Abstract: An electric lamp includes a first light source and a second light source and power circuitry configured to selectively energize the first light source and the second light source. The first light source is configured to produce light that is substantially free of wavelengths below about 530 nanometers, and the second light source is configured to product light having wavelengths of less than about 530 nanometers. The electric lamp is configured to produce white or near-white light in a variety of color temperatures, while retaining good color rendering index.

Abstract: An electric lamp includes a first light source and a second light source and power circuitry configured to selectively energize the first light source and the second light source. The first light source is configured to produce light that is substantially free of wavelengths below about 530 nanometers, and the second light source is configured to product light having wavelengths of less than about 530 nanometers. The electric lamp is configured to produce white or near-white light in a variety of color temperatures, while retaining good color rendering index.

Abstract: A runway and taxiway lighting system (of FIG. 1). The system (100) includes a housing (105) as part of a light assembly (102), which light assembly (102) includes a light source (120) for emitting light (123), and a light pipe (126). The light pipe (126) has a first end (124) in close association with the light source (120) for coupling the light (123) thereinto, and a second end (128) from which the light (123) is dispersed. The system (100) also includes a power source encased in a power box (108), and operatively connected to the light assembly (120) for providing power thereto.

Abstract: An airfield guidance sign. The sign 100 (of FIG. 1a) includes a case (102), a multi-element light source (114) attached to the case (102) for providing light interior to the case (102), a light dispersion subsystem of the case for dispersing the light from the light source (114) substantially uniformly throughout the interior of the case (102); and a side panel (126) forming a side of the case (102) for displaying information.

Abstract: An airfield guidance sign. The sign 100 (of FIG. 1a) includes a case (102), a multi-element light source (114) attached to the case (102) for providing light interior to the case (102), a light dispersion subsystem of the case for dispersing the light from the light source (114) substantially uniformly throughout the interior of the case (102); and a side panel (126) forming a side of the case (102) for displaying information.

Abstract: A surgical task light is provided including a light source adapted to generate light. An elongate optical fiber carries the light generated by the light source to a remote target site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving the light generated by the light source and a distal end for emitting the light. A support member supports the optical fiber relative to the ceiling of an associated operating room and holds the optical fiber in a plurality of selected positions. A lens device is carried on the distal end of the optical fiber for focusing the light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber into a desired selected pattern. A sterile sheath member in combination with the surgical task light provides a sterile barrier between the surgical area and the mechanical and optical portions of the task light. A re-lamping module includes a replaceable light bulb module carrying a light bulb to help facilitate replacement of the light bulb by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A runway and taxiway lighting system (of FIG. 1). The system (100) includes a housing (105) as part of a light assembly (102), which light assembly (102) includes a light source (120) for emitting light (123), and a light pipe (126). The light pipe (126) has a first end (124) in close association with the light source (120) for coupling the light (123) thereinto, and a second end (128) from which the light (123) is dispersed. The system (100) also includes a power source encased in a power box (108), and operatively connected to the light assembly (120) for providing power thereto.

Abstract: An optical coupler for distributing light in a 360-degree pattern at a small angle is disclosed. The coupler comprises a solid rod with a first end region for receiving light and a second end region for distributing light. The rod tapers up in cross-sectional dimension between the first and second regions so as to decrease the angular distribution of light reflecting internally from the sides of tapered portions of the rod. An axis extends from the second end region towards the first end region. The second end region includes a generally conically shaped void pointing towards the first end region and defining a surface for deflecting light in a 360-degree pattern about the axis at a small angle compared to light entering into the first end region.

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 network of identical atmospheric hazard detectors communicates a locally sensed hazard condition directly to multiple neighboring detectors using RF command communication, without the use of wires and without a central control location. Each detector includes a sensor of an atmospheric hazard, a detection circuit for measuring the sensor output and creating a local hazard signal, an alarm indicator, an RF transmitter for sending a neighboring hazard signal to the network, and an RF receiver for receiving a neighboring hazard signal from the network. The local alarm and neighboring alarm control signals produce discernibly different alarm indications from the detector's alarm device, facilitating an attempt to locate the origin of a hazard. In the preferred embodiment, every detector functions as a receive/transmit relay station, enabling the network to be extended in spatial expanse without limit and without increasing the power output of the RF transmitter.

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.