Abstract: An improved optical assembly includes a reflector/refractor device and a reflector collar provided for enhanced directional illumination control. The reflector/refractor has a predefined shape and has a plurality of reflector/refractor prisms on an exterior body surface for reflecting and refracting light. A light source is disposed within the reflector/refractor substantially along a central vertical axis of the reflector/refractor. The reflector collar supports the reflector/refractor and attaches the reflector/refractor to a luminaire ballast. The reflector collar has a predetermined contour and a plurality of reflector impressions formed into the predetermined contour. The predetermined contour and the plurality of reflector impressions provide directional illumination control for the optical assembly.

Abstract: An optical assembly enables improved optical control of an uplight illumination component and a downward illumination component. The optical assembly includes a reflector/refractor and a shroud carried by the reflector/refractor. The reflector/refractor has a predefined shape and has a plurality of reflector/refractor prisms on an exterior body surface for reflecting and refracting light. The shroud has a plurality of prisms disposed proximate to the reflector/refractor prisms for providing optical control of incident light from the reflector/refractor. The shroud is formed substantially corresponding to the predefined shape of the reflector/refractor, surrounding and spaced from the reflector/refractor exterior body surface. The shroud is formed, for example, by vacuum forming or by injection molding technique. The shroud provides optical control of incident light from the reflector/refractor, generally refracting incident light from the reflector/refractor.

Abstract: A tubular skylight having an improved dome improving the efficiency of the skylight and reducing the shadows cast by the skylight. The dome includes a substantially vertical rear face having an integral prism in a portion of its outer surface, and the rear face is offset inwardly from the perimeter of the reflective tube, thus allowing light to escape from the bottom edge of the rear face downwardly into the reflective tube. The integral prism does not extend to the top or front face of the dome, thus reducing the prevalence of shadows created by light rays entering the dome through the prism.

Abstract: A tubular skylight having an improved dome improving the efficiency of the skylight. The dome includes an integral prism in a portion of its outer surface to reflect light downwardly through the skylight. The dome is hemispherical, and the prism includes a plurality of grooves extending along great circles that pass through the apex of the dome. The prism covers only an angular segment of the hemispherical dome; and the grooves stop short of the apex of the dome.

Abstract: A solar powered light comprises a cover containing a fresnel lens structure (also referred to as a fresnel lens cover) which is disposed directly above and adjacent to a photovoltaic cell thereof. The fresnel lens cover comprises a continuous and smooth outer surface and a prismatic inner surface having a plurality of prismatic means arranged in concentric circles to bend incoming radiation, especially at high angles of incidence, such as during winter months or at the beginning or end of a day, toward an optical axis thereof. The prisms have different thicknesses and are arranged in different angular configurations to accomplish the desired bending at each point of the cover. In a preferred embodiment, additional prismatic means are formed on a peripheral portion of the outer surface to cover a photodetector used for sensing the absence of light and triggering circuitry to turn on the solar powered lights.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner headlight system incorporating a light pipe is provided. The light pipe includes reflex optics to control the distribution of light across the width of the output edge of the light pipe, as well as to prevent light from escaping through the sides of the light pipe. A reflex optical reflector is also part of the system, for reflecting light from a light bulb into the light pipe without requiring a metallized mirror.

Abstract: A dental impression tray and method of using it to form in a light-polymerizable impression material an impression of a portion of dental anatomy in an oral cavity, the tray being formed of transparent material, preferably clear plastic, and molded into a channel-like shape defined by walls capable of having visible actinic light applied to the walls transmitted both through and within the walls. At least some of the outer edge portions of the tray are beveled, guiding light that has entered the walls of the tray against exiting loss that would not be effective in initiating polymerization of the impression material.

Abstract: A reflector/refractor device is provided for use with a variety of lighting fixtures and light sources. The reflector/refractor device includes a body having a predetermined profile and defining a cavity with the body having an inside surface and an outside surface. An illuminating source for emitting light is disposed within the cavity substantially along a central vertical axis of the body. The body includes a series of sectional zones for reflecting and refracting light. The exterior surface of the device includes a plurality of substantially vertical prisms consisting of reflective elements, refractive elements and elements that may be either reflective or refractive depending on light center location. These reflective or refractive elements act in combination to selectively vary light distribution characteristics of vertical and lateral angles, and intensities, by vertical displacement of the illuminating lamp source.

Abstract: A luminaire particularly suited for outdoor applications (e.g., for illuminating roadways and alleyways) and including a two-part housing wherein one of the parts (the base) is metallic and the other (refracting portion) is of lightweight (plastic) material and includes both an opaque chamber for housing the luminaire's lightweight rectangular aluminum reflector and a refracting, multiplanar prismatic lens. The reflector is slidably positioned in the chamber portion and thus readily removable when both parts of the housing are separated. The luminaire is capable of providing a predetermined scheme of light distributions (including IES types II, III, and IV) on the ground therebelow when oriented in either a horizontal or vertical position.

Abstract: A tubular skylight having an improved dome improving the efficiency of the skylight. The dome includes an integral prism in a portion of its outer surface to reflect light downwardly through the skylight. The dome is hemispherical, and the prism includes a plurality of grooves extending along great circles that pass through the apex of the dome. The prism covers only an angular segment of the hemispherical dome; and the grooves stop short of the apex of the dome.