Abstract: Illumination lenses having surfaces shaped according to given differential equations in order to distribute light in a highly controlled manner with minimum reflection losses are provided. These lenses also have surfaces angled and arranged in such a way that they can be molded with relatively simple molds.

Abstract: An LED light bulb has a hollow LED support/heat sink (222, 602, 702, 900, 802, 1002, 1102, 1216, 1404, 1502, 1606, 1906) with fins (234, 406, 604, 706, 804, 904, 906,1008, 1106, 1620) extending internally and openings at two ends (230, 232, 1522). Heat generated by the LEDs (238, 908, 1242, 1624, 2504) is conducted through the heat sink fins and is removed by a convectively driven air flow that flows through the LED support/heat sink. LEDs are mounted on multiple external faces (236, 404, 910, 1524, 1622) of the LED support/heat sink thereby providing illumination in all directions. Lenses (1246, 2102, 2104) are provided for the LEDs to make the illumination highly uniform.

Abstract: Continuous ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide) nanofibers (502, 602, 604, 606, 608, 702, 704, 1102, 1104) which are optionally p or n type doped are manufactured by electrospinning a polymeric ceramic precursor to produce fine strands of polymeric ceramic precursor which are then pyrolized. The ceramic nanofibers may be used in a variety of applications not limited to reinforced composite materials (400), thermoelectric generators (600, 700) and high temperature particulate filters (1200).

Abstract: Illumination lenses (1806, 1902, 2002, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 3006, 3100) having surfaces shaped according to given differential equations in order to distribute light in a highly controlled manner with minimum reflection losses are provided. Both primary lenses and secondary lenses are provided. The secondary lenses include outer surfaces that are defined as loci of constant optical distance from an origin at which a light source is located. Versions are provided of both the primary and secondary lenses having Total Internal Reflection (TIR) wings. These are useful in the case that narrower distributions of light are required. A method of refining the shape of the lenses to obtain more obtain lenses that produce better fidelity ideal light distributions is also provided.

Abstract: Luminaire optics (300, 1100, 1500) comprise a complementary reflector (302, 402, 902, 1008, 1104, 1202, 1606, 1702, 1802, 1902, 2002) and lens (304, 404, 704, 904, 1024, 1108, 1204, 1610, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004) that are described by a set of coupled differential equations. The luminaire optics are able to distribute light substantially according to a predetermined specified light intensity distribution, while at the same time collimating the light to a relatively high degree.

Abstract: An electrodeless discharge lamp has a thinner wall portion located proximate a position of high applied power. Since the heat capacity of the thinner wall portion is smaller then the remainder of the bulb wall, the thinner wall portion cools faster when the lamp power is turned off, and the condensable part of the fill tends to condense at this bulb wall portion. When the power is turned on again, since the thinner wall portion is located at a position of high power application, the fill is available in such region to be evaporated, thereby resulting in more rapid starting.