Abstract: A warning beacon or a light where clusters of LED are mounted on a circuit board and emit light into a conical reflector so as to provide omni directional illumination has improved illumination intensity over its pattern of illumination by utilizing separate reflective sections each of which is preferably parabolic. Separate clusters of LEDs (light emitting devices) are arranged along circular paths (in rings) of diameter commensurate with the diameter of each section of the reflector aimed at approximately the middle thereof. The illumination is deflected radially outward from each section. The total number of LEDs which provide the illumination is increased over other arrangements thereby enhancing the brightness or intensity of illumination provided by the beacon.

Abstract: A visual warning system for a railway vehicle, particularly a locomotive, to illuminate the tracks or the right of way (sometimes called a ditch). The system has a first lamp and a second lamp. The first lamp is driven by a first lamp driver responsive to a first pulse width modulated signal, and the second lamp driver is driven by a second lamp driver responsive to a second pulse width modulated signal. A controller produces the first and second pulse width modulated signals in which the duty cycle of the first and second pulse width modulated signals is varied between high and low levels to alternatively turn the first and second lamps approximately fully on and approximately fully off. To turn each lamp approximately fully on, the controller increases, step-wise, the duty cycle of the lamp's respective pulse width modulated signal from the low level to the high level. The system may further include a switch for operating a horn on the vehicle.