Patent Publication Number: US-10309595-B1

Title: LED beacons

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/534,521, filed Jul. 19, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to LED beacons, and particularly to LED beacons having illumination provided by LEDs mounted upon radially disposed vanes within the beacon. The present invention is useful in that the vanes can be provided by two intersecting circuit boards having the electronics for the beacon, where heat from operation of the LEDs on such vanes can readily dissipate into the ambient air within the LED beacon, thereby avoiding the need for additional heat transfer material along the circuit boards to promote conduction of heat away from the LEDs of prior art LED beacons. The LEDs may emit light of the same color to provide an LED beacon having mono-color operation, or light of different colors to provide an LED beacon having multiple selectable colors of operation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Light beacons have been provided with Fresnel collimating lenses which provide cylindrical beams from one or more light sources located centrally in the collimating lens on a raised structure, such as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,162, issued Nov. 30, 1965 to Heenan et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,678, issued Jul. 30, 2002, to Verdes et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,490, issued Aug. 17, 1993, to Ferng. It is important that the light from the one or more light sources fills the collimating lens of the beacon so that light from the collimating lens will exit the beacon having the desired output performance while satisfying any regulatory output requirements. 
     Improved optical systems have been developed to assist in directing illumination to the collimating lens using multiple LEDs mounted on different sides of a post. Such mounted LEDs direct illumination along different angles towards a cylindrical Fresnel lens via focus shifting optics, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,662,702 of Mar. 4, 2014, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,840,268 of Sep. 23, 2014, both to Datz et al. However, mounting on such post is complex in that it requires four vertically disposed circuit boards with LEDs at a desired height in the beacon. Mounting further requires multiple pads of heat conductive material to carry heat away from the LEDs down to the beacon&#39;s base in order to ensure reliable LED operation. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an LED beacon with a raised structure that improves management of LED generated heat so as to avoid the need for heat transfer material along circuit boards, while assuring proper filling of the beacon&#39;s lens with LED light. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide LED beacons having LEDs mounted upon radially disposed vanes to convey light outwards to a lens providing the dome of the beacon. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide LED beacons having LEDs mounted upon radially disposed vanes each having opposing surfaces with LEDs providing light of one color or different colors. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide LED beacons having LEDs mounted upon four radially disposed vanes each having opposing surfaces with LEDs having one or more modes of operation of solid on, flashing patterns, and/or simulation of rotating motion of light along the 360 degree extent of the beacon&#39;s lens for projection from the beacon. 
     Briefly described, the present invention embodies an LED beacon having a base, a lens providing a dome over the base, and four vanes upon the base extending radially outwards from a central axis, which lies perpendicular to an upper surface of the base. Each of the vanes has two opposing surfaces, and upon each opposing surface is mounted at least one of a plurality of LEDs in proximity to the central axis to convey light outward from the beacon via the lens. The LEDs are disposed along the vanes so that the combination of light from the LEDs can be activated to convey light in 360 degrees to substantially cover the lens, or sequentially activated along the 360 extent of the lens to simulate rotating light. The lens projects the light received from the LEDs outwards from the beacon as warning signals. 
     The LEDs may be mounted upon each of two opposing surfaces of the vanes at a common height from the base, which is preferably approximately midway along a height of the lens from the base. Further, the lens of the beacon preferably collimates the light from the LEDs, and thus is referred to herein as a collimating lens. When the lens is a collimating lens, the common height at which LEDs may be mounted is in accordance with the focal point of the collimating lens which lies along the central axis. Other lenses than those providing collimation may optionally be used. 
     The vanes are formed by two circuit boards upon the base that intersect each other at a right angle at the central axis, in which each of the circuit boards provides two of the vanes extending outwards in opposite directions from the central axis. Wires extend via the base for connection to one of the vanes associated with a first circuit board to enable operation of electronics along the first circuit board and the LEDs disposed thereupon, and a second circuit board has electronics electrically connected to the electronics on the first circuit board to enable operation of the electronics on the second circuit board and the LEDs disposed thereupon. The electronics include a controller, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, on one of the circuit boards which selectively enables the LEDs of the beacon to output light in different modes of at least solid on and flashing patterns along the 360 degree extent of the lens for projection from the beacon. Preferably, the controller can further operate the LEDs in a rotating mode, such as by continuously sequentially activating four different sets of LEDs, where each of the sets face a different direction at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, respectively, about the beacon&#39;s central axis to simulate a rotating pattern of light from the beacon. Each of such sets of LEDs comprises LEDs along two different vanes that extend in opposite directions from the central axis, and face a common direction at either 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, a different one of the LEDs is mounted upon the four vanes along each of their two opposing surfaces in proximity to the central axis, so that a total of eight LEDs are mounted on the vanes. Each of the LEDs in such case may emit the same color of light to provide an LED beacon having mono-color operation. In another embodiment to provide an LED beacon having multicolor operation, the LEDs provide different colors of lights, and at least one of the LEDs of each different color are mounted upon the four vanes along each of their two opposing surfaces in proximity to the central axis. For example, two LEDs providing different colors of light when activated may be provided on each of the two opposing surfaces of each of the vanes of the beacon. This provides eight LEDs of each color in the beacon and thus a total of sixteen LEDs mounted on the vanes. The controller responsive to selection of one or both colors, operates LEDs of such color accordingly, such as in solid on, flashing, or rotating modes, thereby enabling selective activation of LEDs associated with each of the different colors. 
     While a single group of LEDs are mounted on the vanes at a common height from the base, alternatively, multiple groups of LEDs may be provided along the vanes, where each group is mounted to the circuit boards providing the vanes at a different height from the base in order to provide additional or different illumination to the lens for projection from the beacon. Such groups when numbering more than two may be equally or unequally staggered up and down along the vanes as desired. 
     The profile of the outer side edge of the vanes can be selected to provide a desired passage of light from LEDs to the lens for the particular application of the beacon. For example, to minimize dark or dimmed areas along lens that could be caused by vanes blockage of LED light, the vanes can each have an outer side edge with an angled opening disposed at a tilt with respect to the central axis to promote passage of light from the LEDs when activated. In another example, no such openings are present along the vanes, and the profile of the outer side edges of each vane extends along a dimension generally parallel to the central axis along at least a portion of the vane starting at a height lower than the height of the LEDs from the base to a top of the vane. 
     The present invention further embodies a method for providing an LED beacon having the steps of: mounting four vanes upon a base extending radially outward from a central axis which lies perpendicular to an upper surface of the base; providing on each of two opposing surfaces of the vane one or more LEDs emitting one or more different colors of light in proximity to the central axis; and selectively activating the LEDs to output light in each of the one or more colors via a lens. Such vanes preferably number four, and such mounting further has the step of forming the vanes using two circuit boards upon the base that intersect each other at a right angle, in which each of the circuit boards provides two of the vanes extending outwards in opposite directions from the central axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an LED beacon embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a horizontal sectional view of the LED beacon along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1  in the direction of the arrows at the end of the section line; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the LED beacon of  FIG. 1  with the collimating lens providing the dome of the beacon removed; 
         FIG. 4  is the same horizontal sectional view as  FIG. 2  depicting light rays showing the propagating of light from the LEDs disposed upon vanes within the beacon in 360 degrees; 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical sectional view of the LED beacon along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1  in the direction of the arrows at the end of the section line depicting light rays showing the propagating of light from the LEDs of the beacon; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are side and perspective exploded views, respectively, of the LED beacon of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the LED beacon of  FIG. 1  with the collimating lens providing the dome of the beacon removed; 
         FIG. 8A  is a fragmentary enlarged view taken within the circle marked “A” in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are two schematic diagrams of the electronics of the LED beacon of  FIG. 1 , where  FIG. 9A  shows the electronics of a first circuit board, and  FIG. 9B  shows the electronics on a second circuit board which connects to the electronics on the first circuit board; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are two schematic diagrams of the electronics of the LED beacon of  FIG. 1  in accordance with another embodiment, where  FIG. 10A  shows the electronics of a first circuit board, and  FIG. 10B  shows the electronics on a second circuit board which connects to the electronics on the first circuit board; 
         FIG. 11  is the same view as  FIG. 3  showing an additional electrical connection between the two circuit boards in the embodiment of the electronics of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
         FIG. 12  is the same view as  FIG. 3  of a further embodiment of the LED beacon on  FIG. 1  providing two different colors of light, in which two LEDs, each emitting a different one of such two colors, are provided on each of the two opposing surfaces of each vane; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are two schematic diagrams of the electronics of the LED beacon of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 12  to provide two different colors of light from the beacon, where  FIG. 13A  shows the electronics of a first circuit board, and  FIG. 13B  shows the electronics on a second circuit board which connects to the electronics on the first circuit board; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the LED beacon similar to  FIG. 3  with the collimating lens removed showing an alternative profile of the vanes upon the base of the beacon; 
         FIG. 15  is a horizontal sectional view similar to  FIG. 4  depicting light rays showing the propagating of light from the LEDs disposed upon vanes of  FIG. 14  within the beacon in 360 degrees; and 
         FIG. 16  is a vertical sectional view of the LED beacon similar to  FIG. 5  along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1  in the direction of the arrows at the end of the section line depicting light rays showing the propagating of light from the LEDs of the beacon of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an LED beacon  10  embodying the invention is shown with a projecting element in the form of a Fresnel collimating lens  12  on a base  14 , where lens  12  provides the dome of the beacon with a closed top end. The lens  12  may be same or similar to the collimating lens shown and described in the above-referenced Datz et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,662,702, and 8,840,268, or as utilized in Star Halo® LED Beacons manufactured by Star Headlight and Lantern, Co. of Avon, New York, USA. Lens  12  may be clear, or of molded colored plastic material, such as red or amber. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 , within beacon  10  are four vanes  16  extending upwards from base  14  and radially spaced equally about a virtual central axis  15  which lies perpendicular to an upper surface  18  of base  14  below such vanes  16 . The four vanes  16  extends at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees about the central axis  15 , respectively, within a circular wall  19  extending upwards from upper surface  18  of base  14 . Each vane  16  has two opposing surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  which face collimating lens  12  in opposite directions. Upon each of surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of each vane  16  is mounted one of eight LEDs (light-emitting diodes)  20  in proximity to (or adjacent) central axis  15  at the same height above base  14  so that light  22 , depicted by light rays from LEDs  20 , propagates toward collimating lens  12  approximately in focus for projection from the beacon  10 . Light  22  from LEDs  20  is approximately in focus with lens  12 , since each LED  20  is slightly offset from a focal point  13  of lens  12  along central axis  15 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . Thus, LEDs  20  are provided in proximity to central axis  15  at a common height from the base  14  in accordance with focal point  13 , where such common height preferably corresponds to the position of section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  which lies approximately midway along a height of lens  12  from base  14 . While each surface  17   a  and  17   b  is shown having a single LED  20 , each vane  16  may have mounted multiple LEDs  20  along each of its surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  that are at same or different height from base  14 , such as shown for example in  FIG. 12 or 14 , respectively. Further, LEDs may be provided at same, different or scattered heights from base  14  as desired when a different lens than lens  12  with zero or other light refraction properties provides the dome of beacon  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , light  22  incident lens  12  is collimated as light  23  illustrated as light rays exiting beacon  10 . The combination of light  22  by the LEDs  20  fills, or at least substantially fills, in 360 degrees (as depicted in  FIG. 4 ) along a height of collimating lens  12  (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ). Unlike the LED beacon described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,662,702, and 8,840,268 having multiple LED mounted on different sides of a raised post, LEDs  20  are so close to their ideal location of focal point  13  along the central axis  15  that the focus shifting optics as described in these patents are not needed in order to efficiently illuminate collimating lens  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 , the assembly of beacon  10  will now be described. Base  14  may be of plastic, or of metal, such as aluminum or steel, and may be similar to that described in the above-referenced Datz et al. patents or Star Halo® LED Beacons, but structured to have a support bracket or member  21  for vanes  16  received along the interior of a circular wall  24  of base  14  that provides exterior threads for engaging threads along collimating lens  12  for mounting lens  12  onto base  14 . Under support bracket  21 , along a bottom  25  of base  14 , extends a central cylindrical wall or member  26  having a top wall  27  with an opening  28  for extending wires  29  into beacon  10 . Wires  29  pass through a cylindrical sealing member  30  which extends into opening  28  and frictionally engages along the interior thereof. Two flanges  31   a  and  31   b  of sealing member  30  extend outwards in opposite directions along the top of sealing member  30  and frictionally engage a slot  32  along top wall  27 . Sealing member  30  is of rubber molded over wires  29  to seal opening  28  from the external environment, while orienting wires  29  to bend and extend outward through flange  31   a  as a ribbon of wires  29 . Such sealing member  30  may also provide strain relief for such wires  29 . 
     Support bracket  21  may be of molded plastic material, and represents part of base  14  providing circular wall  19  and upper surface  18  upon which vanes  16  are situated. Upper surface  18  represents the upper surface of a wall  21   a  of bracket  21 , where circular wall  19  extends upwards from wall  21   a , and wall  21   a  extends radially outward from the base of circular wall  19  to provide an outer flange  21   b . Extending downwardly from outer flange  21   b  are pegs  34  that are received into two holes  36  of bosses  37  extending upwards along the interior of bottom  25  of base  14 . Two self-tapping screws  38  extend via holes  39  in the outer flange  21   b  of support bracket  21  into holes  40  of bosses  41  that extend upward along the interior of bottom  25  of base  14 , so that pegs  34  and screws  38  retain support bracket  21  to base  14 . Holes  39  may extend though bosses  21   c  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) along the underside of wall  21   a  of support bracket  21  that abut top of bosses  41 . Also, a central boss  21   d  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may downwardly extend from the underside of wall  21   a  adjacent and/or abutting the top of sealing member  30 . 
     Vanes  16  are formed by a first circuit board  42  and a second circuit board  43  which intersect at the central axis  15  at a right angle, such that each of the circuit boards  42  and  43  provides two of the four vanes  16  extending outwards in opposite radial directions from central axis  15 . Circuit boards  42  and  43  are thin, such as 0.060 inches in width, and have two opposing surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  which are preferably white in color. As circuit boards  42  and  43  form vanes  16 , these same reference numerals  17   a  and  17   b  characterize the opposing surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of each of the vanes  16  as described earlier. The electronics on the circuit boards  42  and  43  for controlling and operating LEDs  20  mounted on surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  will be described later in connection with  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Circuit boards  42  and  43  have a top edge  42   a  and  43   a , a bottom edge  42   b  and  43   b , and an outer side edge  42   c  and  43   c , respectively. 
     Circuit board  42  has a slot  44  extending from its top edge  42   a  into which is received slot  45  of circuit board  43  extending from bottom edge  43   b  so that the circuit boards engage each other at a right angle with their top edges  42   a  and  43   a , and bottom edges  42   b  and  43   b  in alignment as shown in  FIG. 8 . Circuit boards  42  and  43  further have two opposing bottom ends  42   d  and  43   d , respectively, that are received in vertical slots (or channels)  46  along inwardly extending vertical portions  46   a  from the interior of circular wall  19 , so that the lowest part of side edges  42   c  and  43   c  of circuit boards  42  and  43 , respectively, extend upon the top of circular wall  19 , as best shown in  FIGS. 5, 8, and 8A . To retain circuit boards  42  and  43  when each engages their associated slots  46 , four tabs  47  are provided which extend upward from upper surface  18  of support bracket  21  so that projections  47   a  at the upper end of such tabs  47  engage into slots  48  along the circuit boards. 
     Preferably prior to engagement of circuit boards  42  and  43  with each other using slots  44  and  45 , the two bottom ends  42   d  of circuit board  42  are first received in two of slots  46 , and two of tabs  47  are positioned alongside circuit board  42  so that their projections  47   a  snap into two of the slots  48  along circuit board  42  to lock circuit board  42  in place upon base  14 . Next, slot  45  of circuit board  43  is positioned into slot  44  of circuit board  42  as described earlier, such that circuit boards  42  and  43  crisscross each other in an X shape (see  FIG. 2 ), with two bottom ends  43   d  of circuit board  43  received in the other two of slots  46 , and the other two of tabs  47  are positioned alongside circuit board  43  so that their projections  47   a  snap into two of the slots  48  along circuit board  43  to lock circuit board  43  in place upon base  14 . When circuit boards  42  and  43  are fully engaged by tabs  47 , the eight LEDs  20  mounted on each of surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of the vanes  16  provided by such circuit boards are properly oriented in beacon  10  for illuminating lens  12 , where slots  44  and  45  generally extend along central axis  15 . 
     A connector  50  is provided at the end of wires  29  after passing from sealing member  30  upwards via one of slots  57  along the outer flange  21   b  of support bracket  21 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Such connector  50  provides conductors or leads from the five wires  29  that can make electrical contact with pads or pins along tab(s)  51  of circuit board  42  to electronics ( FIG. 9A ) when connector  50  engages such tab(s)  51 . Tab(s)  51  extend along side edge  42   c  of one of the vanes  16  provided by circuit board  42 . While two tabs  51  are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a single tab may be present, and also tab(s) may differ in size and shape from that shown depending on the connector  50  used. To retain connector  50  to circuit board  42 , a clip  52  extends from connector  50  and engages a hole  53  along circuit board  42 . Optionally, another hole  53   a  through circuit board  42 , and a slot  53   b  through circuit board  43 , are provided at the same height as hole  53  from base  14 . An optional tie wrap (not shown) may then be used to loop through hole  53   a , through slot  53   b  on either side of circuit board  42 , and then tighten around connector  50  to provide an additional mechanism for retaining connector  50  engaged along circuit board  42  to avoid risk of disconnect of the connector  50  from circuit board  42 . To complete the mechanical assembly, collimating lens  12  is mounted to base  14  to provide a dome of beacon  10  thereby fully enclosing circuit boards  42  and  43  therein upon base  14  so that light  22  from LEDs  20  mounted on the circuit boards can be projected to collimating lens  12 . 
     The profile of the side edges  42   c  and  43   c  of the circuit boards  42  and  43 , respectively, forming the vanes  16  can be selected to provide a desired passage of light from LEDs  20  to the collimating lens  12  for the particular application of the beacon. For example, side edges  42   c  and  43   c  of the circuit boards  42  and  43 , respectively, may be contoured to provide an opening  54 , which preferably forms a right or 90 degree angle disposed at or approximately 45 degree angle tilt, denoted as  55 , with respect to central axis  15  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Such openings  54  along the vanes  16  provide for passage of light  22  from the LEDs  20  to collimating lens  12  in order to minimize or avoid dark or dimmed areas along the lens  12  that would be caused by blockage of LED light by vanes  16  if openings  54  were not present in light  23  from the beacon, such as shown in  FIG. 4 . Other angles than 90 degrees may be used with respect to central axis  15  depending on the height and/or diameter of lens  12  providing the dome of beacon  10 . For example, opening  54  may be at a wider angle than 90 degrees when the height of lens  12  is taller than shown, or at a smaller angle than 90 degrees when lens  12  is of a larger diameter than shown. The opening  54  along each of the vanes  16  primarily allows propagation of light outwards from LEDs  20  mounted on two different vanes  16  on either side such vane, and any reflected LED light by surfaces of circuit boards when preferably white in color. Each of the vanes  16  may be considered as having a side edge  42   c  or  43   c  along an upper portion of the vane that continuously narrows in distance from central axis  15  (along a dimension normal to such central axis  15 ) as the outer edge approaches the height of the LEDs above base  14  until such height is reached, and then as the side edge continuously increases in distance from central axis  15  as the side edge extends further upwards along vane  16  from that height to at or near the top of the vane. Although the particular contour defining the shape of side edges  42   c  and  43   c  is shown, openings  54  along such side edges may be shaped differently so long as dark or dimmed areas along collimating lens  12  are avoided by a portion of LED light  22  being blocked by vanes  16 . 
     In another example of the profile of the side edges  42   c  and  43   c  of the circuit boards  42  and  43 , respectively, forming the vanes  16 , no such openings  54  are present along the vanes  16 , as shown along the vanes  16  of  FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 . The profile of side edges  42   c  and  43   c  extends along a dimension parallel to central axis  15  along a portion of vanes  16  from the lowest part that lies upon the top of circular wall  19  to top edges  42   a  and  43   a , respectively, except for vane  16  having connector  50  which extends along such dimension along a portion of its side edge  42   c  above and below the uppermost and lowermost ones of notches or slots along circuit board  42  that form tab(s)  51 . Thus, above the height of connector  50  in beacon  10 , at least a portion of each of the outer side edges  42   c  and  43   c  of the circuit boards  42  and  43 , respectively, forming vanes  16  extends a common distance from central axis  15  and extend linearly parallel to central axis  15 . This can be useful for LED beacon  10  in a rotating mode having continuous sequential activation of four different sets of LEDs, where each set faces the same direction at one of four different angles 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, called herein quadrants, about the 360 degrees circumference of lens  12 , as will be described latter below in connection with rotating mode enabled by electronics of  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and  FIGS. 13A and 13B . Thus in this example, light from each of sets of LEDs  20  when activated for one quadrant is minimized (or avoided) by blockage of vanes  16  in passing into adjacent quadrants, which can deter from the perception of rotation. While without openings  54  dimmed areas along lens  12  may occur by vanes  16  blockage when LEDs  20  are activated in solid on or flashing patterns, such can be a modest compromise in performance to obtain improved perception of rotation. The profile (e.g., shape) and radial distance of side edges  42   c  and  43   c  of the four vanes  16  from central axis  15  may be selected as desired to achieve a desired beacon  10  performance in its different modes of operation.  FIG. 15  depicts LEDs  20  on the vanes  16  without openings  54  providing light  22   a  to collimating lens  12  which projects light  23   a  from beacon  10  when the LEDs are activated in solid on or flashing patterns. 
     The pair of vanes  16  formed by circuit board  43  symmetrically mirror each about central axis  15 , while the pair of vanes  16  formed by circuit board  42  also symmetrically mirror each other above and below tab(s)  51  for engaging connector  50 . Thus, the profile of each of the vanes above and below tab(s)  51  are preferably identical to each other about central axis  15 . 
     The LEDs  20  mounted to circuit boards  42  and  43  may be light sources, such as for example, CREE XT-E or XQE LEDs, or a Lumileds LUXEON® Rebel or LUXEON® Z LEDs, and may emit white or any other color light as desired. Heat generated during the operation of the LEDs  20  when powered to generate light is readily dissipated to the ambient air within the beacon  10  by the orientation of the LEDs on opposite surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of circuit boards  42  and  43 . Such heat dissipated is further facilitated by the use of copper land areas on circuit boards  42  and  43  around each of the LEDs  20 . Thus, secondary or additional heat conductive material, as used in LED beacons having a raised post with sides formed by circuit boards that mount LEDs along the post in order to facilitate transfer to heat as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,662,702, and 8,840,268, are not needed in the beacon  10  of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the electronics for beacon  10  are shown, where the electronics provided on circuit board  42  are shown in  FIG. 9A , and the electronics on circuit board  43  are shown in  FIG. 9B . A controller  58  outputs signals along an enable line  59  which when high (on) switches, via a MOSFET  60 , to drive current to LEDs  20  via a drive circuit  61  that extends along both circuit boards  42  and  43 , and when the enable line  59  is low (off), the MOSFET  60  disables drive current in drive circuit  61 . In order to extend the drive circuit  61  from circuit board  42  to circuit board  43 , lines  62  and  63  from drive circuit  61  extend to pads  64   a  and  65   a , respectively, in  FIG. 9A , which connect to pad  64   b  and  65   b , respectively, along circuit board  43  that extend to lines  66  and  67 , respectively, to LEDs  20  on circuit board  43  in  FIG. 9B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , solder  68  and  69  is applied to electrically connect pads  64   a  and  64   b , and connect pads  65   a  and  65   b , respectively, after circuit boards  42  and  43  are both engaged together, either before or after their engagement to base  14  by slots  46  and tabs  47  of support bracket  21 , but prior to circuit boards  42  and  43  being enclosed upon base  14  by collimating lens  12 . Preferably pads  64   a ,  64   b ,  65   a , and  65   b  are provided near top edges  42   a  and  43   a  of their respective circuit boards  42  and  43  so that the applied solder  68  and  69  additionally provides a mechanical connection between circuit boards  42  and  43  along the top of their integrated raised structure upon base  14 . For purposes of illustration, electronics on surfaces  17   a  and/or  17   b  of circuit boards  42  and  43  are not shown in the figures. While such integrated raised structure is preferably provided by circuit boards  42  and  43  as shown in the figures, other raised structures providing multiple vanes  16  greater than two in number may be used which support LEDs  20  (or LEDS  20   a  and  20   b ) at a desired height with respect to lens  12  and are similarly mountable onto base  14 . 
     The controller  58  operates in accordance with a program stored in its memory (ROM or RAM) to enable operation of beacon  10 . For example, controller  58  may be a PIC microcontroller as shown in  FIG. 9A , but other microcontroller, microprocessor, or programmable logic device may be used for controller  58  which can output signals to the drive circuit  61  for LEDs  20 . 
     The pattern of operating LEDs  20  by controller  58  can be selected by a pattern select input or line  70 . By placing on input  70  signals representative of one of different values, addresses, codes, or instructions, detectable by the controller  58 , one of multiple different patterns of illumination by LEDs  20  and hence output light from beacon  10  may be selected, such as solid on, or flashing at different rates or patterns by controlling enable line  59 . If no signal is provided along pattern select input  70 , than a default pattern is used by controller  58  as set forth in memory of the controller. The present invention is not limited to any particular means for pattern input selection to controller  58 . The flashing rate is in accordance with preset on and off intervals stored in memory of the controller  58 . A clock in the controller  58  is used to measure each of the flash intervals. 
     A synchronization line  72  is provided to controller  58 . When synchronization line  72  is switched from high to low, controller  58  resets the cycle of its internal clock. Such is useful when two different LED beacons  10  need to be synchronized to each other so that they flash at the same time, or alternate with each other. 
     Adjustable voltage source  74  represents a voltage converter to supply power to operate LEDs  20  (in accordance with the particular manufacturer specifications of the LEDs) when enabled at a high or lower power states. A low power select line  73  is provided to controller  58 . When low power select line  73  is switched to high, the controller  58  sends a signal to voltage source  74  which changes the voltage to the drive circuit  61  so that illumination from the LED beacon  10  is in a lower power state, e.g., at or approximately 50% illumination is outputted by the LEDs  20 . When low power select line  73  is low, the controller  58  disables the signal to adjustable voltage source  74  so that power output to the LEDs  20  returns to the high power state. Voltage source  74  may externally receive 12/24 VDC depending on the voltage source externally available to the LED beacon  10 . Thus, the five wires  29  entering connector  50  provide ground, 12/24 VDC, pattern select line  70 , synchronization line  72 , and low power select line  73  to the electronics on the circuit boards. 
     To power controller  58 , a voltage regulator (not shown) is also provided in the electronics on circuit board  42  to supply +5 VDC to the input VDD of controller  58 . Such voltage regulator is powered by the same input line which provides 12/24 VDC to adjustable voltage source  74 . The electronics on circuit board  42  and programming of controller  58  may be the same or similar as in mono-color Star Halo® LED Beacons, but with additional drive circuit  61  connections to LEDs  20  between the two circuit boards  42  and  43  as described above. The controller  58  starts operating LEDs  20  in accordance with a selected pattern, and synchronization (if any) upon applied power to the controller  58 , i.e., when external 12/24 VDC is provided via one of wires  29 . 
     While a single group of eight LEDs  20  are mounted on the vanes  16  provided by circuit boards  42  and  43 , alternatively multiple groups of eight LEDs may be provided along the circuit boards, where each group is at a different height from the base  14  in order to provide additional or different illumination to collimating lens  12 . Thus, a different pattern of illumination from the beacon is provided when the LEDs of one, or more than one, of the groups are in operation. Each additional group of LEDs may be separately driven by a different enable line by controller  58  in the same manner as described above for a single group of LEDs  20  along circuit boards  42  and  43 . Such groups may be staggered equally or unequally up and down along the vanes  16  as desired. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the electronics for beacon  10  are shown in accordance with another embodiment having four drive circuits  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c , and  76   d  for different pairs of LEDs  20 , where the electronics provided on circuit board  42  are shown in  FIG. 10A , and the electronics on circuit board  43  are shown in  FIG. 10B . The first drive circuit  76   a  is provided having both LEDs  20  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  42 , the second drive circuit  76   b  is provided having both LEDs  20  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  42 , the third drive circuit  76   c  is provided having both LEDs  20  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  43 , and the fourth drive circuit  76   d  is provided having both LEDs  20  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  43 . Thus each pair of LEDs  20  in the same one of drive circuits  76   a - d  are mounted on the same surface  17   a  or  17   b  of one of the circuit boards  42  or  43 , and separated from each other by the other circuit board by being on different opposing vanes  16  of beacon  10  about central axis  15 . 
     Controller  58  outputs signals along an enable line  75   a  or  75   b  which when high (on) switches on a current source  77   a  or  77   b , respectively, to drive current to LEDs  20  of drive circuit  76   a  or  76   b , respectively, on circuit board  42 , and when the enable line  75   a  or  75   b , respectively, is low (off), the current source  77   a  and  77   b , respectively, disables drive current in drive circuit  76   a  or  76   b , respectively. Drive circuits  76   c  and  76   d  extend between circuit boards  42  and  43  using three connector pins or pads  78   a  provided on circuit board  42 , which connect to three connector pins or pads  78   b  provided on circuit board  43 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Line  79   a  on circuit board  42  electrically connects, via solder  82   a , with line  79   b  on circuit board  43  to provide power from voltage source  74  for drive circuits  76   c  and  76   d . Line  80   a , which extends from a current source  77   c  of drive circuit  76   c , electrically connects, via solder  82   b , to line  80   b  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  43  to the LEDs  20  of circuit  76   c . Line  81   a , which extends from a current source  77   d  of drive circuit  76   d , electrically connects, via solder  82   c , to line  81   b  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  43  to the LEDs  20  of circuit  76   d . Thus, controller  58  outputs signals along an enable line  75   c  or  75   d  which when high (on) switches on current source  77   c  or  77   d , respectively, to drive current to LEDs  20  of drive circuit  76   c  or  76   d , respectively, that extend along surfaces  17   a  or  17   b , respectively, of circuit board  43 , and when the enable lines  75   c  or  75   d , respectively, is low (off), switches current source  77   c  and  77   d , respectively, to disable drive current in drive circuit  76   c  or  76   d , respectively. Current sources  77   a - d  may each be the same as MOSFET  60  of  FIG. 9A  using same associated electronics enabling switching responsive to enable lines  75   a - d , respectively. 
     By placing on pattern select input  70  signals representative of one of different values, addresses, codes, or instructions, detectable by the controller  58 , one of multiple different patterns of illumination by LEDs  20  and hence output light from beacon  10  may be selected, such as solid on, or flashing at different rates or patterns by controlling enable lines  75   a ,  75   b ,  75   c , and  75   d . For example, if the signal on pattern select input  70  is detected by controller  58  for operating LED beacon  10  in a solid on mode, then all LEDs are activated using their enable lines  75   a ,  75   b ,  75   c , and  75   d  until the signal on input  70  changes. However, if the signal on pattern select input  70  is detected by controller  58  for operating LED beacon  10  in a flash mode, then all LEDs  20  are periodically activated via output along their enable lines  75   a ,  75   b ,  75   c , and  75   d  at a desired flash rate. The flashing rate is in accordance with preset on and off intervals stored in memory of the controller  58 , such as every 0.5 seconds. A clock in the controller  58  is used to measure each of the flash intervals. 
     If the signal on pattern select input or line  70  is detected by controller  58  for operative LED beacon  10  in a rotating mode, the drive circuits  76   a ,  76   c ,  76   b , and  76   d  are continuously sequentially activated by controller  58  so that the light from beacon  10  appears to be traveling or moving in a rotating pattern. For example, the following states 1-4 are repeated by controller  58 : (1) enable line  75   a  is high to enabled drive circuit  76   a  with LEDs  20  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  42  and enable lines  75   b ,  75   c , and  75   d  are low; (2) enable line  75   c  is high to enabled drive circuit  76   c  with LEDs  20  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  43  and enable lines  75   a ,  75   b , and  75   d  are low; (3) enable line  75   b  is high to enable drive circuit  76   b  with LEDs  20  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  42  and enables lines  75   a ,  75   c , and  75   d  are low; and (4) enable line  75   d  is high to enable drive circuit  76   d  with LEDs  20  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  43  and enable lines  75   a ,  75   b , and  75   c  are low. The time intervals between successive states may be 0.5 seconds, but other time intervals may be used as stored in memory of controller  58  for selection by pattern select line  70 . Thus, the perception of rotation is enabled by continuous sequential activation of each of four different sets of two LEDs  20  operated using enable lines  75   a,c,b,d , where each set faces the same direction at one of four angles of 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees about the 360 degrees circumference of lens  12 . Each of the four sets of two LEDs  20  comprises LEDs  20  along two different vanes  16  that extend in opposite directions from central axis  15 , but face the same common direction at either 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees. 
     Other or different patterns can be provided by separately or simultaneous enabling drive circuits  76   a - d  as desired by programming controller  58 . Other than the additional patterns available by enabling drive circuits  76   a - d  as described above, the operation of controller  58  is the same as described earlier in connection with  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B , a further embodiment of LED beacon  10  is shown, which is the same as that described above for  FIGS. 1-8 , except that a pair of LEDs (or LED emitters)  20   a  and  20   b , each for emitting a different color of light are mounted on surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of each vane  16  provided by circuit boards  42  and  43 . LED beacon  10  thus has multicolor operation having LEDs  20   a  and  20   b  providing light of two different Colors A and B, for e.g., red and green, or red and blue, with collimating lens  12  providing the dome of beacon  10  being of clear plastic molded material. The LEDs  20   a  and  20   b  are at the same height along vanes  16  from base  14  and operate in the same manner as LEDs  20  of  FIGS. 1-8  to provide light  22  to collimating lens  12 . While LEDs  20   a  are mounted closer to central axis  15  than LEDs  20   b , LEDs  20   a  and  20   b  are both considered as being in proximity to (or adjacent) the focal point  13  along the central axis, so that light from LEDs  20   a  or  20   b  when activated will be approximately in focus with collimating lens  12  for projection as collimated light from the beacon. 
     Electronics shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  enable the LEDs  20   a  and  20   b  of different color to be selectively activated by controller  58 . Four drive circuits  84   a ,  85   a ,  86   a , and  87   a  are provided each for a different pair of LEDs  20   a , and four drive circuits  84   b ,  85   b ,  86   b , and  87   b  are provided each for a different pair of LEDs  20   b . The first drive circuit  84   a  is provided having the two LEDs  20   a  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  42 , the second drive circuit  84   b  is provided having the two LEDs  20   b  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  42 , the third drive circuit  85   a  is provided having the two LEDs  20   a  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  42 , and the fourth drive circuit  85   b  is provided having the two LED  20   b  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  42 . The fifth drive circuit  86   a  is provided having the two LEDs  20   a  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  43 , the sixth drive circuit  86   b  is provided having the two LEDs  20   b  on surface  17   a  of circuit board  43 , the seventh drive circuit  87   a  is provided having the two LEDs  20   a  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  43 , and the eighth drive circuit  87   b  is provided having the two LED  20   b  on surface  17   b  of circuit board  43 . Thus each pair of LEDs  20   a  or  20   b  in the same one of drive circuits  84   a ,  84   b ,  85   a ,  85   b ,  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , or  87   b  are mounted on the same surface  17   a  or  17   b  of one of the circuit boards  42  or  43 , and separated from each other by the other circuit board by being on different opposing vanes  16  of beacon  10 . 
     Controller  58  outputs signals along an enable line  88   a ,  88   b ,  89   a ,  89   b ,  90   a ,  90   b ,  91   a , and  91   b  which when high (on) switches on a current source  92   a ,  92   b ,  93   a ,  93   b ,  94   a ,  94   b ,  95   a , and  95   b , respectively, to drive current to their respective LEDs  20   a  or  20   b  to emit light via drive circuit  84   a ,  84   b ,  85   a ,  85   b ,  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , or  87   b , respectively, and when the enable lines  88   a ,  88   b ,  89   a ,  89   b ,  90   a ,  90   b ,  91   a , or  91   b , respectively, is low (off), switches the current source  92   a ,  92   b ,  93   a ,  93   b ,  94   a ,  94   b ,  95   a , and  95   b , respectively, to disable drive current in drive circuit  84   a ,  84   b ,  85   a ,  85   b ,  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , or  87   b , respectively. Drive circuits  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , and  87   b  extend between circuit boards  42  and  43  using five connector pins or pads  96   a  provided on circuit board  42 , which connect to five connector pins or pads  96   b  provided on circuit board  43 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Line  97   a  on circuit board  42  electrically connects with line  97   b , via solder  102   a , to circuit board  43  to connect voltage source  74  to drive circuits  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , and  87   b . Lines  98   a ,  99   a ,  100   a , and  101   a  extend from current sources  94   a ,  94   b ,  95   a , and  95   b , respectively, to electrically connect, via solder  102   b ,  102   c ,  102   d , and  102   e , respectively, to lines  98   b ,  99   b ,  100   b , and  101   b , respectively to LEDs  20   a  or  20   b  of drive circuits  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , and  87   b , respectively. Current sources  92   a ,  92   b ,  93   a ,  93   b ,  94   a ,  94   b ,  95   a , and  95   b  may each be the same as MOSFET  60  of  FIG. 9A  using same associated electronics enabling switching responsive to enable lines  88   a ,  88   b ,  89   a ,  89   b ,  90   a ,  90   b ,  91   a , and  91   b , respectively. 
     To enable each Color A and Color B, two inputs  104   a  and  104   b  are provided to controller  58  to select one of Color A of LEDs  20   a  or Color B LEDs  20   b , respectively, according to the selected pattern via pattern select input  70  to controller  58 . Illumination may be selected utilizing light of Color A or Color B, or both, responsive to inputs  104   a  and/or  104   b  being high (enabled) or low (disabled). Thus, one of multiple different patterns of illumination by LEDs  20   a  and/or  20   b  and hence output light from beacon  10  may be selected, such as solid on or flashing at different rates or patterns of all LEDs  20   a  of Color A and/or all LEDs  20   b  of Color B, by controller  58  controlling enable lines  88   a ,  89   a ,  90   a ,  91   a  and/or enable lines  88   b ,  89   b ,  90   b , and  91   b , respectively, to go high or low at the same time in accordance with the selected illumination. Further, if Color A is selected and the signal on pattern select input  70  is detected by controller  58  for operative LED beacon  10  in a rotating mode, the drive circuits  84   a ,  86   a ,  85   a , and  87   a  are continuously sequentially activated by controller  58  in the same manner as drive circuits  76   a ,  76   c ,  76   b , and  76   d , respectively, are enabled and disabled to provide such rotating mode as described earlier. Similarly, if Color B is selected and the signal on pattern select input  70  is detected by controller  58  for operative LED beacon  10  in a rotating mode, the drive circuits  84   b ,  86   b ,  85   b , and  87   b  are continuously sequentially activated by controller  58  in the same manner as drive circuits  76   a ,  76   c ,  76   b , and  76   d , respectively, are enabled and disabled to provide such rotating mode as described earlier. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , five wires  29  are provided to connector  50 , but there are seven inputs to the electronics shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  of Color A input  104   a , Color B input  104   b , ground, 12/24 VDC, pattern select line  70 , synchronization line  72 , and low power select line  73 . In such case, Color A input  104   a  and Color B input  104   b  are each tied to the input 12/24 VDC of adjustable voltage source  74 , and their respective zener diodes ZD 4  and ZD 5 , and resistors shown in series with input  104   a  and  104   b , clamps the voltage when present to no more than 5VDC for input to controller  58 . Thus, the line used to provide power to the beacon  10  needed to operate the LEDs also enables selection of Color A input  104   a  and/or Color B input  104   b , and a separate input line for 12/24 VDC is not needed. The five wires  29  to connector  50  are then Color A input  104   a , Color B input  104   b , ground, and selected two of either pattern select line  70 , synchronization line  72 , or low power select line  73 , depending on the particular application of the LED beacon  10  providing dual color selectable operation. Typically, such two selected lines are pattern select line  70  and synchronization line  72 , and lower power select line  73  is not used to enable lower power. Alternatively, seven wires  29  are provided to connector  50  which connect then to the seven inputs of the electronics of  FIGS. 13A and 13B . 
     Other than the additional patterns and Colors A and B available by using drive circuits  84   a ,  84   b ,  85   a ,  85   b ,  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , and  87   b , the operation of controller  58  is the same as described earlier in connection with  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The electronics of the multicolor embodiment of LED beacon  10  on circuit board  42  and programming of controller  58  may be the same or similar as in dual-color Star Halo® LED Beacons, but with additional drive circuits  86   a ,  86   b ,  87   a , and  87   b  connections between the two circuit boards  42  and  43  as described above. LEDs  20  providing light of more than two colors may also be similarly provided along each of the vanes  16  with additional drive circuits, enables lines to controller  58 , and electrical connections between the circuit boards  42  and  43 . As in  FIG. 9A , the controller  58  of  FIGS. 10A and 13A  may be a PIC microcontroller, but other microcontroller, microprocessor, or programmable logic device operating in accordance with a program stored in its memory (ROM or RAM) may be used for controller  58  which can output signals to the drive circuits for LEDs  20  ( FIGS. 10A-10B ), or LEDs  20   a  and  20   b  ( FIGS. 13A-13B ). Although not shown in  FIGS. 10A, and 13A , a voltage regulator powered by the 12/24 VDC input is also provided on circuit board  42  to supply +5 VDC to the input VDD of controller  58 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 , a beacon  10  with three groups  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c  of LEDs  20  in proximity to the central axis  15  are mounted on the vanes  16  each at different height from base  14  and provide light  22   a  to lens  12  for projection as light  23   a  from beacon  10 . Each of the groups  106   a - c  has eight LEDs  20 , where a stack of three LEDs  20 , one from each of groups  106   a - c , are mounted on each of surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of each of the vanes  16 . The additional LEDs on the vanes  16  can provide extra illumination from beacon  10  than the beacon with eight LEDs of  FIGS. 1-8 . Preferably, the LEDs  20  of groups  106   a - c  provide light of the same color. Group  106   b  is at same height as that of the LEDs  20  of the beacon shown in  FIGS. 3 and 11 , and groups  106   a  and  106   c  are equally spaced a different height above and below, respectively, from group  106   b.    
     The electronics of the beacon  10  of  FIGS. 14-16  is the same as that shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , but where drive circuits  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c , and  76   d  are each expanded to have in parallel with their pair of LEDs  20  an additional two pairs of LEDs  20  in accordance with the surface  17   a  or  17   b  and circuit board  42  or  43  associated with the drive circuit. Thus, each drive circuit  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c , and  76   d  when enabled simultaneously drives six LEDs  20  (a pair from each of the three group  106   a - c ) on one of the surfaces  17   a  or  17   b  of one of the circuit boards  42  or  43  associated with the drive circuit to provide light in the same direction towards lens  12 , but along two of the vanes  16  extending in opposite directions from central axis  15 . Like in  FIG. 11 , drive circuits  76   c  and  76   d  extend between circuit boards  42  and  43  using three connector pins or pads  78   a  provided on circuit board  42 , which connect by solder to three connector pins or pads  78   b  provided on circuit board  43 . The operation of the beacon  10  of  FIGS. 14-16  is the same as described earlier for the beacon  10  of  FIG. 11  in connection with  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
     As the upper and lower groups  106   a  and  106   c  of LEDs  20  are slightly above and below, respectively, the ideal height for focusing onto lens  12  at which the middle group  106   b  of LEDs are mounted, light from the upper and lower groups  106   a  and  106   c  of LEDs  20  is less collimated than light from the middle group  106   b , as depicted by light  22   a  in  FIG. 16  diverging or converging. While  FIGS. 14 and 16  show groups  106   a - c  equally spaced apart from each other along the height from base  14 , groups of LEDs  20  may be equally or unequally staggered up and down along the vanes  16  as desired in proximity to the central axis  15 . Further, two groups, or more than the three groups of LEDs  20  may be optionally provided to obtain the desired illumination to lens  12  for output from beacon  10 . Further, while groups  106   a - c  of LEDs  20  of  FIGS. 14 and 16  are shown on vanes  16  without openings  54 , such groups  106   a - c  may also be provided on beacon  10  with vanes  16  having openings  54 . 
     While an integrated raised structure in beacon  10  is preferably provided by circuit boards  42  and  43  as shown in the figures, other raised structures providing multiple vanes  16  of three or more in number, such as 3 to 6, radially extending from central axis  15  may be used which are mountable onto base  14  and similarly support LEDs  20  (or LEDS  20   a  and  20   b ) on surfaces  17   a  and  17   b  of each of the vanes. 
     From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that there has been provided improved LED beacons. Variations and modifications in the herein described LED beacons within the scope of the invention will undoubtedly suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be taken as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.