Abstract: A vehicle (400) such as an aircraft is provided (101) with a source of light (401) that provides both a power wavelength component (404) as well as a safety-pilot wavelength component (102, 415). An optical conduit (405) is then used (104) to couple this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus. So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle while the safety-pilot wavelength component serves, at least in part, as a visual warning and/or beneficial reaction-inducement to onlookers.

Abstract: A vehicle (400) such as an aircraft is provided (101) with a source of light (401). An optical conduit is then used to couple (104) this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (408). So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle.

Abstract: These teachings present triple data transport redundancy in the form of three data bus interfaces that are each designed and manufactured independently from one another and compatible with a common data handling protocol. This protocol can be one that includes no error correction. These interfaces can each couple to a corresponding first, second, and third data bus that may comprise optical data busses. Information gauges can be realized through use a memory that stores a plurality of images comprising views of an information gauge (or gauges) of interest showing a variety of different readings. Upon receiving information regarding a monitored parameter of interest (via, for example, the aforementioned data busses and data bus interfaces), this information can be used to address the stored information gauge view that corresponds to the present parameter value. That particular view can be recalled and displayed to thereby provide the corresponding information to a viewer.

Abstract: These teachings present triple data transport redundancy in the form of three data bus interfaces that are each designed and manufactured independently from one another and compatible with a common data handling protocol. This protocol can be one that includes no error correction. These interfaces can each couple to a corresponding first, second, and third data bus that may comprise optical data busses. Information gauges can be realized through use a memory that stores a plurality of images comprising views of an information gauge (or gauges) of interest showing a variety of different readings. Upon receiving information regarding a monitored parameter of interest (via, for example, the aforementioned data busses and data bus interfaces), this information can be used to address the stored information gauge view that corresponds to the present parameter value. That particular view can be recalled and displayed to thereby provide the corresponding information to a viewer.

Abstract: An adapter for a decorative lighting fixture for recessed lighting is disclosed. The adapter includes a generally circular rim and a plurality of arms extending from the periphery of the rim into the center of the rim. The arms meet at a junction at the center of the rim. The rim is releasably secured to a ceiling surrounding the recessed lighting and a decorative lighting fixture or lens may be secured to the rim. The rim may be secured to the ceiling via screws. Likewise, the decorative lighting fixture may be secured to the rim by a bolt.

Abstract: A dataform reader which includes a hand-portable sized housing and an image assembly included within the housing. The image assembly includes a lens array or other optical system for obtaining a plurality of images of the dataform when positioned a given distance from the dataform. Each of the plurality of images is obtained relative to a different respective best focus length from the image assembly. The dataform reader further includes processing circuitry within the housing for selecting, from among the plurality of images, an image satisfying a predefined focus criteria. The image is selected based upon an evaluation of a sample from each of the images. The selected image may then be decoded.

Abstract: A dataform reader which includes a hand-portable sized housing and an image assembly included within the housing. The image assembly includes a lens array or other optical system for obtaining a plurality of images of the dataform when positioned a given distance from the dataform. Each of the plurality of images is obtained relative to a different respective best focus length from the image assembly. The dataform reader further includes processing circuitry within the housing for selecting, from among the plurality of images, an image satisfying a predefined focus criteria. The selected image may then be decoded.

Abstract: An optical reader for reading optical indicia includes an imaging element for forming an image of the optical indicia; a photodetector element having an aperture with a width smaller than the width of a smallest element in the image to be discerned by the optical reader; and optical means for causing the image to be swept past the aperture to produce an output of the photodetector indicative of the optical indicia. The optical reader also may include an optical element which varies an image distance between the imaging element and the photodetector with respect to time to correspondingly vary an object distance at which the optical indicia is located from the imaging element in order that the image is focused at the image plane.