Abstract: Illumination configurations employ optical elements configured to organize divergent light from an LED light source into collimated beams having a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the LED. Alternative optical elements organize light from a row of LEDs into planes perpendicular to a plane including the optical axes of the LEDs. Pairs of optical elements are configured to define a cavity for receiving an LED. One optical element may be employed to organize approximately one half of the light generated by the LED, with the remainder being permitted to radiate from the LED in its usual pattern.
Abstract: A mounting foot assembly including a base member with a front wall having a front surface and a foot member with a rear wall having a rear surface. The foot member is adjustably secured to the base member with the rear surface of the rear wall being in facing relationship with the front surface of the front wall of the base member, whereby the angular position of the base member relative to the foot member may be varied. A bracket may be mounted on the foot assembly having a rear crossbar portion adapted to be positioned in a cross channel in the base member and a forward portion extending down in front of the rear wall of the foot member to which a light unit may be attached.
Abstract: A compact warning light employs LED lamps as a light source and has a lighthead configured for insertion into the reflector shells of a motor vehicle such as a sedan or SUV. The lighthead has a base and cover which define a sealed interior space surrounding the LED lamps. The base is constructed of heat conducting material and the LED lamps are secured to the base so that heat generated by the lamps is conducted away and dissipated by the base. The base may include a post for supporting a plurality of individually energized arrays of LED lamps. The cover may be optically clear, tinted or provided with facets or a surface texture.
Abstract: An embodiment of an LED warning light includes a plurality of LED banks, each including a series of light emitting diodes. LED failure in one or more banks can result in a warning light that appears to be functional, but may not meet relevant standards for light production. The LED warning light monitors current flow through each LED bank to detect failure of an LED and produce a failure signal. The LED warning light includes a microcontroller programmed to evaluate the failure signals and take one or more pre-determined failure mode actions. Failure detection and failure mode actions are defined by program steps taken by firmware running in the microcontroller.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 27, 2006
Date of Patent:
September 30, 2008
Assignee:
Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas M. Fredericks, Kenneth S. Lemieux
Abstract: A light bar snap bracket assembly includes an elongated rail member, multiple light modules, and multiple snap brackets. The light modules are disposed within the rail member channel in a line of light modules extending longitudinally from a first light module disposed at the first end of the rail member to a last light module disposed at the second end of the rail member, the line of light modules defining pairs of adjacent light modules. One of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate each light module in each pair of light modules, one of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate the first light module and the first end of the rail member, and one of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate the last light module and the second end of the rail member. Arm segments of each snap bracket extend longitudinally over tabs extending from the light module sides, of the adjacent light module half portion, with the tabs being received within the notches of the arm segments.
Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp according to aspects of the present invention has a base configured to directly replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes a first radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing the vehicle warning and/or illumination formerly produced by the vehicle lamp and a second radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing an emergency warning light signal. The second radial array may be electrically connected to an axial LED. The LEDs are supported by a lamp support at a location near the focus of the reflector shell. An interface electrical circuit modifies the electrical energy formerly fed to the vehicle lamp to a form appropriate for the LEDs in the first array. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the second array of LEDs to produce the emergency warning light signal.
Abstract: An aircraft position light employs selected colored LEDs to produce a white appearing warning light with a reduced light component in the amplification spectrum of night vision imaging equipment. A combination of amber and cyan LEDs are selected to produce approximately three amber flux units for every cyan flux unit resulting in a white composite light. Both of the selected LEDs have dominant wavelengths of less than 600 nm.
Abstract: Several driver circuits for energizing series arrays of LEDs are disclosed. The LED driver circuits incorporate programmable microcontrollers and switching regulators in circuits that permit precise control of current applied to the series array of LEDs. One driver circuit senses the condition of a SYNC line such that the light emission pattern of multiple LED light sources, each with a driver circuit connected to the SYNC line may be coordinated without need for a central controller. Another driver circuit applies an overdrive current to the LEDs for a first pre-determined time period, then ramps down the applied current to a sustainable level. A four channel driver circuit provides each channel with electronic switches arranged to simultaneously turn on and electrically connect a constant current source to an LED array, resulting in abrupt turn on and turn off of the LEDs.