Abstract: An improved fiber optic backlighting panel provides uniform and increased background illumination in devices, such as rubber keypads, membrane switches, liquid crystal displays, rigid panels or the like. The fiber optic panel comprises a light source and a layer of optical fibers arranged adjacent each other, which transmit light to different locations throughout the device, thereby providing efficient background illumination relative to the amount of light beamed in. The optical fibers are selectively terminated at these locations by forming a series of angular cuts through the layer of optical fibers with a laser, according to a predetermined geometric zig-zag or sawtooth pattern stored in a computer memory. The zig-zag pattern extends across the entire length and width of the panel such that each optical fiber is cut only once to provide increased and consistent illumination throughout the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating pistons having a pressure metered lubrication reservoir in fluid flow attachment with the piston through a lantern port in the wall of the stuffing box surrounding the piston. A check valve in fluid flow alignment between the stuffing box and the lubrication reservoir prevents the flow of spent hydraulic fluid from the stuffing box into the lubrication reservoir in the event of a seal leak or failure. A safety valve having a higher trigger pressure than the pressure of the lubricant flowing from the reservoir to the stuffing box and being in fluid flow alignment with the stuffing box and lubrication reservoir prevents the escape of lubricant flowing from the reservoir to the stuffing box, but allows the escape of spent hydraulic fluid in the event of a seal leak or failure.

Abstract: A light-insulated lamp, methods of preparing such lamp and illuminating systems using lamps therein are provided. The lamp is rendered light-insulated by providing leads with two portions, a first portion inside an envelope and a second portion extends out from a base at an angle of about 90.degree. to the first portion, and encapsulating its base with an opaque plastic material, such as polybutylene terephthalate. The light-insulated lamp in combination with a compressive gasket and filter rings form an illuminating panel system which does not interfere with night vision goggles operation.

Abstract: In the transmission of a centrifugal compressor, where a gear is located adjacent to a lubricated bearing, a barrier is provided between the bearing and the gear to restrain the flow of oil to the gear and thereby reduce the pumping and windage losses that would otherwise occur. An oil port is made to communicate with the internal area of the barrier to thereby provide drainage of the accumulated oil to a sump.

Abstract: A glare-reducing light source, useful as an automobile headlight featuring a conventional horizontal collimated light beam. The entire collimated light beam is reflected by set of reflective slats. The reflected light is then reflected again by a single reflector onto a second set of reflective slats which directs the light to the desired location in front of the automobile headlights. The headlight is designed so that no light is able to leave the headlight at an angle which will allow light to impinge the eyes of the driver of an oncoming car.

Abstract: An illuminating module with battery backup consisting of an array of light-emitting diodes is provided wherein the module combines the battery backup with the LED array in a self-contained light bulb-like unit which can be retrofitted into an existing incandescent light bulb socket. The batteries and the LED array are attached to a planar baseboard which further includes two base connectors. The base connectors are adapted to fit into existing light bulb sockets and are rotatably mounted on an edge of the baseboard to enable screwing them into light bulb sockets while the baseboard is kept stationary. The backup batteries are recharged from an external source of electrical current flowing through the base connectors. An automatic switching device switches the supply of electrical power for the LED array from the external source of electrical power to the backup batteries, when the flow of external electrical power is disrupted.

Abstract: The improved landscape lighting device suitable for use indoors and outdoors. It is particularly adapted to have the lower end thereof placed in a hole in the ground for low level landscape lighting. A lamp, preferably of the sealed beam type, is releasably held within a flexible, resilient, cylindrical, elastomeric gasket having a sidewall defining an open upper end and open lower end. The inner surface of the gasket is grooved to releasably grip the periphery of the lamp. The exterior surface of the gasket has a plurality of spaced, outwardly extending lugs, preferably in the form of fingers or elongated cylinders, protruding therefrom, which lugs frictionally engage the interior surface of a generally cylindrical, weatherproof housing. The housing has a sidewall defining a central space within which the gasket is disposed. The housing has an open upper end and open lower end.

Abstract: An illuminating automobile sideview mirror comprises a plurality of illuminators mounted within the sideview mirror holder to emit light toward the rear side of the sideview mirror which is the front side of the automobile and reflective material attached to the sideview mirror holder to reflect lights projected thereon to help identify the location of the automobile.

Abstract: A fiber optic aimable spotlight luminaire includes a generally cylindrical tubular housing having a proximal end, a distal end and an optical axis therethrough. A fiber optics light guide light has a first end receiving light from a remote source of illumination and a second, light-emitting end on the optical axis in the proximal end of the housing. An optical element on the optical axis of the housing has a focus generally at the second end of the fiber optics light guide, whereby light emitted by the light guide forms a generally collimated beam of light from the optical element. The position of the light guide within the housing is axially adjustable to de-collimate and zoom the beam. A rotatable and bendable bracket supports a mirror at the distal end of the housing with the mirror oriented at an angle whereby the collimated beam of light is reflected off aids as a transverse beam of light at an angle to the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: A glass repair method which provides for illumination of breaks, followed by penetrating of bonding material into the breaks. Apparatus for accomplishing the illumination is included. The apparatus includes means by which a light can be secured on the inside of a windshield to improve visibility of a break, such that a technician can work on repair of the break on the outside of the windshield.

Abstract: A compact, durable, lightweight and long lasting electrical lighting device which is economical to manufacture and able to be releasably attached to various objects, particularly thinly cross-sectioned members, without unduly burdening the object by its being connected thereto, is composed of a plastic cylindrical housing, a first endcap connected to one end of the housing, a light emitting member mounted to the first endcap, one or more batteries located within the housing for powering the light emitting member, a second endcap slidably connected with the other end of the housing so as to be rotatably and axially guided by slots on the surface of the housing adjacent thereto, a spring for biasing the second endcap away from the light emitting member so as to effect an open circuit between the light emitting member and the batteries, electrical leads and contacts for selectively effecting a closed circuit between the batteries and the light emitting member when the second end cap, serving as an electrical swi

Abstract: A motor vehicle neon lamp device for illuminating the number plate of a motor vehicle, including a transparent plastic lamp shade sealed by a rubber packing to hold a neon tube on the inside and a power transformer on the outside in a flush manner. The lamp shade has input and output electrodes fastened inside a transformer chamber thereof and respectively connected to the battery power supply of the motor vehicle and the neon tube, which are electrically connected as the power transformer is inserted in the transformer chamber on the lamp shade.

Abstract: A luminaire which has in its housing a multiplicity of groups of light emitters of different colors or pluralities of optical waveguides constructed to emit light progressively along the lengths thereof and a diffuser at which the colors can be mixed and from which the light emerges. The emitters can be controlled at the housing or light can be delivered to the optical waveguides by optical fibers from remote light sources.

Abstract: A microwave vehicle lamp having reflector housing, lens, light source, applicator card, and brace is disclosed. The light source and microwave power applicators are supported by a applicator card, which includes electrical couplings. The card is then adjustablly positioned along one portion in a slot formed in the reflector housing. An adjustable brace may be attached between the reflector housing and the applicator card to finally adjust the light source position for a preferred optical positioning. The brace is then soldered in place to rigidly hold the applicator card in place, yielding a microwave powered vehicle headlamp with a properly and securely positioned light source.

Abstract: An emergency light fixture is disclosed which includes a frame and a cover for the frame that has translucent and non-translucent portions thereon. The translucent portions of the cover define the word EXIT. The cover is indirectly lit from the interior of the fixture by an array of light emitting diodes mounted in the frame beneath the cover. The light emitting diodes are positioned directly beneath the non-translucent portions of the cover adjacent the translucent portions thereof in order to provide a uniform illumination to the translucent portions of the cover.

Abstract: An electrically powered illuminating fish luring means for use in conjunction with a fishing line, is disclosed. The fish luring means comprises a water resistant protective housing having a generally hollow interior. There is a battery or batteries, a light emitting diode, and a movement actuated switch means in the form of a mercury switch, preferably a mercury tilt switch, securely retained within the protective housing. The mercury tilt switch is electrically connected in series with the batteries and the light emitting diode, for turning on and off the light emitting diode. The mercury tilt switch has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a mercury bead adapted to contact the first and second terminals so as to thereby connect the first and second terminals in electrically conductive relation with each other.

Abstract: A mounting shaft for a car visor having a lighting fixture. The mounting shaft includes an inner L-shaped preform and an outer L-shaped supplementary body surrounding it. The preform and the supplementary body are plastic injection-molded parts. Two electric connecting wires and two contact pins are incorporated in the preform. The preform includes an end part to which the contact pins are attached by direct extrusion coating to be connectable to the lighting fixture. Two half shells are integrally formed on the end part and connected to it by two hinge connection. Each half shell includes an open cavity for receiving an electric wire and can be swung together to be fastened with the inclusion of the electric connecting wires.

Abstract: A disposable-type flashlight comprises a core piece having recessed sidewalls to hold a pair of oppositely positioned batteries. These batteries and core then fit inside of a flexible, hollow case. The flashlight further includes a switch having a pair of flexible arms connected by a base segment that fits against a rear end of the core piece. A front end of each switch arm locates next to a base terminal portion of a bulb having an inner terminal end held in an opening in a front end of the core piece. The switch base segment engages a rear terminal end of one battery while an oppositely charged rear terminal end of the other battery engages a contact flange of a connector strip. This strip extends through an inner space of the core piece to engage the bulb inner terminal end. A front contact member having a flexible web connects front terminal ends of the battery with an opening in the web holding a front lens portion of the bulb.

Abstract: A vehicle illuminator is provided which acts as a conventional marker light, and additionally illuminates advertisements on the surface of a vehicle. To allow both functions to be performed by a single illuminator, at least one bulb, a reflector, and a transparent insert are combined with one or more conventional marker lights. Light from at least one additional bulb is reflected through a clear portion of a housing by the reflector, the reflector being positioned such that the reflected light illuminates a selected surface. Thus, the light, in addition to acting as a conventional marker light, illuminates advertisements on vehicle and trailer surfaces, making these advertisements more visible, especially during periods of low visibility.

Abstract: A device for directing a beam of light from a light source to a predetermined view range. The device is particularly suitable for installation inside the visor of a traffic signal, although other applications will be apparent. Two or more baffles are selectively positioned within a hollow housing. The baffles are uniformly formed and each has a plurality of apertures. The baffles are thin plates and are aligned so that each set of corresponding apertures creates a tunnel for a portion of a beam of light from the light source. Due to the thinness of the baffles, the "tunnels" have no walls and no substantial surface area to deflect light rays outside the selected view range. This provides a sharp on-off effect at the periphery of the view range. Yet, a "full ball" effect is provided within the view range.