Abstract: A lighting instrument having pivotable dichroic filters arranged in a substantially radial arrangement with respect to a projected light beam. Multiple sets of such filters are spaced along the axis of the light beam to vary the color of the light beam emitted from the instrument. A gearing mechanism rotates all filters of each set in synchronization with each other and independently with respect to filters of the other sets. The filters may be positioned to pass unfiltered light to vary the saturation of the light beam.

Abstract: A high performance color mixing system combines colored light beams from three primary color sources into a composite light beam. Each light source assembly can be individually dimmed to control the color of the composite beam. Each primary color beam can be varied in hue and saturation by the use of pivoting dichroic filters, thereby providing improved performance and increased capability. This system is capable of producing deeply saturated colors in all hues, and does not comprise performance in white, provides good color balance and sufficient intensity when the dichroic filters are pivoted to a position parallel to the light rays of the beam.

Abstract: A tambour-type panel of sections movable in a U-shaped track system from a side location in a housing to a location in the path of light. The panel sections are constructed to diffuse light passing therethrough. Each section of the diffusing panel has a texturing which diffuses the light with different degrees.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a source for producing a beam of light and pair of color wheels. Each of the color wheels has a plurality of dichoric filters mounted on the periphery of the wheel with the filters positioned contiguous to each other. The light beam is directed to a focal point. Each of the color wheels can be rotated to place the peripheral dichroic filters in position to intercept the beam. One of the color wheels is equipped with long wave pass dichroic filters while the other color wheel is equipped with short wave pass dichroic filters. By aligning various combinations of these filters, a large number of different colors with different saturations can be produced. The cutoff wavelengths for the dichoric filters are selected to be different at the long and short wavelengths of the filter set, such that there is produced a perceived uniform graduation of colors across the spectrum.

Abstract: A light pattern generator is utilized to produce an image which is projected onto a stage or screen. The image is derived from a beam of light. The light pattern generator comprises a heat resistant glass plate having a reflective layer deposited on one surface thereof. A nonreflective layer is deposited on the surface of the reflective layer. Both of the layers are etched to produce an opening extending through the layers wherein the opening has the shape of the desired image. The beam of light is directed through the transparent plate and the portions not passed through the opening are reflected by the mirror surface of the reflective layer. This prevents the buildup of heat within the light pattern generator. Any extraneous light which is received at the nonreflective layer is absorbed to prevent the escape of unwanted light and its projection to the stage.

Abstract: A lens carrier (10) is disclosed for use in a stage lamp. The lens carrier (10) supports a lens (26) in alignment with the lamp axis (12) while permitting limited movement of the lens along the lamp axis to focus the lamp toward the light. First and second members, (14, 22) define facing cylindrical surfaces (20, 24). A bearing assembly (28) having resilient deformable ball bearings (34) is positioned between the cylindrical surfaces to maintain alignment of the lens on the lamp axis and permit the second member and lens to move along the lamp axis relative to the first member while maintaining the alignment.

Abstract: A stage light instrument for providing efficient cooling of electrical components (40, 42) and a high wattage lamp (101). The facility includes a base enclosure (10) and a lamp enclosure (22) joined for pan and tilt movements by a forked hollow connecting member (14). The cylinder part (36) of the connecting member (14) is apertured and encased within the base enclosure (10) in bearings (65, 66) and in a plenum (34). A pair of tubes (68, 70) each with an air passage (72, 74) corporate with bearings (69, 71) to join the arms (18, 20) of the forked connecting member (14) to the lamp enclosure to provide air passage from the base enclosure (10) to the lamp enclosure (22). A fan (12) mounted in the base enclosure (10) draws air over electrical components (40, 42) and forces the air into the forked connecting member (14).

Abstract: A variable light source includes a light (14) which projects a white light beam. Three filters sets (60, 62 and 64) each include three pivotable dichroic filter elements. Each element is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the light beam in order to vary the angle of incidence to vary the hue of the light beam. Rotation of the filter elements also varies the white light transmitted past the filter elements in order to vary the saturation of the light. The distance between the light source (26) and the reflector (28) may be varied to change the divergence of the light beam.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) is disclosed which includes a control panel (12) for operating a plurality of lights (14) by means of a single two conductor signal cable (18) and a power cable (20). Two embodiments (30, 110) of lights (14) are provided for use in the present lighting system. In the first embodiment, the light (30) includes four dichroic filters (58-64) mounted for pivotal motion on axes passing through the light path formed by light emanating from a lamp (50). The dichroic filters may be aligned with the light path, thereby eliminating the effect of the filters. The dichroic filters may be singly or in combination pivoted so that the light in the light path is incident on the dichroic filter at a predetermined angle to transmit a preselected color therethrough. Four primary color dichroic filters are employed. An integrating lens (100) is provided for homogenizing the color of the light.