Abstract: A light engine kernel for a light emitting diode (LED) includes a solid body of transparent material having an index of refraction of at least 1.5. The body has a domed, light-emitting top that is an inverted parabola of revolution, a reflective sidewall that is a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), and a cavity at a focus of the CPC that is adapted to receive an LED. The domed top may include a phosphor coating of a yellow-emitting phosphor. The cavity may be adapted to receive only a single LED or plural LEDs of the same or different colors on a board. The kernel and LED are not integrally formed, reducing thermal degradation of the phosphor coating and improving application flexibility.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system receives power from a power supply and includes a lighting control module, a lamp, and a ballast having a bias control circuit. The lighting control module provides a remote enable signal to the ballast in response to an input. The bias control circuit of the ballast receives a supply voltage from a power supply and the remote enable signal and selectively energizes a bias regulator circuit of the ballast as a function of the remote enable signal. When the bias regulator circuit is energized, a controller of the ballast operates the ballast to provide power from the power supply to the lamp.

Abstract: A connector pin includes an electrically conductive rod having a first end that extends longitudinally from an edge of a circuit board. The rod includes a plug at an opposite end of the rod that is inserted into an electrical receptacle on the circuit board. The plug is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the rod. A clamping pivot arm is between the first end and the plug and is parallel to the plug. The clamping pivot arm terminates with a hook whose end points toward the plug. The connector pin is pivoted about the clamping pivot arm pivotally so that the plug is inserted into the receptacle on the circuit board. The edge of the circuit board has a notch therein and the clamping pivot arm engages the notch to prevent lateral movement of the connecting pin. The plug and the clamping pivot arm prevent longitudinal movement of the connecting pin.