Abstract: A light source is disclosed. The light source includes a primary excitation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a first peak wavelength and a band of wavelengths around the first peak wavelength. A secondary emitter conversion element is optically coupled to the primary excitation source and is configured to absorb at least a portion the electromagnetic radiation at the first peak wavelength from the primary excitation source and emit electromagnetic radiation at a second peak wavelength and a band of wavelengths around the second peak wavelength. The second peak wavelength is longer than the first peak wavelength. A non-imaging optical coupler is optically coupled to the secondary emitter conversion element. An optical system includes the light source optically coupled to a transparent rod.

Abstract: Anti-icing solid state aircraft lamps are disclosed. The anti-icing solid state aircraft lamp includes at least one solid state light source, a substantially optically transparent cover optically coupled to the at least one solid state light source, and at least one defroster element coupled to the optically transparent cover.

Abstract: A collimating waveguide, an optical backlight apparatus, and a method of producing a collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy are disclosed. A collimating waveguide comprises an input surface to receive radiant electromagnetic energy from a point source and an output surface to emit an output beam of substantially collimated radiant electromagnetic energy. A first collimating surface of the waveguide receives a beam of the radiant electromagnetic energy entering from the input surface traveling in a first direction and reflects the radiant electromagnetic energy into a substantially collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy traveling in a second direction, which is the reverse of the first direction. A second collimating surface of the waveguide receives the substantially collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy and to redirect the substantially collimated beam toward the output surface.

Abstract: A lamp assembly including one or more light emitting diode (LED) arrays and a controller circuit to output a current to the one or more LED arrays. Each LED array includes at least one LED and defines a spatial radiation pattern having a first central axis. The lamp assembly also includes a lens array to redirect light received from the one or more LED arrays, a base and a light-transmissive cover. For each one of the one or more LED arrays, the lens array includes a total internal reflection (TIR) lens defining a second central axis aligned with the first central axis of the corresponding LED array. The TIR lens is configured to distribute light received from the LED array from an output face of the TIR lens such that the distributed light defines optical paths that are convergent, divergent or collimated with respect to the second central axis. The base includes a first surface to receive the one or more LED arrays, the controller circuit and the lens array.

Abstract: A light source is disclosed. The light source includes a primary excitation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a first peak wavelength and a band of wavelengths around the first peak wavelength. A secondary emitter conversion element is optically coupled to the primary excitation source and is configured to absorb at least a portion the electromagnetic radiation at the first peak wavelength from the primary excitation source and emit electromagnetic radiation at a second peak wavelength and a band of wavelengths around the second peak wavelength. The second peak wavelength is longer than the first peak wavelength. A non-imaging optical coupler is optically coupled to the secondary emitter conversion element. An optical system includes the light source optically coupled to a transparent rod.

Abstract: A collimating waveguide, an optical backlight apparatus, and a method of producing a collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy are disclosed. A collimating waveguide comprises an input surface to receive radiant electromagnetic energy from a point source and an output surface to emit an output beam of substantially collimated radiant electromagnetic energy. A first collimating surface of the waveguide receives a beam of the radiant electromagnetic energy entering from the input surface traveling in a first direction and reflects the radiant electromagnetic energy into a substantially collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy traveling in a second direction, which is the reverse of the first direction. A second collimating surface of the waveguide receives the substantially collimated beam of radiant electromagnetic energy and to redirect the substantially collimated beam toward the output surface.

Abstract: An aircraft light source includes a first substrate having an array of electromagnetic energy emitters connected in series and configured to radiate electromagnetic energy at one or more than one predetermined wavelength. The first substrate is configured to connect to a second substrate and is configured to electrically couple to the array of electromagnetic energy emitters to an aircraft electrical power system. The aircraft light source includes a housing having a cylindrical portion and a base portion. The cylindrical portion is configured to couple to a lens and to receive the array of electromagnetic energy emitters. The base portion is adapted and configured to electrically couple to an electric socket suitable for an incandescent filament lamp in an aircraft illumination system.

Abstract: A lamp assembly including one or more light emitting diode (LED) arrays and a controller circuit to output a current to the one or more LED arrays. Each LED array includes at least one LED and defines a spatial radiation pattern having a first central axis. The lamp assembly also includes a lens array to redirect light received from the one or more LED arrays, a base and a light-transmissive cover. For each one of the one or more LED arrays, the lens array includes a total internal reflection (TIR) lens defining a second central axis aligned with the first central axis of the corresponding LED array. The TIR lens is configured to distribute light received from the LED array from an output face of the TIR lens such that the distributed light defines optical paths that are convergent, divergent or collimated with respect to the second central axis. The base includes a first surface to receive the one or more LED arrays, the controller circuit and the lens array.

Abstract: An aircraft light source includes a first substrate having an array of electromagnetic energy emitters connected in series and configured to radiate electromagnetic energy at one or more than one predetermined wavelength. The first substrate is configured to connect to a second substrate and is configured to electrically couple to the array of electromagnetic energy emitters to an aircraft electrical power system. The aircraft light source includes a housing having a cylindrical portion and a base portion. The cylindrical portion is configured to couple to a lens and to receive the array of electromagnetic energy emitters. The base portion is adapted and configured to electrically couple to an electric socket suitable for an incandescent filament lamp in an aircraft illumination system.

Abstract: A backlight apparatus includes a point source of radiant electromagnetic energy. A total internal reflection (TIR) lens has a vertical central axis located along a path of the radiant electromagnetic energy. The TIR lens receives and evenly distributes the radiant electromagnetic energy at an output face. The radiant electromagnetic energy exiting the TIR lens is substantially collimated and defines vertical optical paths parallel to the vertical central axis. A first diffuser receives the radiant electromagnetic energy from the output face of the TIR lens and spreads the radiant electromagnetic energy to a predetermined first angle relative to the vertical optical paths.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess defining a concave surface, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess and a light source positioned to transmit light having a predetermined wavelength via the concave surface of the recess into the lens. The lens may be a non-imaging lens or a total internal reflection lens (TIR) configured to radiate optical radiation received at the concave surface. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink to conduct heat generated by the light source to the heat sink.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a housing including a first portion, and a second portion having a plurality of electrical connectors and having an aperture; a stator supported in the first portion of the housing; a rotor supported for rotation relative to the stator and configured to have a force current applied thereto; and a resistor coupled to the rotor and configured to reduce the current through the rotor, the resistor being removable and replaceable. Other apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a housing including a first portion, and a second portion having a plurality of electrical connectors and having an aperture; a stator supported in the first portion of the housing; a rotor supported for rotation relative to the stator and configured to have a force current applied thereto; and a resistor coupled to the rotor and configured to reduce the current through the rotor, the resistor being removable and replaceable. Other apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess, and a light source positioned to transmit light via the recess into the lens. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink, which conducts away heat generated by the light source. The apparatus may be used to provide optical radiation at various wavelengths, activating tooth whitening material, and curing dental composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess, and a light source positioned to transmit light via the recess into the lens. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink, which conducts away heat generated by the light source. The apparatus may be used to provide optical radiation at various wavelengths, activating tooth whitening material, and curing dental composite material.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises a lighting segment that includes a plurality of lighting sections. Each of the sections comprises a printed circuit board having a solid state optical emitter mounted thereon. The sections are interconnected by printed circuit board connectors, which serially position the printed circuit boards with edges of adjacent printed circuit boards proximate to each other. The connectors are deformable to alter the orientation in response to an applied force. The sections are electrically connected to each other such that the solid state optical emitters are electrically connected in series. The segment has a current regulator that controls current through the solid state optical emitter.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises a lighting segment that includes a plurality of lighting sections. Each of the sections comprises a printed circuit board having a solid state optical emitter mounted thereon. The sections are interconnected by printed circuit board connectors, which serially position the printed circuit boards with edges of adjacent printed circuit boards proximate to each other. The connectors are deformable to alter the orientation in response to an applied force. The sections are electrically connected to each other such that the solid state optical emitters are electrically connected in series. The segment has a current regulator that controls current through the solid state optical emitter.

Abstract: A light fixture device and system for extending and retracting a light is set forth which includes a housing having an axis of extension and a carriage which is carried by the housing and adapted for axial movement relative to the housing. A direct current motor is coupled to a drive member for axially extending and retracting the carriage and a two-position limit switch having a directionally reversible actuator responsive to a tripping force and in electrical communication with the motor. The tripping force moves the two position limit switch from a first position to a second position when the carriage is extended and from the second position to the first position when the carriage is retracted. A circuit for extending and retracting the lighting system is comprised of a light detector circuit, a logic circuit, a timer circuit and a driver circuit.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin air heater system for a multiengine aircraft having a cabin and a nose duct communicating therewith includes an electric resistance air heater unit positioned in the cabin and provided with air ducts leading from the cabin to the air heater unit and back to the cabin. A fan associated with the air ducts and heater unit recirculates air from the cabin through the air ducts and heater for heating the air. The air ducts are connected to the nose duct and are arranged to permit sufficient outside air to enter the cabin through the nose duct to maintain the oxygen level sufficient for passenger comfort while limiting the amount of outside air to that which will permit the air heater unit to maintain the cabin temperature at a comfortable level. An alternator driven by one of the engines provides electrical power to the air heater unit and serves as an auxiliary back-up electrical power for the aircraft in case the aircraft's main electrical power supply fails.