Abstract:
A heated light enclosure having an adaptable heating system is provided with a controlled heating system to deliver enough heat to a lens on a lamp assembly to remove snow, frost, and/or condensation without overheating the lens. By heating the lens using a combination of one or more of PTC heaters, heat sinks and heat pipes, accumulation of snow, ice, or vapor is mitigated or eliminated from a surface of the lens, thereby enabling light to transmit through the lens. Applications include lamps and bulbs on conveyance devices, including vehicles, boats, planes, and trains, as well as sedentary structures, such as lamp posts, street lights, railroad crossing markers and lights, and airport ground and runway lighting systems.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure pertains to heated lamps and heated light assemblies for lamps. More particularly, this disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for melting snow and ice and removing condensation from lenses of lights and lighting systems for mobile and stationary applications. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Techniques are known for heating lamps and lighting systems. One technique involves providing a heating wire on a back surface of a cover element provided over a vehicle light. However, such a system does not necessarily provide thermal protection for overheating. The recent adoption of LED lighting systems, which generate very little heat, increases the problem of snow and ice accumulating on the lens of such a lighting system. Accordingly, improvements are needed to better enable removal of ice, snow and condensation from lenses of lights and lighting systems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Lamps, lights and bulbs are provided with a controlled heating system that provides enough heat to a lens on a lamp assembly to remove snow, frost, and/or condensation without overheating the lens. By heating the lens, accumulation of snow, ice, or vapor is mitigated or eliminated from a surface of the lens, thereby enabling light to transmit through the lens. Applications include lamps and bulbs on conveyance devices, including vehicles, boats, planes, and trains, as well as sedentary structures, such as lamp posts, street lights, railroad crossing markers and lights, and airport ground and runway lighting systems. 
         [0004]    According to one aspect, a vehicle heated light assembly is provided including an enclosure, a light emitting diode lamp, a positive temperature coefficient heater, a thermal heat sink, power circuitry, and a power supply connection. The enclosure is provided by a housing and a lens. The light emitting diode lamp is provided in the enclosure configured to emit light through the lens. The positive temperature coefficient heater is provided within the enclosure. The thermal heat sink is provided in the enclosure and is physically affixed in thermally conductive relation with the positive temperature coefficient heater. The power circuitry has a source voltage coupled with the positive temperature coefficient heater and voltage regulating circuitry coupled with the source voltage and configured to provide a reduced voltage to the light emitting diode lamp. The power supply connection is coupled with the power circuitry to provide the source voltage. 
         [0005]    According to another aspect, a vehicle heated light assembly is provided including an enclosure, a light emitting diode lamp, a positive temperature coefficient heater, a thermal heat sink, power circuitry, a power supply connection, and at least one elongate and thermally conductive heat pipe. The enclosure is provided by a housing and a lens. The light emitting diode lamp is provided in the enclosure and is configured to emit light through the lens. The positive temperature coefficient heater is provided within the enclosure. The thermal heat sink is provided in the enclosure and is physically affixed in thermally conductive relation with the positive temperature coefficient heater. The power circuitry has voltage regulating circuitry, a first pair of nodes providing a first voltage to the positive temperature coefficient heater, and a second pair of nodes providing at a second, reduced voltage. The voltage regulating circuitry is configured to provide a reduced voltage source to the light emitting diode lamp. The power supply connection is coupled to the power circuitry to provide the first voltage to the power circuitry. At least one elongate and thermally conductive heat pipe is affixed in thermally conductive relation with the heat sink proximate the lens. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a tail light assembly with the lens removed showing a pair of PTC heaters with self-regulating temperature features according to one aspect. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a simplified circuit diagram for one suitable power circuitry for powering a vehicle heated light assembly, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view from above with a cylindrical lens cover removed of a heated vehicle tail light assembly with a PTC heater according to another aspect. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a Table showing general technical data for the custom PTC heater of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a Plot of a power curve for the PTC heater of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view from above for an earlier version of the heated vehicle tail light assembly of  FIG. 2  with lens removed. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view from above in disassembly of two earlier versions of the heated vehicle tail light assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a close up of the PTC heater placement on a first of the heated vehicle tail light assemblies of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a close up of the PTC heater placement on a second of the heated vehicle tail light assemblies of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is another close up of the PTC heater placement of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view from above in disassembly of modified two earlier versions of the heated vehicle tail light assembly of  FIG. 1  using a heat sink with a PTC heater to provide a heating source. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the heated tail light assemblies of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is yet another perspective view of the heated tail light assemblies of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
           [0020]      FIGS. 13-18  each are perspective views from above of a heating source using a PTC heater with a heat sink and a pair of elongate, thermally conductive L-shaped heat pipes. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 19-21  each are perspective views from above of an alternate geometric configuration heating source using a PTC heater with a heat sink and a pair of elongate, thermally conductive I-shaped heat pipes each additionally having a heat sink affixed at each end with a double-backed adhesive mounting strip. 
           [0022]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of eight unique heating sources for vehicle lights. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 23-24, 33-34  are partially disassembled perspective views of a unique heating source using a PTC heater and a heat sink mounted within a vehicle headlight. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 25-29, 31 and 34  are partially disassembled perspective views of another unique heating source, shown in  FIGS. 13-18 , using a PTC heater, a heat sink, and L-shaped heat pipes. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 30, 32, 34 and 45  are partially disassembled perspective views of another unique heating source using a centrally mounted PTC heater and a pair of I-shaped heat pipes. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 35-44  are partially disassembled perspective views of yet another unique heating source, shown in  FIGS. 19-21 , using a pair of PTC heaters affixed in spaced-apart relation along a medial portion of a pair of I-shaped heat pipes, with a heat sink affixed at each end of the pair of heat pipes. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 46-48  are perspective views of lamp and adapter assemblies having a unique heating source on either the lamp base or the adapter assembly. 
           [0028]      FIG. 49  is a perspective view from a leading end of a heater assembly for a vehicle light assembly according to even another unique version. 
           [0029]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of the heater assembly of  FIG. 49  taken from a trailing end. 
           [0030]      FIG. 51  is a perspective view from a leading end of another unique heater assembly for a vehicle light assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8). 
         [0032]    LED (light emitting diodes) light enclosures for on-road or off-road use are non-heated lights. A series of temperature controlled heated light assemblies are shown below in  FIGS. 1-2 and 5-9 . These lights are independently controlled environments to ensure a constant temperature on the surface of the lens. Guaranteeing no ice or fog build up on the inside or outside of the lens allows for clarity even in the coldest climates. An adaptable heating system is used to perform this task. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating elements provide a mechanism where the heater is self-regulating, eliminating the need for a thermostat. The heating element filament will increase or decrease the resistive property (increasing the resistance decreases the heat and decreasing the resistance increases the heat) depending on the surrounding temperature. This gives the heating element a more efficient power consumption than for regular, or prior design heating elements. The prior design heating elements just turn on to the maximum heat until a thermostat turns it off. The PTC heater is placed at the bottom of the enclosure, allowing for natural convection to occur (hot air rises and cold air will cycle down), and ensuring even heat transfer to the lens. The element is tied right into the existing light circuitry, making instillation of a heated light as simple as unplugging one and plugging the other in its place. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates one construction for a heating source  10  and  12  that uses a custom PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater unit  14  and  16 , respectively, designed to keep the ambient temperature within a vehicle light  18  (such as a head light, tail light or marker light) at 140 Degrees F. This pair of heat sources  10  and  12  allows for the heat transfer to the lens to be hot enough to keep snow and ice build up from occurring. Key features of our heating implementation are the simplicity of having a heater and thermostat all in one unit, and also the power tie in before the voltage regulator circuit in the existing light hardware (i.e., a vehicle 12 Vdc source). A new feature is the upgraded heat sink  24  and  26  used with the PTC element  14  and  16 , which allows for maximum radiant heat to be achieved. When constructing these units, each heat sink  24  and  26  is pried open along a medial section and a respective PTC element  14  and  16  is inserted therein, after which the medial segment of the heat sink is physically compressed onto the respective PTC element  14  and  16 , and silver solder is applied therebetween to affix the element and provide a heat transfer pathway that will also withstand the rapid heat change and also provide for a good connection. A high heat UV cured adhesive can also be used to keep and retain components secure from vibration and act as a heat barrier to protect the existing circuitry, as shown in  FIGS. 6-9 .  FIG. 3  provides data for the custom PTC heater (of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and  FIG. 4  provides a power curve. 
         [0034]    The present custom designed PTC heater is made to turn on when temperatures are below  32  Degrees Fahrenheit and to keep the ambient temperature at  140  Degrees Fahrenheit. The unique power tie for the heating system is directly wired to the leads before (or upstream of) the power regulating circuit. This eliminates the need for additional leads or power ties to be added in the existing system. Other temperature change thresholds (and ranges) can also be realized by selecting a PTC heater having different operating characteristics. 
         [0035]    One exemplary PTC heater for elements  14  and  16  is available for purchase from Mouser Electronics, 1000 North Main Street Mansfield, Tex. 76063 USA, using a PTC thermistors as a heating element. A metallized round disk PTC thermistor can be used by EPCOS/TDK, 12 Vdc, 3 ohms disc PTC heating, Series/Type: B59060, Mouser Part No. 871-B59060A0160A010, EPCOS/TDK Manufacturer Part No. B59060A0160A010. Alternatively, PTC heaters can have rectangular or square configurations. 
         [0036]    One exemplary thermal heat sink for elements  24  and  26  is available for purchase from Digikey Electronics,  701  Brooks Avenue South, Thief River Falls, Minn. 56701 USA, as an Aavid Thermalloy 577500B00000G, Digikey Part No. HS216-ND, Aavid Thermalloy Part No. 577500B00000G, HEATSINK TO-126 VERT MNT SLIP-ON. Such heat sinks  24  and  26  are formed from aluminum, a material that has desirable thermal conductivity characteristics for dissipating heat within a lighting enclosure. Such heat sink has a thermal resistance of 26 c/W with a cross-sectional tubular width of 19.81 mm, tubular axial depth of 13.21 mm., and a cross-sectional height of 8.13 mm. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a simplified circuit diagram for one suitable power circuitry for powering a vehicle heated light assembly, as shown in  FIG. 1 . More particularly, power circuitry includes a source of power and power supply connection, such as a 12 Vdc vehicle battery and/or alternator associated with a vehicle wiring harness. Conductive wiring  29  on the vehicle wiring harness includes a pair of conductive leads, or wires  25  at a pair of nodes that provides 12 Vdc power directly to one or more PTC heaters  14  within a vehicle light assembly. A voltage regulator  23  provides a reduced voltage through a pair of conductive leads, or wires at a second pair of nodes  27  to one or more light emitting diode (LED) lamps  20  within the vehicle light assembly. 
         [0038]    A rectangular PTC heater  114  is similarly affixed onto a heat sink  110  that is further affixed onto a base plate  122  within an oblong, vehicle tail light assembly  118 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . An LED lamp  120  is also mounted atop base plate  122 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  depicts a Table showing general technical data for the custom PTC heater of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a plot of a power curve for the PTC heater of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view from above for an earlier version of the heated vehicle tail light assembly  218  shown in  FIG. 2  with lens removed. A polyimide heater  214  is adhesively affixed to a support structure within tail light assembly  218 , adjacent an LED lamp  220 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view from above in disassembly of two earlier versions of the heated vehicle tail light assembly, namely tail light assemblies  318  and  418  which are similar to the tail light assembly of  FIG. 1 . A polyimide heater  314  is provided with a thermistor  319  embedded in an array of LED lamps  320 , which provides an on/off function controlled by a preset temperature range with the heater  314 . A polyimide heater provides radiant heat and the attached thermistor is wired together to regulate temperature and maximize efficiency. Similarly, light  418  includes a polyimide heater  414  and a thermistor  420  embedded in an array of LED lamps  420 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a close up view showing placement of the polyimide heater  314  with adhesive on a first of the heated vehicle tail light assemblies  318  of  FIG. 6 , including thermistor  319  provided adjacent an LED lamp  320 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a close up view showing placement of the polyimide heater  414  on a second of the heated vehicle tail light assemblies  418  of  FIG. 6 , including thermistor  420  provided adjacent an array of LED lamps  420 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is another close up view showing placement of the polyimide heater  314  and thermistor  319  relative to LED  320  within light  318  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view from above in disassembly of two unique heated vehicle tail light assemblies  418  and  518  similar to those depicted in  FIG. 1  using a heat sink with a PTC heater to provide a heating source. 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the heated tail light assemblies of  FIG. 10 . More particularly, heated tail light  418  includes two heat sources  410  and  412 , each including a heat sink and a PTC heater. Likewise, heated tail light  518  has a heat source  510  including a heat sink and a PTC heater. 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is yet another perspective view of the heated tail light assemblies of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . More particularly, heated tail light  518  includes two heat sources  510  and  512 , each including a heat sink and a PTC heater. Likewise, heated tail light  618  has a heat source  610  including a heat sink and a PTC heater. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 13-18  each are perspective views from above of a heating source  710  using a PTC heater with a heat sink and a pair of elongate, thermally conductive L-shaped heat pipes. The PTC heater comprises a rectangular PTC heater wired to deliver current delivered across the PTC heater with insulated wire leads that are conductively soldered to each side of the heater. Conductive insulated wire leads are affixed to opposite sides of the PTC heater, and current is applied across the PTC heater, in operation. The PTC heater is either soldered onto the heat sink, or physically seated on the heat sink, after which silver solder is applied along edges to secure the PTC heater in thermally conductive relation with the heat sink. Each heat pipe is formed from a hollow copper tube. Each heat sink includes a pair of cylindrical edge apertures and slits are cut into each aperture. A leg on each L-shaped heat pipe is inserted into one of the apertures, after which adhesive or epoxy is applied in each slit, thereby securing an end of each heat pipe in thermally conductive relation within the heat sink. Likewise, individual heat sinks are adhesively (or soldered) in thermally conductive relation onto ends of the heat pipes 
         [0050]      FIGS. 19-21  each are perspective views from above of an alternate geometric configuration heating source  810  using a pair of PTC heaters with a pair of heat sinks and a pair of elongate, thermally conductive I-shaped heat pipes each additionally having a heat sink adhesively and/or physically affixed at each end with a double-backed adhesive mounting strip. The PTC heaters are wired in parallel, with current delivered across each PTC heater by insulated wire leads. Each heat pipe is formed from a hollow copper tube. Other thermally conductive materials can be used for the heat pipes, such as aluminum or any other suitable thermally conductive structural material. Individual PTC heaters are silver soldered (or adhesively affixed) onto both heat pipes. Likewise, individual heat sinks are adhesively affixed (or soldered) in thermally conductive relation onto ends of the heat pipes. Segments of adhesively doubled sided foam trim tape are affixed to each heat sink to facilitate fixation (along with fasteners) to a component on a vehicle light assembly. Optionally, fasteners can be used. 
         [0051]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of eight unique heating sources for vehicle lights. 
         [0052]      FIG. 23-24, 33-34  are partially disassembled perspective views of a unique heating source  1110  using a PTC heater and a heat sink mounted within a vehicle headlight. The PTC heater includes a heat sink comprising an Aavid Thermalloy Part No. 577500B00000G, HEATSINK TO-126 VERT MNT SLIP-ON, available from Digikey Electronics, 701 Brooks Avenue South, Thief River Falls, Minn. 56701 USA, Digikey Part No. HS216-ND. A rectangular PTC heater is soldered or adhesively affixed in thermally conductive relation atop the heat sink which is further retained or affixed to a component of the vehicle light housing. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 25-29, 31 and 34  are partially disassembled perspective views of another unique heating source  710 , shown in  FIGS. 13-18 , using a PTC heater, a heat sink, and L-shaped heat pipes. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 30, 32, 34 and 45  are partially disassembled perspective views of another unique heating source  910  using a centrally mounted PTC heater and a pair of I-shaped heat pipes.  FIG. 34  illustrates three applications of unique heating sources on vehicle lights, sources  710 ,  910  and  110 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 35-44  are partially disassembled perspective views of yet another unique heating source  810 , shown in  FIGS. 19-21 , using a pair of PTC heaters affixed in spaced-apart relation along a medial portion of a pair of I-shaped heat pipes, with a heat sink affixed at each end of the pair of heat pipes. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 46-48  are perspective views of lamp and adapter assemblies having a unique heating source  1010  on either the lamp base or the adapter assembly. An aftermarket heated adaptor plug is provided for the clearing of snow and ice build up on headlight or taillight lenses. Such heating source  1010  can also be used to eliminate condensation buildup within a vehicle light assembly, from an inner surface of a lens. This plug is a male to female plug with a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater that self regulates its temperature based on the ambient temperature around it. Designed to plug into the existing light fixture outlet and then plug the stock light into it. No need for any modifications to the light or enclosure is necessary. 
         [0057]    According to even another construction, a heated circular headlight was developed. A custom made heat sink was attached to the front corner of an LED mount board. The heat sink is made of two copper tubes on the PTC heating element side. The PTC heating element can be interchanged for different temperature ranges. Hollow copper tubes are used because copper pulls heat way from surfaces faster then aluminum. The copper tubes are attached to two small U-shaped aluminum heat sinks. Aluminum has a better radiant heat property than copper, so the combined benefits of copper and aluminum achieve a desired combined effect. With this combination, maximum heat transfer is achieved. The PTC heating element is connected in parallel with the top LED light source. This was done to simplify the circuitry. The only side effect of this configuration is that it takes three second for the top led to turn on. This results because the PTC heater initially has less resistance than the LED lamp, but the LED lamp stays on after the initial start up. Test results were collected in development with time lapse pictures. The test environment was at −5 Degrees Fahrenheit. Testing was performed on this prototype design. 
         [0058]    According to yet another construction, a heated tail light (both round and oblong) was developed. A power tie was provided before the voltage regulator circuit in the existing light hardware. An upgraded heat sink was used with the PTC element, which allows for maximum radiant heat to be achieved.  FIGS. 3 and 4  provide exemplary data about the PTC heater and a power curve. When constructing these units, silver solder is used to withstand the rapid heat change and for a good connection. The PTC heaters that are used are a circular design, they are bi-directional so it does not matter what side to which the ground and power are connected. After connecting the wires to the heater, the heater is slid in between the heat sink with enough tension to hold them securely together. Lastly, the heat sink and the heater are secured inside to the bottom of the enclosure with a UV light cured adhesive. 
         [0059]    The above-described PTC heater designs start with the perfect pairing of components for the enclosure. Depending on the cubic volume of the air required to be heated in order to transfer enough heat through the lens material, a specific heater design is selected. After knowing this, one can pick the right temperature constant for the application. Subsequently, the PTC heater is paired with the right heat sink that will not block any light and will fit in the allowed area. It is then necessary to make sure that the heat sink dissipates as much heat as possible to ensure a fast clear time. With the right selected components, it is now time to assemble them together. Depending on the distance the wires have to travel and the current they have to be able to carry, an appropriate conductive wire gauge is selected. Silver solder is used to ensure the best contact and heat resistance. The PTC heater is placed in the middle of the heat sink and one wire is soldered onto the back surface and the other wire is soldered on to the front surface. A ceramic square plate is used to separate the heat sink from the delicate electrical components to ensure that no harm results from over heating. With the heater assembled and the ceramic plate down, it is time to place the package at the bottom of the enclosure and secure it in place with a UV cured adhesive. The adhesive maximizes radiant heat transfer and also protects the heating unit from vibrations. Additionally and/or optionally, one or more fasteners can be used to secure the resulting package to a vehicle lighting component. Optionally, these constructions can be use on other light sources beyond just vehicle lighting, such as street lights, solar yard lights, and other security lights. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 49 and 50  are perspective front and rear views of a heater assembly for a vehicle light assembly according to even another unique version. More particularly,  FIG. 49  illustrates a heating source  1110  comprising a heating unit in the form of a positive temperature coefficient heater  1114  affixed in thermally conductive relation with thermally conductive adhesive  1130 , such as thermally conductive epoxy, within a tubular heat sink  1124 . A pair of insulated conductive leads  1131  and  1133  enter a rear portion of heat sink  1124  through a bore provided by cylindrical inner wall portion  1135 , as shown in  FIG. 50 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 49 , PTC heater  1114  according to one construction has a square cross-section and has a length of approximately twice the distance of one side of the square face, extending longitudinally within heat pipe  1124 . Heat pipe  1124  is formed from any of a number of thermally conductive materials, such as aluminum to facilitate transfer of heat generated by PTC heater  114  through heat sink  1124  into air (or gases) within the enclosure of a vehicle light. To facilitate assembly, a resilient rubber (or plastic) grommet  1126  is affixed at a trailing end of heat pipe  1124 , seated within a circumferentially reduced diameter portion, or groove, formed in an outer cylindrical surface of heat pipe  1124 . An inner circumferential diameter of grommet  1126  is urged into seated engagement within the groove of heat pipe  1124  during assembly. A radially inwardly extending circumferential groove  1128  is formed between two adjacent cylindrical walls on grommet  1126  with is urged and seated in assembly within a hole that is formed in a wall portion of a vehicle light assembly, or housing. 
         [0062]    Such a tubular grommet construction readily facilitates modification of an existing vehicle light assembly to make the assembly heated by merely forming a hole in a housing wall portion of the light assembly and inserting a leading end of heating source  1110  through the hole until grommet  1128  overlies a circumferential edge of the hole, seating firmly within groove  1128  and sealing heating source  1110  within the hole provided in the light assembly housing. The provision of elongate heat sink, or tube  1124  enables close placement of a heat source in a desired location within a light assembly, proximate a lens of the light assembly. 
         [0063]      FIG. 51  is a perspective view from a leading end of another unique heater assembly for a vehicle light assembly. More particularly,  FIG. 51  illustrates a heating source  1210  having a positive temperature coefficient heater in the shape of a cylindrical disk to which a cylindrical nipple-shaped button or rod heat sink  1224  is affixed with thermally conductive adhesive, such as a thermally conductive epoxy. Heat sink  1224  is a cylindrical thermally conductive rod with a round, or semi-spherical nose, or leading end. Heat sink  1224  can be made of any suitable thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, metal, metal allow, composite or plastic material, or any other material having a desired thermal conductivity suitable to transfer heat from the PTC heater to an interior of a vehicle light assembly. A hollow threaded cylindrical collar  1226  is further affixed with thermally conductive adhesive around heat sink  1224  and atop PTC heater  1214 . Collar  1226  included a circumferential groove for receiving a rubber o-ring  1228  at the base of threaded portion  1226 . A threaded bore or port is then provided through a wall portion of a housing for a vehicle light assembly, and heating source  1210  is threaded in sealed engagement within the port via threaded portion  1226  and o-ring seal  1228  as a leading end of heat sink  1224  is inserted within the housing of the vehicle light assembly at a location where it is desirable to generate heat to remove or prevent ice and/or condensation that might accumulated on a lens surface of a vehicle light assembly, either on an inner surface or an outer surface of a lens. The provision of elongate heat sink, or nipple  1224  enables close placement of a heat source in a desired location within a light assembly, proximate a lens of the light assembly. 
         [0064]    In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.