Abstract: A light fixture includes a parabolic reflector, a light source positioned at the focal point of the parabolic reflector and a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a front lens for transmitting the primary beam reflected from the parabolic reflector. The lens assembly also includes a first lens section including one, two or more lateral focussing elements positioned between the front lens and the edge of the parabolic reflector to intercept omnidirectionally radiated light rays from the light source and to redirect the intercepted light rays into collimated lateral beams to illuminate selected areas at the side of the light fixture.

Abstract: An airfield marker light, comprising a casing to be flush-mounted in the ground and having a lower light source (4), an upper, a transparent cover plate (8) lying substantially in the ground plane M, and a refractive member (7) which divides the light bundle from the light source, so that two light beams (L.sub.12, L.sub.34) are emitted from the upper surface of the cover plate (8) in opposite directions at a small angle to the ground plane. The light source (4) emits a collected, substantially vertical light bundle, and the refractive member includes a light dividing prism (7) situated between the light source and the cover plate and having refractive planar surfaces (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) obliquely oriented in opposite directions, so that the vertical light bundle is divided into two light bundle portions, directed obliquely upwardly in oppoiste directions, the light bundle portions upon passage through the cover plate being refracted in opposite directions in the upper surface (8a, 8b) of the cover plate.

Abstract: This luminaire comprises a reflector of transparent material having a prismatic outer surface that includes many juxtaposed prisms. Each prism includes two reflecting surfaces meeting at an apex and having portions disposed to effect total internal reflection of a large percentage of the light rays from the light source of the luminaire. Immediately adjacent the outer surface of the reflector, there is a cover of substantially transparent material that protects the prism reflecting surfaces from deposits that could interfere with their total internal reflecting properties. The cover is spaced from the prismatic outer surface at substantially all points on the prism reflecting surfaces where such reflecting surfaces are disposed to effect total internal reflection of the light source rays.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a parabolic reflector, a light source positioned at the focal point of the parabolic reflector and a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a front lens for transmitting the primary beam reflected from the parabolic reflector. The lens assembly also includes a first lens section including one, two or more lateral focussing elements positioned between the front lens and the edge of the parabolic reflector to intercept omnidirectionally radiated light rays from the light source and to redirect the intercepted light rays into collimated lateral beams to illuminate selected areas at the side of the light fixture.

Abstract: An improved luminaire having uplight control to provide uniform ceiling illumination and downward light control below horizontal to uniformly distribute downward light with the added feature of eliminating glare between the 60.degree.-90.degree. vertical.

Abstract: A reflector/refractor device is provided for use with a variety of lighting fixtures and light sources. The reflector/refractor device includes a body having a predetermined profile and defining a cavity with the body having an inside surface and an outside surface. An illuminating source for emitting light is disposed within the cavity substantially along a central vertical axis of the body. The body includes a series of sectional zones for reflecting and refracting light. The exterior surface of the device includes a plurality of substantially vertical prisms consisting of reflective elements, refractive elements and elements that may be either reflective or refractive depending on light center location. These reflective or refractive elements act in combination to selectively vary light distribution characteristics of vertical and lateral angles, and intensities, by vertical displacement of the illuminating lamp source.

Abstract: An indicator light for a motor vehicle, the light being of the type comprising a substantially point light source (10) and a flat closure glass (20), situated in front of the source, together with beam-forming means for forming a beam of light rays (x'x) propagating along a given general emission direction of the light, said beam-forming means comprising: a generally flat or concave mirror (30) disposed behind the light source and comprising a set of stepped reflecting zones (32, 32, 33) inclined to reflect light rays from the source towards the glass; and a set of deflector zones (201, 202, 203) which are generally in the form of concentric rings on the glass, each zone being formed by a set of narrow prisms all having the same profile within each zone, said profile being designed as a function of the average direction respectively of direct rays and of reflected rays received by said zone.

Abstract: A high efficiency luminaire possessing high angle brightness control. Transverse high angle brightness control is provided by a substantially parabolically shaped reflector and longitudinal high angle brightness control is provided by a trough like lens assembly including a plurality of trough shaped lenses and screening means adjoining one another.

Abstract: A lens (16) suitable for use with traffic lights has a body portion (20) that is a segment of a sphere and a mounting or sealing ring (21) at the periphery of the body portion. An array of lenticular elements (22) is formed on the concave inner surface of the body portion (20) and is arranged in rows extending substantially horizontally across the concave inner surface of the body portion of the lens. Between each adjacent lenticular element there is a recess (25) to modify the reflection pattern of the lens.

Abstract: A luninaire adapted to be mounted at the top of a post and to direct light below a horizontal plane is disclosed. A housing element preferably of a polycarbonate material comprises a housing for an electrical system and a refractor means having an interior and exterior prismatic structure.

Abstract: An indirect luminaire which has an opaque housing that masks light directed downwardly of the luminaire is provided with an elevated light source, that is, a light source which is elevated relative to the side walls of the luminaire housing. Luminaire lenses extend upwardly from the side walls to receive generally laterally directed light and to redirect same. The luminaire lenses are formed to receive laterally directed light from the elevated light source and to refract same in a direction near or above the horizontal plane of the fixture such that the pervasive problem of excessive brightness in certain prismatic surfaces is substantially eliminated. Also disclosed is two level lighting employing an elevated light source and a lens in accordance with the invention and a second light source directly beneath the elevated light source in an over/under relation. The disclosed two level lighting provides two levels of light without disturbing the symmetry of the light distribution pattern of the luminaire.

Abstract: The luminaire includes a source of light in an opaque housing which extends beneath the source and upwardly about the sides of the source to hide the source from direct view from a horizontal line of sight even with the source. A lens is mounted to the housing above the source and extending around to join with the upper edge of the housing. The lens includes an upper light-dispersing portion which diverges one portion and only displaces another portion of the light from the source to provide an even distribution of luminance to a ceiling above the source. The lens also includes a lateral light-bending portion which receives light from the source and fans it out laterally over the side of the housing to continue the uniform illumination pattern of the ceiling and to illuminate vertical surfaces in the vicinity of the luminaire.

Abstract: A method for indirectly illuminating an interior space is disclosed wherein a laterally extended overhead distribution of light is produced from a source of indirect lighting, such as a fluorescent indirect luminaire, by directing a portion of the source light upward to produce a luminance pattern on the ceiling surface directly overhead and then refracting substantially all of another portion of the source light laterally of the indirect luminaire so as to spread the refracted portion away from the directly overhead luminance pattern. Illustrated is a luminaire having trough-shaped lensed for achieving the method of the invention wherein the lateral portions of the lens act to refract the light laterally as above described, and the top lens portion is formed to diverge the light incidence thereon directly overhead in a substantially uniform luminance pattern which is extended by the light refracted through the lateral lens portions.

Abstract: A modular high-intensity elevated runway edge or threshold light having a glass outer dome containing two oppositely disposed prisms therein, sealed to said cover and fixedly positioned with respect to two complementary inner prisms surrounding a light source. The entire assemblage may be easily removed by loosening two wing nuts for bulb replacement and, if necessary, the inner prisms may be readily replaced by removing three screws and when reinserted will be in exact alignment with the outer prisms.

Abstract: A linear light passing media, typically a linear prismatic lens or a linear diffuser strip, is provided with linear areas of coloration to give a striped effect to the media. Color or neutral stripes are provided to areas of the media that are observable by persons standing in the vicinity of the lighting fixture; they act to give the media a psychological pleasing appearance, or on linear prismatic lenses, to mask out bright strips on the prismatic surfaces or at the base of the lens.

Abstract: Lighting fixture including an enclosure, means disposed in the enclosure for supplying a central source of light therein, a concave, generally parabolic reflector for directing a main beam of light out of the enclosure from the source generally along a given optical axis, the central source of light being located at the focal region of the concave reflector, the concave reflector having a light penetrable region thereof disposed at least at one side of the optical axis in a horizontal plane in common with the central light source, the light-penetrable region forming an escape window out of the enclosure for part of the light from the source.

Abstract: An elevated airport runway, taxiway, or threshold edge light with a glass dome that is so positioned with respect to the light source so as to correct for variations in thickness of the base of the glass dome as the result of the glass-making process. The glass dome is sealed into an overhanging cover which preserves the integrity of the interior of the light against adverse weather conditions and the support base on which the cover is positioned is provided with a ball joint so as to permit quick and easy elevation and azimuth positioning of the base in the field. The base is also provided with a vertical support for a snow flag.

Abstract: The optic axis of a vehicle headlight comprises a reflector, an incandescent helix and a convergent lens. The reflection surface of the reflector is parabolic in the horizontal midplane section and is elliptical in vertical median section. A narrow band of light spreading out laterally is thus produced without supplementary optical components, particularly the diffusion disk or dispersion lens. A sharp light-to-dark boundary is obtained by a diaphragm having an effective straight edge 18 located below the outer ellipse focus, which is coincident with that one of the principal foci of the converging lens which is the nearer to the reflector.

Abstract: A spot lamp having a lens in the form of a curved member having an inner surface with a series of radially disposed flutes formed therein defining a fluted portion which surrounds a centrally disposed stippled portion. The flutes each extend linearly from a position adjacent the stippled portion outwardly to a position adjacent the outer edge of the curved member. The surfaces of the flutes are also stippled.

Abstract: A transparent lighting diffuser panel is provided for circular gas discharge lamps and having an inner surface, facing the lamp, comprising a generally cylindrical toroidal fresnel lens with the optical centerline of the lens approximately equal to the lamp circle diameter and coaxial with the center of revolution of the lamp tube; and an outer surface, facing away from the lamp, comprising an overall pattern of elongated linear triangular prisms in a radial pattern coaxial with the toroidal lens and the lamp.

Abstract: A flood lamp having a lens with a series of concentrically disposed fluted rings on the internal lens surface in combination with an outer concentric ring adjacent to and wider than any one of the fluted rings and containing a plurality of semi-spherical protrusions disposed in an established pattern (e.g., circular or hexagonal). The flood lamp reflector has multiple reflective surfaces including a front section that is parabolic shape having a principle focal point, a spherical section having its center of radius coincident with the principle focal point of the parabolic front section, and a spherical rear section.

Abstract: A spot lamp having a lens with a series of concentrically disposed fluted rings on the internal lens surface in combination with an outer concentric ring adjacent to and wider than any one of the fluted rings and having a stippled surface. The spot lamp reflector has multiple reflective surfaces including a front section that is parabolic shape having a principle focal point, a spherical section having its center of radius coincident with the principle focal point of the parabolic front section, and a spherical rear section.

Abstract: A process for the most uniformly possible illumination of a surface by a limated beam of rays with arbitrary distribution of the beam intensities.An equalization in intensity is achieved in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the beam in that, in the parallel beam path extending perpendicular to the beam direction a generally planoconvex beveled or faceted lens with congruent square or hexagonal surface elements is interposed at a distance from the surface which is to be illuminated corresponding to the focusing distance.

Abstract: A single lighting fixture for mounting in front of a large billboard having a horizontal length approximately two times as long as its vertical length is disclosed. The lighting fixture comprises a lamp housing having a lamp positioned therein with the lamp being approximately horizontally positioned in the housing. A new and novel reflector is positioned on one side of the lamp is designed to reflect the light radiating from the lamp in such a manner that the bottom surface of the reflector is utilized to light up the approximate central portion of the billboard while the sides of the reflector are used to light triangular shaped side corners of the billboard. A refractor is positioned on the lamp housing to totally enclose the lamp with the refractor comprising in part three phase light control prism elements for stray light control.

Abstract: The invention provides a lantern for an area light, particularly one having a cut-off light distribution. A central area of a transparent or transluscent bowl of the lantern has in alternation externally facing reflecting prisms and flats. There are sufficient flats to transmit at least one third of the vertical light and sufficient proportion of prisms to provide a completely flashed prism bank at the direction of peak intensity which is preferably 60.degree.-65.degree. from the vertical. The prism bank controls the vertical light, so that the intensity in a vertical 60.degree. cone does not exceed 80% of peak intensity, more efficiently than internal prisms. The flats have the additional advantage of facilitating ease of cleaning.

Abstract: A cover assembly comprising a cover having a plurality of holes for securement on top of a light base, said cover having a central top portion formed with at least one window for the exit light beam and an upwardly inclined ramp in front of said at least one aperture, and an optical system comprising a light source and at least one lens means hermetically mounted in said at least one window for the exit light beam, said lens means having a central refracting portion and two lateral total reflecting portions. The central refracting portion is formed with a first surface with double curvature towards the light source with flat upper and lower faces and a second surface with double curvature on its outer side with flat upper and lower faces.

Abstract: A long, linear indirect lighting fixture of a relatively small cross-sectional dimension which is mounted above eye level is comprised of lamps secured within an elongated housing, and a reflector and side lenses which direct and refract the greatest portion of luminous flux from the lamps above the horizontal plane of the fixture, yet a small portion of the luminous flux below but near the horizontal plane. The portion of light directed below but near the horizontal plane, which is controlled by, among other things, the relative placement of the lens and lamps, is great enough for an individual to have a perception of seeing a light source but small enough to avoid discomfort produced by glare.

Abstract: A lamp for motor-vehicles wherein the base area of the prismatic cap is encompassed by a transparent plate in direct optical contact with the base area and adapted to direct into its interior the light emerging from the base area in a substantially radial direction and to direct it forwardly thereby forming a luminous halo surrounding the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator light, particularly for an automobile, comprising a catadioptric element such that its position in the light and the preferred orientation of certain of its catadioptric prisms allow a zone adjacent the zone normally imposed by the geometry of the light to be illuminated. The invention is more particularly applied to the corner lights of automobiles.

Abstract: A lens assembly for a motor vehicle tail lamp assembly that gives the latter the appearance of a substantially black lighting unit. The lens assembly includes an inner lens and an outer lens each of which is formed with horizontally extending V-shaped ribs with the outer lens being made of a neutral density plastic material while the inner lens is made of a colored plastic material and has each rib thereof consisting of a substantially horizontally oriented portion and an inclined portion.

Abstract: An improved railroad crossing signal includes a deep dish parabolic reflector and an essentially flat plastic lens angled forward at the top relative to the axis of the reflector. The lens includes prism elements for laterally dispersing parallel light from the reflector more toward the crossing highway at near and far distances than toward the adjacent land. The lens also includes prism elements for vertically dispersing a portion of the light to produce uniform brightness before the signal.

Abstract: Luminaire globe has external prisms formed to provide controlled amount of emitted light in various portions of the globe. The prism comprises a combination of right angle reflecting surfaces and light transmitting surfaces contoured to provide the desired ratio of transmitted to internally reflected light.

Abstract: A warning lamp comprising a housing having an annular wall, a bulb having a filament within the confines of the annular wall and a lens closing the end of the annular wall. The lens has a front wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the front wall and telescoped over the annular wall of the housing. A prism is provided on the lens along at least opposed side portions of the peripheral wall of the lens and is constructed and arranged to redirect light from the filament of the bulb in a direction generally at 90.degree. to the axis of the lens.

Abstract: A method for indirectly illuminating an interior space is disclosed wherein a laterally extended overhead distribution of light is produced from a source of indirect lighting, such as a fluorescent indirect luminaire, by directing a portion of the source light upward to produce a luminance pattern on the ceiling surface directly overhead and then refracting substantially all of another portion of the source light laterally of the indirect luminaire so as to spread the refracted portion away from the directly overhead luminance pattern. Illustrated is a luminaire having trough-shaped lensed for achieving the method of the invention wherein the lateral portions of the lens act to refract the light laterally as above described, and the top lens portion is formed to diverge the light incidence thereon directly overhead in a substantially uniform luminance pattern which is extended by the light refracted through the lateral lens portions.