Abstract: A lens holder includes which a bottom cover, a top cover, sliding means and clipping means for holding lens assemblies in an optical lighting system. The bottom and top covers have a plurality of slot extensions lining the interior of the two covers. The top cover clips to the bottom cover by a set of clips on each side of the top cover to a set of clip slots on each side of the bottom cover. Lens assemblies can consist of lenses assembled in a holder along with individual lenses which can slide into between slot extensions.

Abstract: Individual variable parameters of a multiparameter lighting device may be varied in response to a processed audio signal. The multiparameter lighting device is equipped with an audio transducer to receive sound waves in the vicinity of the device. The audio signal generated by the transducer in response to the sound waves is sent to a signal processor where the audio signal is processed and converted to a control signal for varying selected parameters of the multiparameter lighting device. The multiparameter lighting device is operated remotely from a control device using a digital communication scheme. An operator of the control device may remotely select which parameter of the multiparameter lighting device may be varied in response to the processed audio signal. One or several parameters may be varied in response to the processed audio signal. The intensity of the light source may also be varied in response to the processed audio signal.

Abstract: A lens holder includes which a bottom cover, a top cover, sliding means and clipping means for holding lens assemblies in an optical lighting system. The bottom and top covers have a plurality of slot extensions lining the interior of the two covers. The top cover clips to the bottom cover by a set of clips on each side of the top cover to a set of clip slots on each side of the bottom cover. Lens assemblies can consist of lenses assembled in a holder along with individual lenses which can slide into between slot extensions.

Abstract: A lens for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first light pattern having a first cross-sectional geometry. A lenticular lens element is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected light pattern from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry and for moving the second pattern to a desired orientation. The lens element may be carried by a disc rotatably mounted in the fixture. The disc may carry a plurality of lens elements which can also change the orientation of the projected light patterns.

Abstract: Overlapping lenses for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first beam shape having a first cross-sectional geometry. A first lens device is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected beam shape from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry. The first lens device includes at least one lenticular lens element having lens lenticules oriented in a first direction. A second lens device, separate from the first device, is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the second projected beam shape from the second cross-sectional geometry to a third cross-sectional geometry different from the first and second geometries.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a light beam used to project an image on a projection surface. The apparatus includes a light beam source and a gas cooling circuit. A cooling chamber is connected to conduct gas through the circuit. An image projection device is mounted in the chamber. The chamber has a thermally protected environment. A driving device is provided in the circuit. A heat conducting gas is moved by the driving device to circulate within the circuit. The thermally protected environment may include an atmosphere of atomized, heat conducting fluid. A heat extracting filter may be mounted in the light beam adjacent the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A lens for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first light pattern having a first cross-sectional geometry. A lenticular lens element is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected light pattern from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry and for moving the second pattern to a desired orientation. The lens element may be carried by a disc rotatably mounted in the fixture. The disc may carry a plurality of lens elements which can also change the orientation of the projected light patterns.

Abstract: Overlapping lenses for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first beam shape having a first cross-sectional geometry. A first lens device is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected beam shape from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry. The first lens device includes at least one lenticular lens element having lenticules oriented in a first direction. A second lens device, separate from the first device, is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the second projected beam shape from the second cross-sectional geometry to a third cross-sectional geometry different from the first and second geometries.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a light beam used to project an image on a projection surface. The apparatus includes a light beam source and a gas cooling circuit. A cooling chamber is connected to conduct gas through the circuit. An image projection device is mounted in the chamber. The chamber has a thermally protected environment. A driving device is provided in the circuit. A heat conducting gas is moved by the driving device to circulate within the circuit. The thermally protected environment may include an atmosphere of atomized, heat conducting fluid. A heat extracting filter may be mounted in the light beam adjacent the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-filled, colored light pattern generator including a pair of transparent plates maintained in spaced relationship by a spacer ring. The ring includes an orifice for admitting fluid into a sealed cavity formed by the plates and the ring. Colored image producing members are suspended for random floatation in the fluid so that when a beam of light is passed through the plates, moving colored images are projected.

Abstract: A gobo holder for a lighting system is provided which includes a housing for removably receiving a gobo therewithin, the housing having first and second ends and being positioned in the beam of light such that light enters the housing through the first end, passes through the gobo and exits the housing through the second end, a support on the housing for supporting the gobo in the housing, the support being positioned such that the beam of light passing through the gobo is unobstructed by the support, and a spring retainer supported by the housing and in contact with and resiliently biasing the gobo into contact with the support, the spring retainer being positioned such that the beam of light passing through the gobo is unobstructed by the spring retainer. The gobo holder is particularly advantageous in that it is capable of securely retaining gobos of various thicknesses in position during use while permitting easy and quick replacement of the gobos during lighting operations.

Abstract: A device and method for cooling chemical smoke for creating a low lying fog effect comprises first and second chambers arranged in heat exchange relationship, the first chamber comprising an open-ended conduit adapted for maintaining a flow of chemical smoke therethrough, the second chamber adapted for receiving liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure and including vent openings for venting gases from the second chamber into the first chamber for maintaining the second chamber at ambient pressure, the liquid CO.sub.2 transforming to dry ice in situ, and a liquid CO.sub.2 supply system for connecting a source of liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure to the second chamber, whereby the chemical smoke flowing through the first chamber is cooled by the dry ice in the second chamber. Thermal sensor means sense the temperature in the second chamber and control a liquid CO.sub.2 flow control valve in the liquid CO.sub.2 supply system.

Abstract: The microprocessor controlled lamp flashing system includes a plurality of flash lamp assemblies for providing lighting effects in response to input control signals from a central processor. The control signals are provided in a data packet with intensity and address signals, and each flash lamp assembly includes a microprocessor which controls a flash control circuit for a flash lamp. Each microprocessor is connected to a preset address circuit which causes the microprocessor to respond to a unique address signal in the data packet and register the intensity signal associated with the unique address signal. The microprocessor controls cooldown of the flash lamp by registering intensity values and deactivating the flash control circuit for a determined cooldown time when the intensity values registered in a time period exceed a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The variable color lighting system includes a plurality of lamps controlled by a central controller. The central controller has a number of control channels, and each lamp is preset to be responsive to a specific control channel. To accomplish this, a lamp includes an address circuit which can be varied to respond to a unique address signal from any of the control channels. When the proper address is received, intensity control circuitry within the lamp responds to a digital intensity control signal transmitted by the central controller. The central controller causes all light sources in a lamp to fade from one end intensity value to the next and to reach the next intensity value simultaneously.