Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device variable control using a variable inductor. In various examples, the variable control may be implemented with a plurality of continuous or stepped settings. The variable control may be adjusted by a user-actuated movement of a part of the lighting device, such as the depression of a tail cap or another appropriate physical control to change the inductance of the variable inductor. An oscillating signal may be induced in a variable inductor circuit that includes the variable inductor. The oscillating signal may exhibit characteristics, such as frequency, that change with the inductance of the variable inductor. Such characteristics may be measured to determine a setting of the variable control and which may be used to adjust the brightness or other attributes of the lighting device.

Abstract: A user wearable device may be implemented with a light source to provide illumination to an area of interest. In one example, the light source may be selectively operated by switches, physical displacement (e.g., movement) of the device, or other approaches. In another example, the device may be implemented as a wristwatch to display time, date, or related information to a user. In another example, the device may be implemented with appropriate processing or communication components to perform other tasks. In other embodiments, various methods of using, operating, or manufacturing such devices are provided.

Abstract: Various gun sights and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gun sight includes a light source adapted to project light, a user-viewable interface, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first surface adapted to pass the light to provide a reticle at the user-viewable interface. The optical element also includes a second surface adapted to refract the light to provide a light guide at a peripheral area of the user-viewable interface to aid a user to substantially align the user's eye with the reticle. Various mechanisms for aligning gun sights, attaching gun sights, related methods, and other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a variable control for a lighting device, such as a flashlight, that uses a variable inductor. The lighting device may include a tail cap, a battery terminal, and a variable inductor mounted in the tail cap and electrically connected in series with the battery terminal. The lighting device may also include a user operable switch configured to selectively bypass the variable inductor. The variable inductor may include, for example, a magnetic coil comprising a wire coil and a core. The variable inductor may also include a ring comprised of ferrous material and having a substantially elliptical inner circumfery and surrounding the magnetic coil, wherein the ring is adapted to be rotated relative to the magnetic coil in response to user actuation of a rotatable user control.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for programming lighting devices. In one example, a lighting device includes a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting device also includes a microcontroller configured to receive a programming signal generated by the LED in response to illumination of the LED with an externally-supplied light signal modulated with the programming signal.

Abstract: A lighting device with thermal management may be, for example, a headlamp device that includes a light source and a housing. The housing includes a first portion comprising a first set of external surfaces adapted to operate as a first heat sink to dissipate heat from within the first portion. The light source is disposed within the first portion. The housing also includes a second portion comprising a second set of external surfaces adapted to operate as a second heat sink to dissipate heat from within the second portion. Substantially all external surfaces of the of housing are adapted to be exposed to ambient air when the headlamp device is in use and are included in the first and second sets of external surfaces. Methods and other lighting devices are also provided.

Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body. The tailcap assembly includes a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure. The tailcap assembly also includes switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals.

Abstract: A metal core circuit board assembly includes a circuit board having a through hole in an embodiment. A shaft for a pin is inserted in the through hole such that cap of the pin abuts a foil layer on the circuit board. The shaft diameter is sufficiently smaller than the through hole diameter such that the shaft is electrically isolated from a metal core for the circuit board. The cap is undercut about the through hole to further isolate the pin from the non-electrically isolated portion of the metal core circuit board.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for programming lighting devices. In one example, a lighting device includes a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting device also includes a microcontroller configured to receive a programming signal generated by the LED in response to illumination of the LED with an externally-supplied light signal modulated with the programming signal.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device variable control using a variable inductor. In various examples, the variable control may be implemented with a plurality of continuous or stepped settings. The variable control may be adjusted by a user-actuated movement of a part of the lighting device, such as the depression of a tail cap or another appropriate physical control to change the inductance of the variable inductor. An oscillating signal may be induced in a variable inductor circuit that includes the variable inductor. The oscillating signal may exhibit characteristics, such as frequency, that change with the inductance of the variable inductor. Such characteristics may be measured to determine a setting of the variable control and which may be used to adjust the brightness or other attributes of the lighting device.

Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body. The tailcap assembly includes a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure. The tailcap assembly also includes switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.

Abstract: A lighting device with thermal management may be, for example, a headlamp device that includes a light source and a housing. The housing includes a first portion comprising a first set of external surfaces adapted to operate as a first heat sink to dissipate heat from within the first portion. The light source is disposed within the first portion. The housing also includes a second portion comprising a second set of external surfaces adapted to operate as a second heat sink to dissipate heat from within the second portion. Substantially all external surfaces of the of housing are adapted to be exposed to ambient air when the headlamp device is in use and are included in the first and second sets of external surfaces. Methods and other lighting devices are also provided.

Abstract: A metal core circuit board assembly includes a circuit board having a through hole in an embodiment. A shaft for a pin is inserted in the through hole such that cap of the pin abuts a foil layer on the circuit board. The shaft diameter is sufficiently smaller than the through hole diameter such that the shaft is electrically isolated from a metal core for the circuit board. The cap is undercut about the through hole to further isolate the pin from the non-electrically isolated portion of the metal core circuit board.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.