Abstract: Connector devices, systems, and related methods for connecting light emitting diode (LED) modules to thermal substrates and/or optical elements are disclosed. In some aspects, a connector device can include a connector body having a first side configured to engage an LED module and a second side configured to engage an optical element for mechanically coupling the LED module to the optical element. The connector device can further include a housing configured to receive a portion of an electrical wire for electrically coupling the LED module to the electrical wire. A connector system can include an annular body defining an opening and at least one LED module disposed in a portion of the connector. The connector can be configured to cover a portion of the LED module and leave another portion of the LED module exposed or visible.

Abstract: An LES is a surface from which light emanates from a lighting fixture. The present disclosure relates to a providing a lighting fixture that has an actual light emitting surface (A-LES), which is substantially smaller than the maximum potential LES (M-LES) for the lighting fixture. The M-LES is defined as the theoretical maximum LES for the mounting structure of the lighting fixture, and the A-LES is defined as the actual LES of the lighting fixture, as dictated by the lens or optical structures of the lighting fixture. The A-LES may provide an LES that is not only smaller, but also shaped differently, from the M-LES, to help control the light output of the lighting fixture based on the lighting application.

Abstract: An LED lighting system comprises an LED assembly for emitting light. A bulb comprises an enclosure and an optic element in the enclosure for receiving the light from the LED assembly and transmitting the light from the enclosure. An Edison-style or other traditional-style base is provided on the bulb for connecting the bulb to an Edison-style or other traditional-style socket.

Abstract: An LES is a surface from which light emanates from a lighting fixture. The present disclosure relates to a providing a lighting fixture that has an actual light emitting surface (A-LES), which is substantially smaller than the maximum potential LES (M-LES) for the lighting fixture. The M-LES is defined as the theoretical maximum LES for the mounting structure of the lighting fixture, and the A-LES is defined as the actual LES of the lighting fixture, as dictated by the lens or optical structures of the lighting fixture. The A-LES may provide an LES that is not only smaller, but also shaped differently, from the M-LES, to help control the light output of the lighting fixture based on the lighting application.

Abstract: An LED lighting system using a retro-formed component is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention make use of a component that has an external form factor of a structural element of a pre-existing light fixture. The component, for example, can be a power supply, or a heat sink with a connector. The component allows an LED lighting unit to be used without having the power supply and/or a heat sink take up space within what a consumer would normally see as the light bulb. In some embodiments the form factor is that of a screw-in socket such as an Edison E-26 socket. A connector or connectors can allow removal of the power supply portion of the lighting unit, or of the LED and possibly an optical element from the power supply.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting module wherein a DC-DC converter and an LED module are provided as an integral part of the lighting module, and an AC-DC module is provided separately from the lighting module. The AC-DC module is effectively a remote power supply that can be easily replaced without having to replace, reconfigure, or otherwise modify the lighting module. With this configuration, the DC-DC module may be tuned for the particular LED module of the lighting module, and in the case of a failure of the AC-DC module, the AC-DC module can be replaced without having to replace or retune the DC-DC module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that is configured to transfer heat that is generated by a light source and any associated electronics toward the front of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a heat spreading cup that is formed from a material that efficiently conducts heat and a light source that is coupled inside the heat spreading cup. The heat spreading cup has a bottom panel, a rim, and at least one sidewall extending between the bottom panel and the rim. The light source is coupled inside the heat spreading cup to the bottom panel and configured to emit light in a forward direction through an opening formed by the rim. Heat generated by the light source during operation is transferred radially outward along the bottom panel and in a forward direction along the at least one sidewall toward the rim of the heat spreading cup.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heat transfer bracket that is configured to mount to a lighting fixture, which includes a heat spreading structure that is formed from a material that efficiently conducts heat and a light source and control electronics that are thermally coupled to the heat spreading structure. The heat transfer bracket includes a base that is thermally coupled to the heat spreading structure of the lighting fixture and multiple petals that extend from the base, wherein heat generated from the light source and control electronics is transferred to the heat spreading structure and from the heat spreading structure to the base of the heat transfer bracket. The heat is then further transferred along the plurality of petals.

Abstract: An LED lighting system using a retro-formed component is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention make use of a component that has an external form factor of a structural element of a pre-existing light fixture. The component, for example, can be a power supply, or a heat sink with a connector. The component allows an LED lighting unit to be used without having the power supply and/or a heat sink take up space within what a consumer would normally see as the light bulb. In some embodiments the form factor is that of a screw-in socket such as an Edison E-26 socket. A connector or connectors can allow removal of the power supply portion of the lighting unit, or of the LED and possibly an optical element from the power supply.

Abstract: A design is presented for an N×N crossbar switch. A crossbar switch is one of the basic components of Optical Switching Networks. An optical N×N switch has the capability of connecting any light beam from the input of the switch to any output of the switch without interfering with other light beams. That is each single input is connected to one and only one of the output ports without interfering with any other beam or beams. The design presented is based on the use of precision meso-scale mechanics of the size typically found in miniature disc drives and meso-scale optical components. This meso-scale mechanics is then controlled or driven by precision servo-electronics and software to achieve the correct switching. The precision servomechanisms, meso-scale mechanics, electronics and software control are designed to work together to self-compensate for assembly or manufacturing defects and deleterious environmental, including temperature, effects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for allowing an operator of a transit vehicle to make public address announcements to passengers internal and external to the vehicle. The safety of the vehicle and passengers is maintained through providing a hands-free directional microphone having noise canceling characteristics. The microphone is used as an input device for receiving an audio signal and provides the signal to a processing module that converts the signal into a digital signal. The digital signal is then processed by a digital signal processor to cancel undesirable noise common to a transit vehicle. The noiseless signal can then be converted into an analog signal and recorded within the memory of the public address system where, upon needed, the signal can be transferred to an output device such as a speaker system internal or external to the vehicle. After playback, the recorded message can also be easily repeated by means of a repeat switch.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for allowing an operator of a transit vehicle to make public address announcements to passengers internal and external to the vehicle. The safety of the vehicle and passengers is maintained through providing a hands-free directional microphone having noise canceling characteristics. The microphone is used as an input device for receiving an audio signal and provides the signal to a processing module that converts the signal into a digital signal. The digital signal is than processed by a digital signal processor to cancel undesirable noise common to a transit vehicle. The noiseless signal can then be converted into an analog signal and recorded within the memory of the public address system where, upon needed, the signal can be transferred to an output device such as a speaker system internal or external to the vehicle. After playback, the recorded message can also be easily repeated by means of a repeat-switch.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for allowing an operator of a transit vehicle to make public address announcements to passengers internal and external to the vehicle. The safety of the vehicle and passengers is maintained through providing a hands-free directional microphone having noise canceling characteristics. The microphone is used as an input device for receiving an audio signal and provides the signal to a processing module that converts the signal into a digital signal. The digital signal is than processed by a digital signal processor to cancel undesirable noise common to a transit vehicle. The noiseless signal can then be converted into an analog signal and recorded within the memory of the public address system where, upon needed, the signal can be transferred to an output device such as a speaker system internal or external to the vehicle. After playback, the recorded message can also be easily repeated by means of a.repeat-switch.

Abstract: An ejection system for engaging a transceiver to a host circuit board in a guide rail having a front and back orientation and for ejecting said transceiver from said guide rail, said system comprising: (a) a latching mechanism within said guide rail adapted for latching to a projection extending from a housing of a transceiver when said transceiver is moved backward on said guide rail to an engaging position, thereby preventing said transceiver from moving forward; (b) resilient means within said guide rail adapted for urging said transceiver forward when said transceiver is in said engaging position; and (c) a release mechanism within said card guide and adapted for disengaging said latching mechanism from said projection when said release mechanism is actuated to a releasing position, thereby allowing said resilient means to move said transceiver forward.