Abstract: An LED luminaire is formed such that a plurality of LED chips are disposed three-dimensionally on an MID (molded interconnection device) substrate in a rectangular plate shape, by mounting three LED chips on bottom face of respective dents provided lengthwise and crosswise in one surface of the MID substrate, the LED chips including at least two types diffferent in luminous color, desirably three types of red, blue and green colors. Any optional light distribution characteristic is made thereby easily obtainable depending on a configuration of the substrate, luminaire module can be thinned, and such delicate color difference as white color and day-light color of luminescent lamps is enabled by mixing the luminous colors of the respective LED chips.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp is disclosed that includes plural light sources located on a printed wiring board. A first reflection structure reflects light from the light sources to a light emitting surface, and a second reflection structure reflects light reflected from the first reflection structure in an illuminating direction of the vehicle lamp. The construction of the lamp's first and the second reflection structures permits the light emitting surface of the vehicle lamp to shine uniformly. Accordingly, the number of the light sources required is minimized.

Abstract: An illuminating-light controller includes a light modulator for projecting light on a corresponding area by tilting a reflecting surface. A first light source emits a first light that is projected on the corresponding area by illuminating the first light to the reflecting surface of the spatial light modulator being tilted at a first angle. A second light source for emits a second light that is projected on the corresponding area by illuminating the second light to the reflecting surface of the light modulator being tilted at a second angle. Still further, included is a control section for controlling the first light emitted from the first light source and the second light emitted from said second light source.

Abstract: An LED luminaire is formed such that a plurality of LED chips are disposed three-dimensionally on an MID (molded interconnection device) substrate in a rectangular plate shape, by mounting three LED chips on bottom face of respective dents provided lengthwise and crosswise in one surface of the MID substrate, the LED chips including at least two types mutually diffferent in luminous color, desirably three types of red, blue and green colors. Any optional light distribution characteristic is made thereby easily obtainable depending on a configuration of the substrate, luminaire module can be thinned, and such delicate color difference as white color and day-light color of luminescent lamps is enabled by mixing the luminous colors of the respective LED chips.

Abstract: LED lamps include a hollow light-transparent ball and one or more LED of the same or different colors fixed behind the ball, which has an inner semi-transparent layer and an outer transparent layer. The semi-transparent layer has a larger deflecting percentage than the outer transparent layer so that light emitted by the LED may deflect and collide with each other many times in the semi-transparent layer of the ball to produce soft and evenly mixed colored light when seen through the ball.

Abstract: Christmas lamp includes many lamp units. The lamp units each has an ornamental shell part and bulb. The ornamental shell parts are made to have various shapes, e.g. tree shapes, animal shapes, star shapes and spiral shell shapes. The bulbs are each received in a corresponding one of the ornamental shell parts with a lead passed through two end holes net for use. The shell parts having various colors and shapes can make the Christmas lamp look more attractive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tandem type surface light source system allowing a uniform luminance over the surface light source. The surface light source system includes a plurality of bar-like light sources disposed in parallel to each other; reflecting members, each of which is disposed to surround a right or left side, an upper side, and a lower side of the corresponding one of the light sources; light guide plates made from a transparent material, each of which is disposed along the left or right side of the corresponding one of the light sources, and is formed into a taper shape in cross-section along the traveling direction of light; and reflecting sheets, each of which is disposed on the back surface of the corresponding one of the light guide plates. In this system, each of at least the second and later ones of the light guide plates is, at its end portion on the light source side, integrated with a light introducing portion made from a transparent material.

Abstract: A low loss optic lens cell the cell comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of light sources such as LEDs mounted to a board and capable of being electrically connected to a power source. A lens is attached to the board in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Each lens has a flat portion, least one and preferably a plurality of convex portions, and an aperture defined in each convex portion in a generally collinear arrangement relative to a corresponding LED. A plurality of the cells may be combined into an array, arranged in a housing, and connected to an electric control for operating the cells to form lighted patterns. Low intensity light rays are maximally utilized by refracting the rays back toward the LED axis and high intensity light rays are maximally utilized by allowing them to pass through the aperture without refraction and with little or no optical losses.

Abstract: A set of light guide blocks B L 1˜B L 3 provide a tandem arrangement. The light guide block B L 1 is supplied with light from a primary light source L 1. The other primary light sources L 2, L 3 are arranged in recesses formed around distal portions of the light guide blocks B L 1, B L 2, supplying the light guide blocks B L 2, B L 3 with primary light, respectively. Overlap of mutually neighboring light guide blocks gives tang-shaped overlapping portions 17a, 17b, 27a, 27b as well as overlapping bands 17c, 27c, thereby avoiding electrodes at both ends of the primary light sources L 2, L 3 from causing short of brightness. The light guide blocks B L 1˜B L 3 may be in the form of unified single guide plate. Primary light sources L 1˜L 3 may have a shape such that electrode sections of both ends are curved. A compact surface light source device with a large emission area is provided.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for reducing glare and darkspots on ceilings and walls. The lighting fixture includes a louver housing for supporting a plurality of fluorescent or high intensity discharge lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a first set of elongated, parallel, and spaced-apart reflectors; and a second set of elongated, parallel, and spaced-apart reflectors intersecting the first set of reflectors at a 90° degree angle for forming an open reflector grid therein. The open reflector grid includes four outer side walls. The open reflector grid is attached to the louver housing. The open parabolic reflector grid extends at least two inches (2″) below the ceiling level. The lighting fixture also includes a plurality of indirect reflectors connected to the four outer side walls of the open reflector grid for reducing glare and darkspots on ceiling and walls caused by the plurality of fluorescent lamps in the louver housing.

Abstract: An artificial floating candle that mimics real burning candles. The floating candle comprises two parts, a floating candle-like device and an electrical circuit that controls the amount of power supplied to each floating candle. The floating candle-like device comprises an incandescent lamp, a lamp housing socket, a candle, a candle base, grommets or O-rings, at least two conductor insulated wires, a multi conductor, a trunk line, a water tight splice, and a candle enclosure. There are three sections that comprise the electrical circuitry of the floating candles: a low voltage supply (AC to DC, high to low voltage conversion), a pulse width modulation programmed micro-controller and a power output section (to control the incandescent lamp voltage to produce flickering flames), and trunk and feeder lines. The floating candles may be used as Christmas lights, at wedding reception halls, amusements parks, or in pools or ponds at evening parties as decoration.

Abstract: A light cover is provided for direct attachment to a light bulb of a decorative light. The light cover is made of a flexible material which is dyed to a desired color. The light cover because of its flexible material is adaptable for use with different sized light bulbs. The light cover does not substantially change the diffusion of the light projected, but achieves a desired color change. In a first embodiment, the light cover is cylindrical in shape with an integral cone-shaped cap. In a second embodiment, the cap is eliminated and the light cover is simply cylindrical in shape. The invention in one aspect is a light cover. In another aspect, the invention is a light cover in combination with a standard decorative light. In another aspect, the invention is an artificial Christmas tree of the type having improved decorative lighting.

Abstract: A strip-mounted luminaire (1) has a ribbon cable (11), to the front side of which sockets (12) are connected. An illuminant (13) is mounted on each socket (12). Each watertight cover mechanism (2) has a base member (51) which is provided with a window (72) adapted to permit a socket (12) of the strip-mounted luminaire (1) to be inserted therein; a back end member (52) for holding the ribbon cable (11) in conjunction with the base member (51) in such a state that the ribbon cable (11) is sandwiched between the base member (51) and the back end member (52); a translucent globe (53) adapted to be attached to the base member (51) so as to enclose the socket (12) and the illuminant (13); a first sealing member (54) for sealing and waterproofing the space around the socket (12); and a second sealing member (55) for sealing and waterproofing the gap between the translucent globe (53) and the base member (51).

Abstract: A reflector particularly adapted for use in automotive light assemblies and other point light source applications. The reflector includes two nested aluminum discs. Each disc defines a plurality of semi-circular holes and includes a half-cone or other partial revolved surface extending from each hole. The half-cones of the first disc extend through the stamped holes of the second disc. The semi-circular holes on the two discs cooperate to define circular holes, and the half-cones at each circular hole cooperate to form full cones. Preferably, the disks are identical; and the first disc is rotated 180.degree. for nesting with the second disc. When the reflector is incorporated into a light assembly, LEDs or other point light sources are positioned within each full cone, and a lens is mounted over the reflector.

Abstract: A reflector particularly adapted for use in automotive light assemblies and other point light source applications. The reflector includes two nested aluminum discs. Each disc defines a plurality of semi-circular holes and includes a half-cone or other partial revolved surface extending from each hole. The half-cones of the first disc extend through the stamped holes of the second disc. The semi-circular holes on the two discs cooperate to define circular holes, and the half-cones at each circular hole cooperate to form full cones. Preferably, the disks are identical; and the first disc is rotated 180.degree. for nesting with the second disc. When the reflector is incorporated into a light assembly, LEDs or other point light sources are positioned within each full cone, and a lens is mounted over the reflector.

Abstract: A driveway, walkway and landscape lighting assembly. The assembly has an elongated main tube body formed form PVC with hollow parallel support tubes underneath the body for allowing water in the body to seep into the ground. The main body can be up to approximately 30 feet in length. A hollow box with outwardly flared sides sits on top of the main body. A lens cover such as but not limited to a glass brick or plastic brick sits on top of the box. A bulb inside a protected cage can be fished from a remote site down the main elongated body to be positioned under the glass/plastic brick. A 2/1 reducer coupler and a plug can seal the outer open end of the main tube body. A first hose clamp can seal the reducer coupler to the elongated body, and a second hose clamp can seal the other end of the reducer coupler to the plug and lead wires that pass out of the coupler. The coupler allows for changing the bulbs from remote locations(i.e. up to approximately 30 feet away).

Abstract: An ornamental display includes a stand holding a plurality of lamps, bundles of optical glass fibers respectively fastened to the stands to pick up light from the lamps, a speaker, and a control IC controlled by a photoelectric switch and a sound-controlled switch to turn on the lamps in producing a lighting effect and the speaker in producing a sound effect when the intensity of ambient light drops below a predetermined value or, when a noise is produced.

Abstract: Electric luminaria is made by a unique method from a one-piece blow molded container having a neck formed at one end of a base, an intermediate radially outward extending flange at an opposite end of the base and a hollow shell extending from the flange. The flange is peripherally cut to form two flanges, one attached to the shell and one attached to the base. The base has an aperture formed in the neck for receiving a light socket therein, with the electric conductors extending from the light socket passing through the neck and over the peripheral flange of the base. The shell is placed over the base with the peripheral flanges of the base and the shell disposed in an overlapping arrangement. Stakes are inserted through aligned apertures in the flanges of the shell and base to fix the luminaria on the ground. A decorative sleeve is replaceably mounted about the sidewall of the shell.

Abstract: An illuminant warning arrangement includes a clothe body and a plurality of illuminating units provided on the clothe body. Each illuminating unit provides a transparent layer, a electric conducting board, a casing socket, a fastener, an LED, a battery box, and a manual switch. With the combination of the above elements, the illuminant warning arrangement can be assembled in matter of seconds. When the illuminant warning arrangement is in used, its displaying area is large enough to catch other drivers' attention from far away. When the illuminant warning arrangement is not in use, it can be folded into a compact package, so that it would not occupy unnecessary space in the trunk of the vehicle for easy storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that is adapted to be received over individual lighting elements of an ornamental light string. The preferred form of the device is a body of primarily unitary construction and having an open end and a closed end. The lighting element is received through the open end and into the body of the device. The diameter of the open end is adapted to snugly fit around the outer diameter of the light element for frictive adhesion. The device of the present invention is adapted to substantially block any light emitted from the lighting element such that remote viewers are unable to detect them. In alternate embodiments, the device of the present invention is modified to allow a reduced amount of luminosity to escape thereby rendering the covered lighting element dimmer than an uncovered element. Additionally, the present invention may be included with traditional ornamental lighting strings in a kit form.

Abstract: A surface mounting type light emitting display device is provided which includes a base plate and a case member. The base plate is formed with terminal electrodes at least along one edge thereof and carries light emitting elements thereon. The case member is provided for covering and accommodating the light emitting elements. The display device further includes a mounting device for attaching the case member to the base plate while allowing the case member and the base member to expand and contract independently of each other at least in one direction.

Abstract: A bell-shaped Christmas tree light cover system is provided including a plurality of cylindrical bulb sockets electrically connected to and spacedly coupled along a wire which is coupleable to a power source. Each socket has an aperture formed in an end thereof opposite the wire for releasably receiving a small bulb therein and illuminating the same. A plurality of bell shaped housings are provided each constructed from a transparent material and having a circular aperture formed in an apex thereof for removably receiving one of the bulb sockets. Finally, mounting mechanisms for precluding the removal of the sockets from the respective housings are included.

Abstract: An improved beacon light utilizing a plurality of LEDs. The light has a beacon portion wherein a plurality of individual LEDs are mounted on circuit boards attached together to form a substantially omnidirectional array of LEDs. The beacon portion may be constructed of upper and lower flat circular circuit boards, and a middle tubular circuit board to define a hollow cylinder. The middle circuit board is made of originally flat thin rigid circuit board material bent into a tube and attached at each free end. The middle circuit board is attached to the upper and lower rigid circuit boards using tangs extending from the middle circuit board. LEDs extend upward from the top circuit board, radially outward from the middle circuit board, and at a downward outwardly directed angle from the bottom circuit board. A base portion attached to the lower circuit board may be provided with a conventional male electrical socket member. In alternative forms, the beacon light may be spherically or conically shaped.

Abstract: A signaling lamp including a hollow cylindrical supporting column made from a light-transmitting material which has a central portion bulged outwardly so that the interior surfaces are made into reflective surfaces. LEDs are arranged in rows so as to face each other above and below the reflective surfaces, and the supporting column and the LEDs are surrounded by a globe which has diffusing lenses. The light from the LEDs is reflected toward the circumference by the reflective surfaces and is projected into the surrounding area via the globe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED-illuminated lamp assembly which includes a lens that is capable of directing light from the LEDs both horizontally and vertically. The taillight mode is also directed slightly upward so as to comply with applicable lighting regulations. The lamp assembly also includes a current regulating assembly which is mounted within the housing and attached to a power source for providing current to LEDs positioned within the housing. The LEDs are mounted on an LED board assembly. The current regulating assembly is capable of maintaining steady current through the LEDs independent of the power source voltage so as to prevent an overheating of the LEDs at higher than normal voltages and to provide constant, non-flickering light output with varying input voltages.

Abstract: A field-of-operation illuminating device has at least one discharge lamp concentrically surrounded by several halide incandescent lamps at its bottom, which faces the field of operation. The discharge lamp is accommodated in a stationary reflector and illuminates the recesses of the field. The incandescent lamps are mounted in reflectors that can be adjusted so that their beams will overlap in the field. In the event of power outage or failure of the mains, power is supplied to the lamps from a battery-supported substitute source. The incandescent lamps, due to their thermal inertia, continue to burn almost uninterruptedly, whereas the discharge lamp remains off long enough to cool-down before being restarted. The advantages are less heat during normal operation and immediate availability of the incandescent lamps in an emergency.

Abstract: A silhouette display and lighting clip arrangement is described for mounting conventional decorative string lights. A flexible open mesh sheet is included, with spaced interstices extending between a front and a back side of the sheet. A light clip base member and a transparent lens member having a bulb receiving recess are also included for attachment to the sheet. One of the members includes a fastener configured to releasably secure a decorative light bulb and socket with the light bulb received within the bulb receiving recess. The fastener is shaped to releasably join the light clip base member and transparent lens member on opposed sides of the open mesh sheet through the open mesh of the sheet with the transparent lens member projecting from the front side of the sheet. A process is also disclosed for producing the light display for use with conventional decorative string lights.

Abstract: A lens assembly is disclosed for a matrix lamp display which includes a reflector portion having a rear wall and plurality of peripheral walls extending forwardly therefrom, and a lens portion having a peripheral frame including structure for engaging the peripheral walls of the reflector portion, an inclined curved lens face extending forwardly from the frame, and a ventilated top wall extending rearwardly from an upper edge of the lens face to the frame.

Abstract: A warning light assembly includes a pair of simultaneously rotatable light beam generators. The rotation of the output shaft of a single drive motor about a first axis is converted to oscillatory motion of the light beam generators about a pair of spaced, parallel axes by a mechanical drive train which includes an eccentric drive for producing reciprocal linear motion in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A flexible, self-adhesive, lighting system includes a continuous length of flexible, self-adhesive, light emissive material, cuttable into segments of light emissive material, each segment including a plurality of light emitting diodes serving as light emissive devices. The segments are electrically coupled by different shaped couplers, for forming a variety of configurations of light emissive material, and further coupled to a source of power. Each coupler includes at least two electrical conductors for conducting power from one segment of light emissive material to a coupled segment or a source of power. Each of the light emissive devices may be covered by one clear or colored lens. Alternatively, multiple light emissive devices, of the same or different color, may be covered by one lens. Further, steady or intermittent power from a power control unit may be supplied to each light emissive device for providing different lighting sequences and colors.

Abstract: A light source includes an integral reflective coating on a portion of its envelope for reflecting light back through the source. The light from the source is directed by a reflector toward a focus thereof at which is located an input end of a light guide. The integral reflective coating allows a half ellipsoidal reflector to be used in one embodiment without depreciable loss of light. Accordingly, a pair of light sources can be arranged with a common focus to substantially double the brightness in the light guide. Alternatively, the light sources can provide a primary and redundant arrangement, or used to provide two levels of light in another arrangement. According to another embodiment, a hemispherical reflector is used to obtain unit magnification and increase the angular range through which light may enter the light guide.

Abstract: An emergency illumination device for elevator cabs and the like that includes a low voltage power source defined by the secondary winding of a stepdown transformer having its primary winding connected across a primary power source. When the primary power source is "on", a charging circuit maintains a constant charge on an emergency battery source while providing battery source power to an emergency alarm device that can be activated by a push button on the control panel of the elevator. When the primary power is off, the emergency battery source is activated by a circuit that will continue to provide power to the alarm device and also will provide general illumination to the interior of the elevator and spot illuminate the push button so that it can be easily located and operated by occupants in need of assistance.

Abstract: A decorative lamp shade and Christmas lamp assembly includes a Christmas lamp, a spherical glass lamp shade placed round the Christmas lamp and having a top open neck, a cylindrical mounting socket mounted around the top open neck of the lamp shade and having hooks for hanging on a Christmas tree, a lamp holder having a top ring hung on the electric wires of the Christmas lamp by hooks thereof and a plurality of vertical bottom plates extended downward from the top ring and equally spaced around the center hole thereof and respectively stopped against the inside surface of the lamp shade to hold the mounting socket and the lamp shade together.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an all occasion light system providing for a permanent installation at a preferred location, the system including: a plurality of spaced apart, electrically connected base members, having structure to insert therein a plurality of light bulbs; structure to removably attach ornaments over the light bulbs with the ornaments to be illuminated thereby; and structure to individually conceal each of the light bulbs when the ornaments are removed.

Abstract: The high intensity illuminator of the invention includes a mounting fixture, a receiving surface spaced from the mounting fixture, and a plurality of semiconductor illumination sources which are implemented, most preferably, by light emitting diodes or laser diodes. Each illumination source is operable for emitting an outwardly-diverging illumination cone along an axis of illumination of the source at a predetermined illumination wavelength. The plural illumination sources are mounted on the mounting fixture such that their illumination cones are overlappingly coincident on a selected portion of the receiving surface to provide at the receiving surface portion a highly uniform illumination of high intensity at the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: An improved light emitting diode display includes a printed circuit board, a reflector and one or more LED chips. The printed circuit board serves as a base to fix the LED chips and the reflector has an appropriate thickness, contains one or more bowl-like reflective surfaces each with a corresponding passing hole located at such position as close to the bowl-like reflective surface as possible. The bowl-like reflective surface are just big enough to hold one LED chip, with the LED electrode connecting wire extending out of the bowl-like reflective surface and passing through the passing hole to be fixed to the printed circuit board. The small size of the reflective surface permits increased convergency and intensity of the reflective light emitted by the LED chips.

Abstract: A contact strip lighting system for vehicular truck bodies, semi-trailer or trailer truck bodies and other installations where a plurality of lights are to be connected to a power source. The contact strip lighting system of this invention includes a laminated contact tape which consists of an inner or bottom layer having adhesive material for attachment to a truck body or other mounting surface and being constructed of insulating material to insulate an encapsulated conductor strip from the mounting surface. An intermediate layer is in the form of a single flat metallic conductor strip insulated between the bottom layer and top layer of the laminated strip. An outer or top layer is constructed of insulating material and is used to insulate the conductor strip and provided with a reflective outer surface to enable approaching vehicle operators to more readily see the truck body when the contact strip is attached thereto.

Abstract: An improved signal lamp for a vehicle is composed of a plurality of dome type light emitting diodes and a plurality of reflective mirrors arranged corresponding to the light emitting diodes. Each of the reflective mirrors is designed in the shape of a rotational parabolic surface whose focus is located at the position coincident to the foremost end of the corresponding light emitting diode or at the position in the vicinity of the foremost end of the corresponding light emitting diode. The rotational parabolic surface is configured such that a virtual light source appearing on each light emitting diode is located at the position coincident with the focus of the corresponding reflective mirror or at the position in the vicinity of the focus of the corresponding reflective mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminating arrangement for illuminating an object with incident light wherein the angle of the incident light is selectable. The illuminating arrangement includes a plurality of individual light sources which can be switched on and off. The light sources are advantageously arranged in several concentric circles in different planes from which the light can be radiated along different beam axes. An illumination at different selectable angles is possible without a mechanical adjustment of the light sources or the imaging elements. The light sources can be advantageously mounted in a hemispherically-shaped carrier. The illuminating arrangement can be a component of a closed control loop and be controlled quickly and completely automatically via an image processing unit or by manual instructions of desired values via a control console.

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 decorative light shade assembly comprising first and second releasably engageable shade sections injection molded from a polymeric material. At least one of the shade sections further comprises means for receiving a decorative bulb and socket assembly and means for frictionally engaging the electrical conductor connected to the decorative bulb and socket assembly for suspending the decorative light shade from the decorative light string. The use of molded apertures for directing light outwardly from the subject decorative light shade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A socket and changeable bulb housing snap fastener for Christmas light strings includes a bulb housing with at least one tongue and a corresponding number of T-shaped male members. An annular outer flange is formed on the socket. The T-shaped male member has a snapping head and is formed on an outer periphery of an annular hollow engaging portion of the bulb housing. The tongue is made of insulating material and extends radially and outwardly from an outer periphery of the outer flange. A rectangular slot, having a width slightly less than a maximum width of the snapping head of the T-shaped male member, is formed on the tongue adjcent to a free end of the tongue. A V-shaped groove is formed on an upper side of the tongue at an end opposite to the free end and extends transversely to a length of the tongue.

Abstract: A decorative sconce assembly requiring no permanent wiring is adapted for use with decorative light strings having a plurality of bulb and socket assemblies connected to a common electrical conductor, said sconce assembly comprising a shade member, a socket support member adapted to slidably engage the shade member while maintaining a decorative bulb and socket assembly in fixed relation to the shade member, and members for attaching the decorative sconce assembly to the underlying support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus including a support bar containing a series of aligned, illuminated geometric configurations to enhance visibility of a vehicle mounting the organization. Spaced flanges are mounted underlying the main support bar for securement of mud flaps thereto. A separate license plate flange is securable to a medial bottom surface of the support bar. Access plates are mounted to a rear surface of the bar for service of lights and the like contained within the bar.

Abstract: An illumination module comprising a housing having one or more cavities, each containing a source of illumination such as an incandescent lamp at its closed end. A housing mounting plate containing a window coextensive with the open end of the housing is affixed to the open end of said housing in such a way as to create a slot between the mounting plate and the housing. A movable mask containing one or more apertures to configure and position the light as it leaves the housing through the window is located in the slot so that one or more segregated targets can be illuminated by means of the single mask positioning of the apertures relative to the open end of the individual cavities.

Abstract: An automatic lead sensing and fine-forming system is disclosed for preparing the leads of electronic components so that they are ready to be inserted by robots into holes on printed circuit boards. The positions of the lead tips and the positions of the holes are sensed and compared to determine if any leads need to be bent. These leads are then bent and the force on the leads and their displacement are sensed and recorded during the process. The data recorded in then used for subsequent bendings, where necessary, for bending the leads to the target locations so that all the leads fit simultaneously into the holes. To simplify image processing, the lead tips are illuminated by light originating from substantially isotropic directions from locations substantially coplanar with the region of the lead tips.

Abstract: A decorative string set used for Christmas lighting is disclosed. The string set comprises various embodiments of clamping means which provide positive retention of incandescent lamps to their respective electrical sockets.

Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle adapted to be mounted in a recess within a front, contoured surface of the motor vehicle and including a light source and reflector means, and a lens assembly. The lens assembly comprises a hollow, enclosed, single piece lens member having a front, clear surface positioned to coincide with the vehicle's front, contoured surface so as to enhance aerodynamic performance of the lighting (and vehicle) system, a rear lensing portion positioned substantially vertically, and side and bottom walls for enclosing the lens member to provide a sealed, dirt-free component.

Abstract: An improved flashing beacon strobe in which high intensity halogen gas filled gaseous discharge tubes are used as a light source. The gaseous tubes are strobed at a desired rate by a switched high voltage high current power source. Rotating cylindrical lenses with variously colored sections are placed coaxially upon each gaseous discharge tube. In one embodiment, two gaseous discharge tubes are each equipped with a rotating cylindrical lens and a V-shaped mirror is placed between the cylindrical lenses to prevent interference and increase dispersion. Dispersion is further enhanced by using fresnel type lens material. The cylindrical lenses are rotated synchronously, a system which includes an electrical motor, rotating pods and a timing chain which maintains a constant angular relationship between the cylindrical lenses.

Abstract: A warning light assembly suitable for vehicle roof mounting is built around an I-beam structural member and includes lens elements which engage and are readily positionable on the beam so as to span the flanges at both sides thereof. The light assembly may include lights having a wide angle radiation pattern which are comprised of intersecting linear parabolic reflector sections and flash tubes formed to follow the contour of the intersecting linear focal points, the tubes being supports with their axes coincident with the reflector focal points.