the ground and channeling the light to a remote, difficult to access location where the light is directed toward an area desired to be illuminated. The lighting system includes an illumination device adapted to direct light toward the area to be illuminated and a light source located remotely from the illumination device. The light source is located such that it is easily accessible by a person standing on the ground. A light guide channels the light generated by the light source to the illumination device. Additionally, the light guide is adapted to be a structural component of the system for supporting the illumination device.

Abstract: An iris includes a stator assembly having a frame coupled to an electrically wound, substantially annular magnetic core. The iris further includes a rotor, which is rotatably coupled to the magnetic core such that a channel is defined. A diaphragm, having a plurality of diaphragm leaves, is coupled to the stator assembly. The diaphragm leaves are pivotally arranged to form an adjustable aperture, which is substantially concentric with the channel. A portion of at least one of the diaphragm leaves is coupled to the stator assembly, and another portion of at least one of the plurality of diaphragm leaves is coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A fiber optic fabric includes woven optical fibers, an opaque coating on the fibers and openings on the high points of the weave. The opaque coating prevents light leakage from the fibers and the openings allow light to be emitted from the fabric in a directed manner. The fabric is capable of emitting light at an angle relative to the surface of the fabric such that the light is not visible from every viewpoint.

Abstract: A fiber fed illumination system includes a solid-state light source, such as an LED; a light guide, such as a fiber optic; and a coupling assembly. The light emitting surface of the light source may be flat or concave. In the coupling assembly the light guide is placed either next to the flat surface or at the aperture of the concave surface. The light guide may be bonded directly to the light source or bonded so that index matching optical gel resides between the light emitting surface and the light guide. The coupling assembly includes a cavity surrounding the light emitting surface with a feature for retaining the light guide in proximity to the light source. The cavity is filled with index matching optical gel. The size of the light guide matches the size of the solid-state light source in order to provide the smallest feasible light guide.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical switching device for selectively switching an optical input between a plurality of output fibers. The opto-mechanical switching device includes a re-directing fiber adapted to receive the optical input. The re-directing fiber is disposed within a re-directing fiber housing. The re-directing fiber housing is selectively positionable via a stepper motor to transmit the optical input to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fibers. A method for switching an optical input between a plurality of output fibers is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic fabric includes woven optical fibers, an opaque coating on the fibers and openings on the high points of the weave. The opaque coating prevents light leakage from the fibers and the openings allow light to be emitted from the fabric in a directed manner. The fabric is capable of emitting light at an angle relative to the surface of the fabric such that the light is not visible from every viewpoint.

Abstract: A fiber fed illumination system includes a solid-state light source, such as an LED; a light guide, such as a fiber optic; and a coupling assembly. The light emitting surface of the light source may be flat or concave. In the coupling assembly the light guide is placed either next to the flat surface or at the aperture of the concave surface. The light guide may be bonded directly to the light source or bonded so that index matching optical gel resides between the light emitting surface and the light guide. The coupling assembly includes a cavity surrounding the light emitting surface with a feature for retaining the light guide in proximity to the light source. The cavity is filled with index matching optical gel.

Abstract: A fiber optic terminator apparatus for terminating unused optical fibers or optical fiber bundles. The apparatus forms a heat sink having two half portions, with each half portion including an involute-shaped cavity. The involute-shaped cavities are further formed as a mirror image pair. The heat sink also includes a bore for receiving an output end of an optical fiber or optical fiber bundle. Optical energy transmitted from the output end is reflected repeatedly between the two mirror image involute-shaped cavities to thus prevent the optical energy from being reflected back into the output end of the optical fiber or optical fiber bundle.

Abstract: A fiber optic terminator apparatus for terminating unused optical fibers or optical fiber bundles. The apparatus forms a heat sink having two half portions, with each half portion including an involute-shaped cavity. The involute-shaped cavities are further formed as a mirror image pair. The heat sink also includes a bore for receiving an output end of an optical fiber or optical fiber bundle. Optical energy transmitted from the output end is reflected repeatedly between the two mirror image involute-shaped cavities to thus prevent the optical energy from being reflected back into the output end of the optical fiber or optical fiber bundle.

Abstract: A rotating fiber flasher system is provided that supports a light guide or plurality of light guides capable of accepting energy from a light source and transmitting that energy to a plurality of optical fibers supported by a manifold. The system produces a light flash by illuminating the optical fibers successively as the light guide rotates. The optical fibers transmit the optical flashes to a luminaire which refracts or reflects the optical flashes about a desired arc. The fiber flasher system allows an optical signal to be periodically generated in a plurality of directions around a 360° path, and requires less power to operate than systems which attempt to provide optical illumination about an entire 360° arc continuously, 2&pgr; steradian hemisphere or 4&pgr; sphere.

Abstract: An iris includes a stator assembly having a frame coupled to an electrically wound, substantially annular magnetic core. The iris further includes a rotor, which is rotatably coupled to the magnetic core such that a channel is defined. A diaphragm, having a plurality of diaphragm leaves, is coupled to the stator assembly. The diaphragm leaves are pivotally arranged to form an adjustable aperture, which is substantially concentric with the channel. A portion of at least one of the diaphragm leaves is coupled to the stator assembly, and another portion of at least one of the plurality of diaphragm leaves is coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device adaptable for heating and for cooling a fluid such as air. The device includes at least one thermoelectric module and at least one rotating heat sink that transfer heat between the thermoelectric module(s) and the fluid. The heat sink(s) are mounted on a shaft and include a plurality of thermally conductive impeller blades. The thermoelectric module(s) rotate with the heat sink(s) about the shaft. Because the thermoelectric module(s) are in direct contact with the thermally conductive impeller, heat is transferred more efficiently into and out of the thermoelectric device. Because the impeller blades also act as heat sinks, fewer components are needed than with conventional devices.

Abstract: A rotating fiber flasher system is provided that supports a light guide or plurality of light guides capable of accepting energy from a light source and transmitting that energy to a plurality of optical fibers supported by a manifold. The system produces a light flash by illuminating the optical fibers successively as the light guide rotates. The optical fibers transmit the optical flashes to a luminaire which refracts or reflects the optical flashes about a desired arc. The fiber flasher system allows an optical signal to be periodically generated in a plurality of directions around a 360° path, and requires less power to operate than systems which attempt to provide optical illumination about an entire 360° arc continuously, 2&pgr; steradian hemi-sphere or 4&pgr; sphere.

Abstract: A flexible lens is provided that comprises at least two chambers encased by a flexible membrane and separated by a partition, wherein pressure within the chambers is regulated such that when one chamber receives positive pressure, the other chamber receives negative pressure. Accordingly, a first lens portion and a second lens portion of the flexible membrane flex in the same relative direction when the pressure is regulated. In addition, a variable optical input such as an iris diaphragm is provided that operates in concert with the flexible membrane. As a result, the flexible lens generates a constant spot size output having a substantially flat intensity distribution and a substantially uniform angular distribution. Similarly, the flexible lens generates a variable spot size output having a substantially flat intensity distribution and a substantially uniform angular distribution when the optical input is constant.

Abstract: An light bulb is provided and arranged to support total internal reflection. The walls of the light bulb elliptically extend outwardly to opposite ends from an equatorial plane dividing a central spherical cavity. A light emitting medium is disposed within the central spherical cavity. The light emitting medium is maintained between oppositely extending electrodes and is perpendicularly aligned along a centerpoint of the equatorial plane of the central spherical cavity.

Abstract: A flexible lens is provided that comprises at least two chambers encased by a flexible membrane and separated by a partition, wherein pressure within the chambers is regulated such that when one chamber receives positive pressure, the other chamber receives negative pressure. Accordingly, a first lens portion and a second lens portion of the flexible membrane flex in the same relative direction when the pressure is regulated. In addition, a variable optical input such as an iris diaphragm is provided that operates in concert with the flexible membrane. As a result, the flexible lens generates a constant spot size output having a substantially flat intensity distribution and a substantially uniform angular distribution. Similarly, the flexible lens generates a variable spot size output having a substantially flat intensity distribution and a substantially uniform angular distribution when the optical input is constant.

Abstract: A fiber optic bundle incorporating heat pipes in the form of elongated, thermally conductive elements disposed in interstitial spaces formed between adjacent fiber optic strands of the bundle for cooling the bundle. An end portion of each thermally conductive element extends outwardly from at least one end of the bundle and is coupled to a heat sink. The thermally conductive elements are in thermal contact with the fiber optic strands and operate to channel heat generated in each of the fiber optic strands out from the bundle to the heat sink. The apparatus and method accomplishes effective cooling of the fiber optic bundle without the cost and complexity of systems which attempt to more efficiently couple light to the fiber optic bundle or which conduct fluid through a portion of the bundle.