Abstract: An infrared LED apparatus and surface heater for heating complex surfaces that need to transmit light is disclosed. The infrared LED heater includes an infrared LED light source comprising a number of LEDs, which can be utilized to elevate the surface temperature of a lens utilizing less energy. The lens can be filled with an IR opaque and visible light transparent filler to elevate the lens surface temperature utilizing less energy. The filler is durable and opaque to infrared wavelengths and is transparent in the visible wavelengths. The infrared LED heaters can be utilized to heat complex surfaces that transmit light while consuming less energy than conventional resistive heaters.

Abstract: A smart monitoring and wireless query system is disclosed which includes a sensor suite, an RFID chip, and a microcontroller. The sensor suite with appropriate sensors can be mounted to a separate circuit board installed in a housing of a fixture with the RFID chip in proximity to the sensors. The sensor suite includes, but is not limited to, various sensors for monitoring humidity, light intensity, temperature, and/or power consumption to determine the entire status of a product. A microcontroller can be employed to determine the condition of the fixture from the sensor inputs and convert that information into an RFID signal having a specific timing and pattern. A remote reader can receive said RFID signal pattern from the fixture and can then decode the signal in order to identify which particular fixture from which the signal is received and the status of that particular fixture.

Abstract: An airport inset light for an airport runway light system comprises a light fixture incorporating a light source that is covered with a lens. A flow path can be provided in the light fixture such that air can pass unrestrictedly between an exterior environment and an interior space of the light fixture. The flow path can be covered or filled with a hydrophobic filter material, which allows for the light fixture interior to exchange air with its exterior environment. Such a flow path can create pressure equalization between the exterior environment and the light fixture interior to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the light fixture interior. Hence, it can eliminate the possibility of water entering the interior of the light source due to pressure differential between the environment and the light source interior.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing visible indication of elevated airport light color during a non-operation condition. A set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) can be assembled to a housing of an elevated airport light. The housing and the set of LEDs can be covered by a clear glass, wherein the clear glass can be designed to cover some or an entire external region of the housing. Multiple colored tapes can be applied to a vertical portion of the housing such that, for example, a minimum of two-and-half square inches of the tape is visible from different angles. Therefore, the colored tapes can provide a clear visible indication of the elevated airport light color during a non-operation condition without the need for expensive colored glass and/or lens.

Abstract: An elevated airport light for an airport runway light system includes a housing incorporating a light source and a mast mounted to a base plate through a frangible coupling. An adjustment cap is disposed around the mast and designed to thread into a base of the housing. The cap and the housing can exhibit spherical surfaces to capture a ball between the cap and the housing. The spherical surface of the cap can be smooth and intended to slide easily on the ball. Similarly, the spherical surface of the housing can include ribs that are designed to cut into the ball for holding orientation of the housing to the mast while tightening the cap. Therefore, the adjustment cap can enable quick rotational and horizontal adjustment of the light source without the need for fasteners.

Abstract: An elevated light apparatus for an airport runway light system comprises a mast mounted to a base plate, which is attached to a base-cup. The mast can be designed with a hollow configuration to allow internal electrical connection between a light source in a light assembly and an isolation transformer in the base-cup. The mast can include a frangible break joint that cleanly separates the mast from the base plate. A safety power cut-off switch can be fixed into the base plate on the base-cup. The power cut-off switch can be positioned in the frangible break joint so that a switch button can be held closed by a breakaway portion of the frangible break joint. In the event of mast breakage, the switch button can be released to open electrical circuits for quick disconnection of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus thereof for providing a material for use in forming a product fixture assembly. One or more flaws of a currently utilized material can be analyzed for use in meeting a particular requirement of a product fixture assembly in order to identify one or more alternate materials for use in meeting the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly. The alternate material(s) are then analyzed with regard to all requirements of the product fixture assembly, in response to identifying the alternate material(s). An offering of the alternate material(s) can be developed that meets the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly and overcomes the flaws(s) associated with the currently utilized material. The alternate material(s) can be then selected in order to develop the product fixture assembly. A new material may also be developed, which meets the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle window includes a first window side and a second window side. The first window side includes an optical center and a plurality of grooves positioned about the optical center. The grooves have a number of dimensions including a depth and a width. The grooves define surfaces effective to redirect light that passes through said window. At least one dimension of the grooves is varied about the optical center. The window is effective to provide a plurality of angles of light redirection about the optical center.