Abstract: A light fixture with a submersible enclosure for an electric lamp (e.g, HID lamp) is disclosed. The fixture includes a ballast for supplying power to a high intensity discharge lamp. A submersible enclosure seals the lamp from water in normal operation. The fixture includes a water-sensitive circuit having a conductance that increases in response to water that leaks into the enclosure for conducting current from the ballast and limiting the ballast voltage. Alternatively, the submersible enclosure may contain a power lead for supplying power to an electrical load such as a lamp ballast, a non-ballasted lamp, or a color wheel. The power lead includes a fuse region that corrosively reacts in the presence of leaked water in the container, so as to sufficiently wither away the fuse region and terminate power to the load. The foregoing alternative versions may advantageously be combined.

Abstract: A light fixture with a submersible enclosure for an electric lamp (e.g, HID lamp) is disclosed. The fixture includes a ballast for supplying power to a high intensity discharge lamp. A submersible enclosure seals the lamp from water in normal operation. The fixture includes a water-sensitive circuit having a conductance that increases in response to water that leaks into the enclosure for conducting current from the ballast and limiting the ballast voltage. Alternatively, the submersible enclosure may contain a power lead for supplying power to an electrical load such as a lamp ballast, a non-ballasted lamp, or a color wheel. The power lead includes a fuse region that corrosively reacts in the presence of leaked water in the container, so as to sufficiently wither away the fuse region and terminate power to the load. The foregoing alternative versions may advantageously be combined.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus mountable on a support and used for illuminating well-defined limited areas is provided. The apparatus includes a support frame pivotably mounted to the support thereby to allow the support frame to pivot about a predetermined axis, a light-generating system supported by the support frame, the light-generating system having a light source, a light-gathering/directing element, a guide rod and a reflector, the light-generating system generating one or more beams directed toward corresponding target areas, and preferably a shield for blocking non-reflected light.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a multi-stranded fiberoptic light delivery system for delivering light to a plurality of fixtures. Each of the fixtures receives light from one or more active strands of a fiberoptic cable. A light source provides a light beam for transmission through the cable. A light-coloring device receives the light beam and sequentially imparts to the light beam different colors. A rod is interposed in the light beam between the color wheel and the fixtures. The rod has an inlet for receiving the light beam and an outlet for transmitting light to the cable. The rod has a length at least high enough to cause it to pass to all active strands a portion of the light of a color just starting to be received at its inlet.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a multi-stranded fiberoptic light delivery system for delivering light to a plurality of fixtures. Each of the fixtures receives light from one or more active strands of a fiberoptic cable. A light source provides a light beam for transmission through the cable. A light-coloring device receives the light beam and sequentially imparts to the light beam different colors. A rod is interposed in the light beam between the color wheel and the fixtures. The rod has an inlet for receiving the light beam and an outlet for transmitting light to the cable. The rod has a length at least high enough to cause it to pass to all active strands a portion of the light of a color just starting to be received at its inlet.

Abstract: An efficient downlight system for directing light includes a light source and a generally tubular, hollow coupling device with an interior light-reflective surface for receiving light from the source at an inlet and transmitting it as a generally diverging light beam through an outlet. The coupling device is shaped in accordance with non-imaging optics and increases in cross sectional area from inlet to outlet in such manner as to reduce the angle of light reflected from the surface as it passes through the device. A thermal-isolating region has an inlet positioned in proximity to an outlet of the coupling device and has an outlet for passing light to an optical member. An arrangement for splitting the light from the outlet of the thermal-isolating region comprises a plurality of light guides. Each light guide includes an inlet end for receiving light from the thermal-isolating region and an outlet end for directing light to a remote location.

Abstract: A method of making an optical device comprises the steps of providing a body of vitreous material that is generally tubular along an axis. A portion of the body is molded with external mold structure for forming a bulbous region when the interior of the tube is pressurized. An axial portion is cut from the bulbous region to form a first coupling device with first and second axially oriented openings. This method can produce optical coupling devices with excellent optical quality in an economical manner.

Abstract: An efficient arrangement for coupling light between a light source and at least one light guide comprises a light source having a bulbous region and electrical in-leads extending into the bulbous region. A generally tubular, hollow coupling device with an interior light-reflective surface receives light from the source at an inlet and transmits it to an outlet. The coupling device increases in cross sectional area from inlet to outlet in such manner as to reduce the angle of light reflected from the surface as it passes through the device. A thermal-isolating region has an inlet positioned in proximity to an outlet of the coupling device and has an outlet for passing light to an optical member. The thermal-isolating region comprises one or more members. The foregoing can achieve high efficiency and considerable compactness while using a non-“point-like” light source.

Abstract: A light delivery system includes a light source. A first generally tubular, hollow coupling device with an interior light-reflective surface receives light from the source at an inlet and transmits it to an outlet. The coupling device increases in cross sectional area from inlet to outlet in such manner as to reduce the angle of light reflected from the surface as it passes through the device. A thermal-isolating region has an inlet positioned in proximity to an outlet of the coupling device and has an outlet for passing light to an optical member, the thermal-isolating region comprising one or more members. A waterproof container for the light source and coupling device has an aperture allowing light to pass out of the container. The aperture is sealed in part by a portion of a member of the thermal-isolating region. Advantageously, the system can be buried beneath the surface of the ground. This avoids the problem of people or equipment colliding with the system.

Abstract: A centralized lighting system is provided having a high intensity light source which is disposed at approximately the first optical focal point of an ellipsoidally shaped reflector member. A mirror member, disposed in advance of a second optical focal point associated with the reflector member, receives light output from the light source and is constructed so as to divide the light output into at least first and second beam portions. The mirror member is further effective so as to separate the first and second beam portions by at least 90 degrees relative to one another. Corresponding at least first and second optical transmission members are receptive of the first and second beam portions and are effective for communicating the light output to locations remote from the light source. In one embodiment, the mirror member is V-shaped and is constructed of first and second mirror segments joined together so as to form an angle of less than about 85 degrees therebetween.

Abstract: An optical coupler for coupling light along an axis between a light port on one side of the coupler and a plurality of light ports on another side of the coupler. The coupler comprises a one-side stage with a light port and a many-side stage with a plurality of arms situated about the axis, each having a light port. A midput region separates the one-side and many-side stages and is situated along the axis where the plurality of arms at least initially starts to split from each other in a direction towards the many-side light ports along the axis. Cross sections of each of the respective initial portions of the arms along the direction are arranged about the same distance from the axis. The cross sectional areas of the arms along the axis are larger at a break point region at which the arms fully separate from each other along the axis than at the many-side light ports. At least a pair of the arms each start to split along the direction in a substantially symmetrical manner about the axis.

Abstract: A compact optical assembly includes a tight bend region that effectively propagates light from a source to an end use while maximizing beam lumens, improving color mixing, and minimizing complexity. A first nonimaging optical component increases the angular distribution of light from the source to an input end of the bend region having a light fiber with a first cross-sectional dimension. A second nonimaging optical component receives light from the bend region and decreases the angular distribution. A light conductor that interconnects the light source to the first nonimaging optical component has a cross-sectional dimension in the plane of the bend region greater than that of the light fiber and, likewise, a second conductor receiving light from the second nonimaging optical component has a cross-sectional dimension in the plane of the bend region greater than the light fiber.

Abstract: A compact coupling arrangement between a light source and a plurality of light distribution harnesses includes a plurality of reflector members arranged around the light source with respective focal points of the reflector members positioned substantially coincident with the light source, so as to receive light from the source and reflect the light away from the source. Further included is a plurality of light coupling members, each having an inlet and an outlet surface for receiving light originating from the light source and transmitting light, respectively. A plurality of light distribution harnesses is provided for respectively receiving light from the light coupling members. The light coupling members each comprise a lens having a negative curvature in at least one direction generally transverse to a main light transmission axis therethrough, for receiving light at a first angular distribution and transmitting light at a reduced angular distribution.

Abstract: A central lighting system for providing light to locations remote from a light source includes first and second ellipsoidally shaped reflectors joined together to surround the light source. The first and second reflectors direct the light from the light source to light guides which are fixed at a position outside of the joined together reflectors. The ellipsoidally shaped reflectors each have an opening or window along an optical axis through which the reflected light passes to the light guides. The configuration of the reflectors allows the light the be received by the light guides outside of the reflectors. A base secures the light source in a fixed position with respect to the reflectors and allows the light source and reflector module to be removed and replaced as a single unit without repositioning the light guides.

Abstract: A linear double ended lamp can be modified into a number of non-linear arrangements by heating selected regions of the lamp ends to the softening temperature and bending the lamp ends to a desired angular configuration. Preferably, the lamp ends are bent across the sealing foil that is hermetically sealed to the lamp envelope. One or both ends of the lamp can be bent as desired to define a variety of configurations. According to the method of forming the bent double ended lamp, selected regions of the lamp are raised above the softening temperature while the remainder of the lamp is maintained at a lower temperature. Preferably, the lamp ends are bent along an axis offset and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lamp to prevent accumulation of material.

Abstract: A lighting system and method for broadcasting colored lights as emergency warning signals from a light source. A centralized continuous light source is coupled via a fiber optic transmission medium to an external display location such as a lens or the like located on a vehicle. The color and the relative intensity of each color is periodically modulated to alternate between at least two states such that the contrast between these alternating states is perceived by observers to be a flashing source of light with no off-time. The frequency and the duty cycle of the repetition rate of alternating between the states may be further controlled to better draw attention to the light source.

Abstract: A tricolor lighting system uses first and second dichroic filters or mirrors to separate light into different colors, primarily red, green, and blue. The light is directed into input ends of respective first, second, and third light guides for a desired end use at a remote location. Various embodiments use either paraboloid or ellipsoidal reflective surfaces associated with the light source and in selected embodiments, the first and second mirrors are disposed in a crossed relation to provide a compact system.

Abstract: A compact coupling arrangement between a light source and a plurality of light distribution harnesses includes a plurality of reflector members arranged around the light source with respective focal points of the reflector members positioned substantially coincident with the light source, so as to receive light from the source and reflect the light away from the source. Further included is a plurality of light coupling members, each having an inlet and an outlet surface for receiving light originating from the light source and transmitting light, respectively. A plurality of light distribution harnesses is provided for respectively receiving light from the light coupling members. The light coupling members each comprise a lens having a negative curvature in at least one direction generally transverse to a main light transmission axis therethrough, for receiving light at a first angular distribution and transmitting light at a reduced angular distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical couplers and optical coupling systems for coupling a source of non-coherent light to a light distribution harness, wherein the couplers are polygonal in cross section to increase light mixing. The couplers have inlet and outlet arms, and an intermediate bend region configured to achieve compactness and minimal light loss through the bend region. In one embodiment, the bend region is an integral part of the coupler, with the inlet arm having a different cross-sectional dimension from the outlet art in such manner that substantially all light directed from the inlet portion to the bend portion reaches the outlet arm portion, and light rays parallel to the inlet axis are reflected in the bend portion to be directed substantially parallel to the outlet axis. In a second embodiment, the bend region comprises a prism having a pair of parallel spaced surfaces, and inlet, outlet, and third surfaces that are non-parallel to the spaced surfaces.

Abstract: An optical couplers and optical coupling system for coupling a source of non-coherent light to a light distribution harness, wherein the couplers are polygonal in cross section to increase light mixing, and the coupler has inlet and outlet arms, and an intermediate bend region configured to achieve compactness and minimal light loss through the bend region. In one embodiment, the bend region is an integral part of the coupler, with the inlet arm having a different cross-sectional dimension from the outlet art in such manner that substantially all light directed from the inlet portion to the bend portion reaches the outlet arm portion, and light rays parallel to the inlet axis are reflected in the bend portion to be directed substantially parallel to the outlet axis. In a second embodiment, the bend region comprises a prism having a pair of parallel spaced surfaces, and inlet, outlet, and third surfaces that are non-parallel to the spaced surfaces.