| Airfield edge-light utilizing a side-emitting light source -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Airfield edge-light utilizing a side-emitting light sourceThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070121329. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/931,192 filed on Aug. 31, 2004. [0002] The present system is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/096,440 by Hansler et al. entitled "Elevated Airfield Runway and Taxiway Edge-Lights utilizing Light Emitting Diodes" filed on Mar. 12, 2002 and which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/278,766, filed on Mar. 26, 2001, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention is related to airfield lighting (e.g. runway, taxiway and obstruction), and more particularly, to a side-emitting lighting system utilizing a side-emitting Light Emitting Diode (LED). [0004] Airport edge lighting has been in existence for many years utilizing incandescent lighting technology. Conventional designs that utilize incandescent lights have higher power requirements, lower efficiency, and low lamp life which needs frequent, costly relamping by maintenance professionals. [0005] Some airfield-lighting manufacturers are using more efficient devices such as LEDs where the LEDs are arranged in multiple rings shining outward. Optics of some sort are then used to concentrate the light in the vertical and horizontal directions to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifications. [0006] Recently, implementations utilizing top emitting LEDs have been introduced which require additional light directing components as well as costly reflection and/or refraction techniques in order to comply with current FAA specifications and predetermined criterion. [0007] What is needed is an airfield edge-lighting system that can utilize as few as one LED in a more efficient manner more efficiently while meeting the required FAA standards. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention, in accord with an aspect disclosed herein, comprises a runway, taxiway or obstruction lighting system. The lighting system includes a housing and a light assembly in communication with the housing. The light assembly includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface whereby the bottom surface of the base is in communication with the housing, a side-emitting light emitting diode positioned on the top surface of the base, and a cover suitably capable of transmitting light, the cover disposed around the side-emitting light emitting diode and in communication with the housing. [0009] An aspect of the present system includes an electrical circuit for operatively controlling an intensity of the light emitting diode in accordance with a predetermined criteria (e.g. FAA requirements). The electrical circuit may also suitably allow for retrofitting the present light assembly into an existing incandescent lighting system. [0010] In one embodiment, a single side-emitting light emitting diode (LED) is provided and suitably adapted to emit light according to a predetermined criterion. Additionally, the side-emitting LED may be suitably adapted to emit light approximately 0 to 6 degrees from a horizontal plane parallel with a mounting surface. As well, the system may be configured such that the light is dispersed from the side-emitting LED in a 360-degree pattern. [0011] An alternative embodiment of the present invention employs multiple side emitting LED's to realize the higher photometric requirements for obstruction lights. [0012] Further embodiments include a base configured to function as a heat-sink. Yet another embodiment has a heating element disposed within the cover and in close communication with the light assembly. The heating element may be configured with a thermostat for controlling the heating element. [0013] Other embodiments include a cover that is cylindrical in shape. Also, the cover may be tinted or colored (e.g. blue for taxiway edge lighting applications). Further, the cover may include a lens for refracting light emitted from the LED in accordance with a predetermined criterion. [0014] Still more embodiments may include an extension connected to the housing for elevating the light assembly above a mounting surface, whereby the light assembly and the extension are in a substantially vertical alignment. As well, the extension may include a frangible portion that fractures according to predetermined criterion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevated edge-light system, according to a disclosed embodiment; [0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an elevated edge-light system, according to an alternate disclosed embodiment; and [0018] FIG. 3 is a detailed drawing of an elevated edge-light system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a elevated edge-light system using a side emitting light with a heater in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an elevated edge-light system employing three side emitting light sources in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Airfield edge-light utilizing a side-emitting light source Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Airfield edge-light utilizing a side-emitting light source patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Airfield edge-light utilizing a side-emitting light source or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Light-emitting device and process for manufacturing the same Next Patent Application: Lamp shade system Industry Class: Illumination ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Airfield edge-light utilizing a side-emitting light source patent info. 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