Abstract: A light projector includes a light source, which provides a light stream, an elongate light wand, including an elongate transparent rod therein, for converting the light stream into an elongate light beam. An optical connector is provided for connecting the light wand to the light source.

Abstract: A beacon lantern and a lens for the same with improved light transmission factor, which is easy to manufacture and uses LEDs as a light source. A lantern comprising light source of many LEDs radially distributed on a horizontal circumference and a cylindrical fresnel lens converging beams of light in all horizontal directions, in which the lens is made by rolling a sheet-like, fine prism-shaped linear fresnel lens into a shape of a cylinder. The lantern maintains a top lid and a lower lantern body with a prescribed distance therebetween by way of a center bolt, between said lid and lower lantern body a transparent cylindrical cover is maintained, on the inner surface thereof is the rolled sheet-like linear fresnel lens joined therewith.

Abstract: The lamp has a case with a light exit opening. A reflector is arranged on the rear wall of the case facing the light exit opening, in front of which an elongated light source is arranged. Between the light source and the light exit opening there is a flexible optical film, stable in shape, with a smooth surface and a structured surface. The smooth surface faces the light exit opening, while the structured surface is directed toward the light source. The structure consists of a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending in parallel to each other and transverse to the longitudinal extension of the light source, the grooves lying immediately side by side. The optical film extends only in that area in which the light source emits light directly toward the light exit opening.

Abstract: A lighting element has a light source positioned so as to provide a beam of light at a grazing angle to a light extractor. The extractor has a plurality linear triangular prism on the side struck by the beam of light. The prisms lie in a smooth arcuate curve.

Abstract: A light fixture has a housing having an axis and a light source for detecting light into the housing along the housing axis. A first section of the housing occupies a first portion of the housing's perimeter and includes a light guide material. A second section of the housing occupies a second portion of the housing's perimeter and includes light extraction structures and a Fresnel lens for beam shaping.

Abstract: A strobe flashing device having a cylindrical strobe light emitting tube and a condenser lens for gathering light beams emitted from the strobe light emitting tube. The condenser lens is provided on one side face with a first cylindrical lens which gathers light beams only in a direction that is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strobe light emitting tube. A second side face of the condenser lens is provided with a second cylindrical lens which gathers light beams only in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strobe light emitting tube. At least one of the cylindrical lenses on the side faces of the condenser lens is made planar at a center portion thereof. The cylindrical lenses can be a modified cylindrical lenses having different lens curvatures that vary in accordance with an image height from a center thereof.

Abstract: A light diffusing lens and a method of making such a lens for use in traffic lights etc. and of the known type in which a nearly parallel light beam in projected on a lens adapted to scatter the light within certain predetermined limits, and in which the lens comprises a large number of cavities arranged on the inner surface of the lens, which cavities act as elementary lenses (2) arranged in parallel rows (3) extending in the horizontal direction, and in which each elementary lens (2) comprises at least two integral concave lens parts, namely a lower lens part (5) having the shape of a part of a half-ball, and an upper lens part (6) which is directly integral with said lower lens part (5) and which is stepwise or successively widened to the shape of a bell and which is ended by an upper, straight cross cut lens surface (4).

Abstract: A photobioreactor for the cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms comprises a tank, one or more light compartments extending into the tank and one or more high intensity lamps whose light is directed into the light compartments. Each light compartment has at least one transparent wall and a means for distributing light from the lamp substantially uniformly across the transparent wall.

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 stop lamp for a vehicle, such as a stop lamp adapted for mounting on a rear spoiler of an automobile, having an improved efficiency of light utilization. The lamp includes a lamp body, a front lens, and a plural number of light-emitting diodes juxtaposed at predetermined intervals. Light control parts are formed in the inner wall of the front lens for directing the light output from the light-emitting diodes in predetermined directions. Each light control part is composed of nine prisms arranged in a 3.times.3 matrix. The central one of the prisms faces a respective one of the light-emitting diodes.

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 luminaire for use in parking garages having a vertical reference axis, a horizontal driving lane axis, and a horizontal parking stall axis. The resulting asymmetry is such that there is a substantially greater throw of light along the parking stall axis than along the driving lane axis, with improved lighting for parking purposes, and glare free lighting for the driving lane.

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: A three dimensional light control lens (2, 2A, 2B) of special configuration is fitted on the outer surface of a cylindrical or spherical light source (1, 1A, 1B) so as to cover at least a part thereof directly. A light coming out of the light source is transmitted through the light control lens and emitted. The light control lens (2, 2A, 2B) is of such three-dimensional shape as to control the luminous flux from the light source (1, 1A, 1B) to have a predetermined distribution and range of incidence. Typically, the sectional shape of the light control lens taken along a plane including the luminous flux which has passed therethrough is such as to have a pair of swelled portions (2a) protruding in the direction away from the light source, and a recessed portion (2c) recessed on the side counter to the light source between the swelled portions, the swelled portions (2a and 2a) and the recessed portion (2c) having a shape bounded and defined by a smoothly continuous curve.

Abstract: A non-glare screen is assembled of prismatic rings stacked one on the other and coaxially enclosing a light emitting surface. Each ring has a cross-section of a right triangle. One leg of the triangle is perpendicular to the axis of the light emitting surface and the hypoteruse forms with the one leg an angle between 35.degree. to 45.degree., preferably 40.degree..

Abstract: A motor vehicle lighting assembly capable of functioning as one-half of the total forward lighting system for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a common holder member designed for being aligned within the motor vehicle and a plurality (e.g., four or five) of replaceable, sealed lighting modules to provide the necessary illumination. Each module includes a plastic reflector, a low wattage tungsten halogen capsule, and a glass or plastic lens for providing a seal for the module. Each module is readily aligned within a respective compartment of the common holder member and is retained by at least one wireform.

Abstract: The invention features a reflector for an electric bulb wall unit that diffuses and spreads the light over a wider area. The body of the reflector has a light diffusing semi-cylindrical center surface containing many diamond-studded projections. Surrounding the center surface are quarterly-spherical surfaces having saw-toothed striations that diffuse and spread the light in arcuate pathways.

Abstract: An illuminated display forming part of a twist type switch is disclosed. An operator display is formed from a transparent material having a high index of refraction. A cylindrical portion is formed on the back of the operator display which is mounted on the switch and defines a space in which an indicator lamp is mounted. A peripheral flange portion is formed forward of and radially outward from the cylindrical portion. The rear surface of the flange portion is contoured with a plurality of prisms which are arranged in the shape of the information to be displayed. The prisms concentrate and collimate the light emitting from the indicator lamp and passing through the cylindrical portion and direct it out the front of the operator display. The transverse cross section of the resulting beam is in the general shape of the display and is readily visible to an observer in front of the display.

Abstract: A modulated optical radiation beacon, e.g. a flashing light beacon or an IR emmissive missile jamming source, can comprise a radiation source and two relatively movable apertured masks which, as the apertures thereof move into and out of registration, pass or block the radiation from the source. Herein, to improve the uniformity of the polar distribution of the emitted radiation (assuming, of course, that a uniform distribution is required) or, in other cases, simply to improve efficiency, the apertures of the `inner` mask, i.e. the one nearest the source, are bounded by curved reflective surfaces defining an optical cavity which at least crudely images the source at a position near the outer mask. Advantageously, the optical cavities are defined by a spaced array of prismatic members having appropriately curved facing surfaces.

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: A lens member for use in a motor vehicle and adapted for being mounted in a recess within a front, contoured surface of the motor vehicle. The system especially designed for using the invention includes a plurality of separate lighting modules, each in turn including a light source and reflector means. The lens member comprises a hollow, enclosed, single piece lens element having a front, clear surface positioned to coincide with the vehicle's front, contoured surface so as to enhance aerodynamic performance of the lighting system (as well as the vehicle), a rear lensing portion positioned substantially at a predetermined angle (i.e., 0 to 30 degrees) relative to the front, planar surface of the modules located adjacent thereto, and side and bottom walls for enclosing the lens member to provide a sealed, dirt-free component.

Abstract: A combined lighting system for a building interior includes a stack of luminescent solar concentrators (LSC), an optical conduit made of preferably optical fibers for transmitting daylight from the LSC stack, a collimating lens set at an angle, a fixture for receiving the daylight at one end and for distributing the daylight as illumination inside the building, an artificial light source at the other end of the fixture for directing artifical light into the fixture for distribution as illumination inside the building, an automatic dimmer/brightener for the artificial light source, and a daylight sensor positioned near to the LSC stack for controlling the automatic dimmer/brightener in response to the daylight sensed. The system also has a reflector positioned behind the artificial light source and a fan for exhausting heated air out of the fixture during summer and for forcing heated air into the fixture for passage into the building interior during winter.

Abstract: An lighting apparatus including a housing having an opening, a light source received in the housing and a light transmitting-cover fixed at the opening of the housing and through which light rays are projected from the light source. The light transmitting-cover includes a plate made of light transmitting-material and having a first surface and a second surface. Segment lens elements of the same size are arranged on the first and second surface of the plate and formed integrally with the plate. The segment lens elements on the first surface are positioned in face-to-face relation with the segment lens elements arranged on the second surface, thus forming a segment lens. The segment lens elements have a common optical axis and convex surfaces, respectively. The focal lengths defined by these convex surfaces are equal.

Abstract: A diffusion cover for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising upper and lower mutually inclined translucent cover portions are integrally joined together to define therebetween a ridge on an outer surface of the cover and a trough on an inner surface of the cover.

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 sealed beam type reflective lamp has an envelope comprising a front lens and a reflector on the inner surface of which is formed a metal reflective film, and a tungsten coil filament arranged inside the front lens. The lamp has excellent converging effect and its light beam does not spread even if the filament is brought closer to the front lens. The front lens consists of a central circular lens element and a plurality of concentric ring-shaped prism elements. The inner surfaces of these prism elements define a stepped inner surface of the front lens. An angle formed by an inner surface of the prism lens element and the central axis of the lamp is greater than that of the prism lens element situated outward thereof. The step difference of the inner surfaces of the adjacent prism lens elements is 0.6 mm or less.

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 new and improved luminaire combination is disclosed having a novel lens structure formed with a generally horizontal first lens surface and a generally vertical second lens surface with a generally horizontal flange formed on the second lens surface. The first lens surface is designed to refract a beam of light downwardly and outwardly in a predetermined pattern to form a beam having a cross section approximating the predetermined pattern at a predetermined distance below the lens. The second lens surface is designed to diffuse a beam of light outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the second lens surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp comprising in combination an optical system for recovering flux having a rectilinear focal segment and an optical system for rectifying images having a focal segment coinciding with the former and able to produce a beam of rays of controlled directivity passing through a narrow light window, while preserving a high luminous efficiency. The flux recovery system is constituted by an elliptical paraboloid, an hyperbolic paraboloid or their optical equivalents. By using various combinations of optical elements, it is possible to arrange the flux recovery system both in the axis of the rays leaving the headlamp, as well as on the side of the body work or on the lower part of the latter.

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: 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: 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 luminaire 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 illumination device for illuminating the interior of a room comprising an optical wave guide for transmitting light rays and a convex Fresnel lens for refracting light rays emitted from an exit end of the optical wave guide. In order to obtain the most effective illumination in the room, consideration should be given to the degree of refraction, the range of illumination and the area, to be illuminated.For this purpose, according to the construction of the present invention, the distance between the convex Fresnel lens and the exit end of the optical wave guide can be adjusted within a range not longer than the focal length of the convex Fresnel lens. In addition, the convex Fresnel lens is constructed so as to be inclinable with respect to the stationary portion of said device.

Abstract: A simple compact robust device for dispersing light rays issuing from a light guide. The device has an elongated body of a rigid transparent material, an end of the body being tapered to define an inclined nearly conical peripheral surface, so that those light rays, entering into the body at a small angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, are reflected back into the body by the internal boundary of the inclined surface and are directed to propagate at a larger angle, whereby collimated light rays, issuing from the light guide, are dispersed. The device is particularly useful in lighting systems utilizing solar radiation as a light source.

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: This invention relates to a headlamp inter alia for motor vehicles.The headlamp comprises a lens (1) formed by a number of juxtaposed dioptric elements (4) each having a focal point (F) and an axis (5); a light source (6-10) is provided for each element (4) vary near the focal point thereof; the axes (5) of the various dioptric elements (4) are so arranged that the elementary light beams issuing from the elements (4) when the corresponding sources (6-10) are illuminated form a single beam having a predetermined light distribution.Of use for the construction of very shallow headlamps suitable for integration in the bodywork.

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 reflector has a transparent body in the form of a paraboloid with a light source located within the reflector along the axis of symmetry. The inner surface of the reflector has a plurality of circular ridges of generally triangular cross-section, each ridge being defined by a cylindrical surface portion the axis of which is coincident with the axis of symmetry and by a frusto-conical surface portion adjacent to said cylindrical portion which lies on a cone having its axis coincident with said axis of symmetry with each of the cones having a common apex located approximately at the center of said light source.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp lens has two zones A1 and B containing ribs of different width to produce different amounts of lateral spreading of the headlamp beam. Between these zones a transition zone A2 is provided where a gradual change in the width of the ribs occurs. In the transition zone there are provided novel separating surfaces between the ribs having one surface at an angle to the general plane of the lens which act as a prism to deflect light passing therethrough in a downward direction. In zones A1 and B, and in transition zone A2 the total thickness e of the lens at the crest of any rib is constant.

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: A back-up lens for a stop, tail and signal lamp comprising a body of clear plastic material having an inner surface with dioptrics and catadioptrics thereon and an outer surface with cylindrical surfaces thereon.