Abstract: A lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The lighting system is comprised of a HID lamp, a reflector, a lens, and a filter. The lamp utilizes a short arc gap and a unique combination of xenon gas, mercury and metal halides that produce a highly collimated beam of light in the visible and near-infrared regions. The lens is coated on both sides with an antireflective coating that reflects ultraviolet light and enhances the transmission of visible and infrared light. The lens is also coated on its outer surface with a hydroscopic material that protects the glass lens and the second antireflective coating from abrasion while facilitating the dispersion of water on the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.

Abstract: A uni-planar focal adjustment system involving no reflector housing rotation for use in high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. A simple mechanical drive system allows a user to manually adjust the focal point by turning a focal adjustment ring, which in turn moves a HID lamp assembly back and forth along an optical axis relative to a stationary reflector. The system utilizes only linear motion along the optical axis and does not involve rotational reflector movement. The system allows for a significantly smaller reflector through-hole, which increases the percentage of HID generated light capable of being reflectively used in the focused light beam. Finally, the focal adjustment system allows for separation of the HID lamp assembly inductor/igniter coil from the remaining ballast circuit board components, thereby further improving heat management of the lighting system, while maintaining the optimum alignment of the lamp in regards to the parabolic optic and increasing light production efficiency.

Abstract: This storage media case has a base formed with a bottom wall sized and shaped to receive a disc and with peripheral rim walls further defining the disc-receiving portion of the base. Its lid is provided with its own set of rim walls that overlap the rim walls on the base when the lid is closed and thereby help to protect the disc from invasive contact. Mating hinge assemblies are formed at the back of both the base and lid. These assemblies allow the hinge elements to be snapped together with the lid registered over the base. The geometry of the base hinge assembly allows expansion room for the hinge clevis members on the lid to spread apart and snap over the hinge pins only when the lid is registered in a nearly closed position over the base. When the lid is opened, its hinge devises move down into narrower recesses in the base so that the base prevents the hinge devises from spreading.

Abstract: In a flashlight, a shock absorption system cushions the bulb of the flashlight from impulses delivered to the flashlight. The shock absorption system includes a resilient body with outer and inner rings connected by a membrane, the outer ring being supported by the casing of the flashlight and the membrane allowing a predetermined amount of motion of the inner ring relative to the outer ring. The resilient body also supports the rear of the reflector, which carries the bulb, in a frustroconical portion. When impulse is imparted to the flashlight, the front of the outer ring of the resilient body remains substantially stationary, but the inner ring travels, the resilient body absorbing energy from the impulse so that when the inner ring reaches the end of its travel, the reflector and bulb experience a reduced impulse. As long as the impulse remains below a predetermined level, the bulb sustains no damage.

Abstract: A new reinforced hinge for storage media packages, especially packages for disc-shaped storage media, includes a hinge pin formed as part of a lid of the package. When used in compact disc jewel boxes, the particular arrangement of the hinge allows full compatibility with existing automation machinery for assembly and loading of compact disc jewel boxes, yet is far more robust than prior art hinges. The hinge pin is preferably first inserted into first receptacles in side walls of the base, allowing opening and closing of the package before a storage media carrying tray is inserted into and retained by a base of the package. This allows assembly of the lid and base in one location, then stacking and shipping the partially assembled packages and trays to another location where assembly is completed. To complete assembly, the tray is inserted into the base.

Abstract: A new hinge for storage media packages and storage devices, especially for use in packages for disc-shaped storage media, includes a hinge pin formed as part of a cover of the package. The hinge pin is inserted into hinge pin receptacles formed on a support plate of the package. The support plate is held by a base plate. When the hinge pin is inserted in the receptacles and the support plate is inserted into the base plate, the receptacles are prevented from expanding, thus locking the hinge pin in the receptacles and locking the cover on the package. The hinge pin locks the support plate in the base plate by projections extending from the receptacles and engaging an undercut of the base plate. Hinge pin supports are formed on projections of the cover and are spaced so that each support is adjacent one or more receptacles.

Abstract: A new automatic storage media release mechanism for a storage media package and storage device, especially useful in packages for disc-shaped storage media such as compact and digital video disc packages, selectively holds and releases the storage media in response to an interference between fingers of a disc holding device and another component of the package. The mechanism releases the disc when a carrier plate is extended from the package. The mechanism can also be configured to release the disc when the cover of the package is opened. Alternatively, the mechanism can simply reduce the force required to remove the disc from the disc holding device when the cover is opened.

Abstract: A new package and storage device for storage media, especially for discshaped pieces of storage media such as compact and digital versatile discs, includes a spring-biased carrier plate that extends from a side of the package to allow the use of a standard C-card. The package includes an automatic disc release mechanism that disengages the disc from a disc holding device when the carrier plate is extended and when the cover of the package is opened. The package uses a hinge that reduces the likelihood of hinge breakage and can actuate the automatic disc release mechanism. These results are achieved in part due to a new four-part construction of the package wherein the cover is hinged on a support plate, the support plate in turn being press-fit into a base plate. The support plate holds the carrier plate and includes components of guide and locking devices.