Abstract: An illumination module configured for insertion within a housing has a laser diode and a drive circuit for applying current or voltage to the laser diode at a first magnitude and in a first direction to cause the laser diode to emit laser light in a normal operating mode. An interlock connects the illumination module when inserted within the housing. The interlock has a mechanism configured to automatically modify the drive circuit when the module is removed from the housing, so that current or voltage is applied to the laser diode at a second magnitude and in a second direction opposite to the first direction that permanently damages the ability of the laser diode to emit the laser light that is emitted in the normal operating mode.

Abstract: A driver circuit is designed employing a current sensing circuit adapted to sense driving current being supplied to one or more light emitting devices. The driver circuit additionally employs a pulse width modulation circuit adapted to modulate a pulse width of a control signal based at least in part on an output of the current sensing circuit, the control signal being employed to adjust the driving current being supplied to the one or more light emitting devices. The driver circuit additionally employs a buck converter adapted to switch the driving current being supplied to the one or more light emitting devices.

Abstract: A safety interlock apparatus for an electrical device includes a DC power supply, a ballast power supply including a ballast control circuit that controls a ballast power circuit, and a lamp. A relatively low voltage electrical connection is present between the DC power supply and the ballast control circuit. A relatively high voltage electrical connection is present between the lamp and the ballast power circuit. A safety interlock switch is positioned on the relatively low voltage electrical connection, the switch having a closed state wherein the relatively low voltage is supplied to the ballast control circuit and an open disconnected state wherein the relatively low voltage electrical connection is disconnected. A panel is fixable to the electrical device frame, and is selectively movable to expose the lamp for removal.