US20050210643A1 - Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050210643A1 US20050210643A1 US11/126,655 US12665505A US2005210643A1 US 20050210643 A1 US20050210643 A1 US 20050210643A1 US 12665505 A US12665505 A US 12665505A US 2005210643 A1 US2005210643 A1 US 2005210643A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- notches
- light emitting
- grooves
- light
- members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
- G02B6/0035—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
- G02B6/0036—2-D arrangement of prisms, protrusions, indentations or roughened surfaces
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
- G02B6/001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
- G02B6/0015—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
- G02B6/002—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
- G02B6/0021—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/40—Umbrella-frame making
Definitions
- This invention relates to transparent light emitting members that have specially shaped notches or grooves in one or more surfaces to create a selected light output distribution from such members and their method of manufacture.
- light transparent members including for example rods, panels, films, sheets and plates
- such notches are typically relatively sharp grooves, which do not scatter light very finely.
- the sharp grooves make the light emitting members more susceptible to breakage during installation or when placed under tension.
- the light emitting members may be used, for example, as a back light and/or front light for transparent or translucent devices such as LCDs, dials, gauges, pictures, point of sale advertising, decorative devices, and so on.
- such light emitting members may have special usages in optical scanning and array devices and the like.
- the light emitting members have rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces that scatter the light emitted from the members.
- the rounded shallow notches or grooves reduce the risk of breakage of the light emitting members during installation or when the members are placed under tension.
- the notches or grooves are generally U or C shaped.
- the light emitting members with rounded shallow notches or grooves are relatively inexpensive and easy to mold.
- the light emitting members with rounded shallow notches or grooves allow for easy low volume manufacturability of the members with any desired amount of smoothness or roughness on the faces of the notches or grooves.
- the light emitting members may have special arcuate shapes for use in special lighting applications.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a rod-like transparent light emitting member of the present invention having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in a surface of the member for causing light entering the member to be reflected or refracted (i.e., emitted) from the member.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary section through the light emitting member and one of the notches or grooves of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a rod-like transparent light emitting member of the invention shown lighted from both ends rather than just one end as shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are schematic fragmentary side elevation views of an end portion of a light emitting member of the present invention showing alternative ways of optically coupling a light source to an edge of the member.
- FIGS. 5-9 are schematic end elevation views of rod-like light emitting members of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3 having different cross-sectional shapes, FIG. 5 showing a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, FIG. 6 showing an elliptical cross-sectional shape, FIG. 7 showing a semi-cylindrical cross-sectional shape, FIG. 8 showing a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and FIG. 9 showing a triangular cross-sectional shape.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic end elevation view of a rod-like light emitting member of the present invention having a rectangular cross-sectional shape similar to FIG. 8 but with three sides having rounded shallow notches or grooves instead of just one as shown in FIG. 8 to produce a brighter light output.
- FIGS. 11 and 13 are schematic side elevation views of other rod-like light emitting members of the present invention having different notching patterns to produce a desired light output distribution from such members.
- FIGS. 12 and 14 are schematic end elevation views of the light emitting members of FIGS. 11 and 12 , respectively, as seen from the right ends thereof.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic side elevation view of another rod-like light emitting member of the present invention having a rounded shallow notch or groove extending longitudinally along the member.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic transverse section through the light emitting member and rounded groove of FIG. 15 , taken along the plane of the line 16 - 16 thereof.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic side elevation view of another rod-like light emitting member of the present invention having longitudinally spaced notches or grooves along the length of the member in the shape of rounded shallow dimples.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic transverse section through the light emitting member and one of the dimples of FIG. 17 , taken along the plane of the line 18 - 18 thereof.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic side elevation view of another light emitting member of the present invention in the shape of a panel having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in a surface of the member.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom plan view of the light emitting member of FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 21 is a schematic bottom plan view of another panel-like light emitting member of the present invention that is arcuately shaped with spaced apart ends and is lighted from one end only.
- FIG. 22 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member of FIG. 21 as seen from the right side thereof.
- FIG. 23 is a schematic bottom plan view of another arcuately shaped light emitting panel member of the present invention that has sideways enlargements and is lighted from both ends.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member of FIG. 23 as seen from the right side thereof.
- FIG. 25 is a schematic bottom plan view of another arcuately shaped light emitting panel member of the present invention which has two ends that are joined together and lighted by a single light source.
- FIG. 26 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member of FIG. 25 as seen from the right side thereof.
- FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of another arcuately shaped light emitting panel member of the present invention with a selective (non-uniform) notching pattern in a surface of the member to produce a selective (non-uniform) light output distribution pattern from the member.
- FIG. 28 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member of FIG. 27 as seen from the right side thereof.
- FIG. 29 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a notched pattern in two or more sides of the member to produce a selective light output distribution pattern from the member.
- FIG. 30 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a reflective coating or film covering the notched surface of the member to reflect light back through the member.
- FIG. 31 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a sheet or film such as a diffuser, brightness enhancement film, or other optical device adjacent the member to alter the light output distribution from the member.
- a sheet or film such as a diffuser, brightness enhancement film, or other optical device adjacent the member to alter the light output distribution from the member.
- FIG. 32 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a UV protective film or sleeve covering the member.
- FIG. 1 there is shown one transparent light emitting member 1 of the present invention in the shape of an elongated rod 2 having a pattern of notches or grooves 3 in a surface 4 of the member for causing light that is transmitted through the member by internal reflection to be reflected or refracted out of the member as well known in the art.
- the notches or grooves 3 of the present invention rather than being relatively sharp grooves as is conventional practice, are rounded shallow notches or grooves each having a generally U or C cross-sectional shape as schematically shown in FIG. 2 .
- These rounded notches or grooves 3 may have a minimum depth and width of radius of no more than a few thousandths of an inch, depending on the length and thickness of the light emitting member, and have the advantage that they will scatter the light more finely than sharp grooves and will reduce the risk of breakage of the members during installation or when the members are placed under tension. Also the surfaces of the notches may be smooth or textured or roughened as desired to extract less or more light out through the notches or grooves.
- Such light emitting members may be molded or cast or machined or cut out of any suitable transparent, clear or colored (including scintillating or fluorescent) material including glass or plastic such as acrylic, polycarbonate, styrene, or urethane or the like.
- the notches or grooves 3 may be painted or covered with a reflective color. Also, different notches may be coated with different colors for decorative or visibility purposes when the light emitting member is lighted by one or more white light sources.
- Such light emitting members may be lighted from one or both end edges using any suitable light source 5 .
- the rod-like light emitting member 2 of FIG. 1 is shown lighted from one end by a narrow angle light emitting diode (LED) 6 inserted in a slot, cavity or opening 7 machined, molded, cast or otherwise formed in the light emitting member.
- Light source 5 may be held in place within the opening 7 , for example, by an interference fit or by embedding, potting or bonding the light source in place using a suitable embedding, potting or bonding material 8 .
- Bonding can also be accomplished using a variety of methods that do not incorporate extra material, for example, thermobonding, heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding or the like. Other methods of bonding include insert molding and casting around the light source.
- the light source 5 may also be held adjacent an edge of light emitting member 1 using for example a few drops of adhesive, or by heat shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube 10 around both the light source 5 and an edge of the light emitting member 1 as schematically shown in FIG. 4 a .
- a remote light source 5 may be optically coupled to the edge of the light emitting member by focusing the light source on the input surface 11 of a light guide 12 suitably connected to the light emitting member as schematically shown in FIG. 4 b.
- suitable holes 7 may be molded or cast in one or more edges of the light emitting member for receipt of the LEDs as schematically shown in FIG. 1 .
- LEDs as the light source has the benefit that LEDs produce very little heat, consume small amounts of electric power, have a relatively long life, are relatively inexpensive, are not damaged by vibration, and do not produce EMI.
- other types of light sources may also be used including, for example, an arc lamp, an incandescent bulb, a lens end bulb, a line light, a halogen lamp, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube, a fiber optic light pipe transmitting from a remote source, a laser or laser diode, or any other suitable light source.
- the density and/or depth or size of the notches 3 may be varied along the surface of the light emitting member 1 in order to obtain a selected light output distribution from the member. For example, the amount of light traveling through the light emitting member will ordinarily be greater in areas closer to the light source than in areas further removed from the light source.
- the pattern of notches or grooves 3 may be used to adjust for the light variances within the light emitting member, for example, by placing the notches 3 closer together as the distance from the light source increases to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member. Also, depending on the length and cross-sectional thickness of the light emitting member, the notches 3 may be made progressively deeper and/or wider with increased distance from the light source to provide a more uniform light output from the member.
- the light emitting member When the light emitting member is lighted from one end only as shown in FIG. 1 , placing the notches 3 progressively closer together and/or making the notches progressively deeper and/or wider as the distance from the lighted end edge increases will result in a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member. Further, the faces of the notches may be made progressively more textured or rougher with increased distance from the light source to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the member.
- a reflective film or coating 15 may be provided on the non-lighted end edge of the light emitting member (if lighted from only one end edge as schematically shown in FIG. 1 ) as by applying a reflective film to such non-lighted end edge or coating such non-lighted end edge with white or silver reflective paint to minimize light loss from such non-lighted end edge.
- the light emitting member 1 may also be lighted from both ends as schematically shown in FIG. 3 for increased light output.
- the notches or grooves 3 may be placed closer and closer together as the distance from both lighted end edges increases toward the middle where the concentration of the notches will be greatest to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member.
- FIG. 5 shows the rod-like light emitting member 1 of the invention as having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape 16 .
- light emitting member 1 may have other cross-sectional shapes as well for varying the output ray angle distribution of the emitted light to suit a particular application. For example, changing the cross-sectional shape of the member 1 from the cylindrical cross section 16 shown in FIG. 5 to an elliptical cross section 17 as shown in FIG. 6 will narrow the view angle of the light produced, whereas changing the cross-sectional shape to a semi-cylindrical cross section 18 as shown in FIG. 7 will widen the view angle.
- a rectangular cross-sectional shape 19 as shown in FIG. 8 or a triangular cross-sectional shape 20 as shown in FIG. 9 may be used.
- the light output distribution from a light emitting member 1 with a rectangular cross-sectional shape 19 can be made brighter by notching three of the four sides 4 , 21 , 22 and 23 instead of just one of the sides 4 as schematically shown in FIG. 10 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 show a variation of the notching pattern along a rod-like light emitting member 1 in which the notches 3 closest to the lighted end 25 are made relatively parallel to the light emitting member to cause a relatively small percentage of the transmitted light to be emitted and the notches 3 further removed from the lighted end are made more and more perpendicular to the axis of the light emitting member as the distance from the lighted end increases to cause a greater percentage of the transmitted light to be emitted to produce a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 show another pattern of notches 3 extending along the length of a rod-like light emitting member 1 that is lighted from both ends.
- the notches 3 are located along an arc 26 , with the notches closest to the top surface of the member adjacent the middle producing brighter light when viewed from the proper angle.
- FIGS. 15 and 16 show another rod-like light emitting member 1 of the invention in which a rounded shallow notch or groove 3 extends along the length of the member for causing light to be emitted therefrom.
- the groove 3 may be coated with a suitable reflective material 15 such as reflective paint or tape as schematically shown in FIG. 16 to increase its effectiveness in reflecting light.
- the depth of the light emitting groove 3 may if desired progressively increase as the distance from the lighted end increases to produce a more uniform light output distribution.
- the unlighted end edge of the light emitting member 1 may be coated with a suitable reflective material 15 such as reflective paint or tape.
- the groove 3 may if desired be made shallower at the ends and progressively deeper from the ends toward the middle to produce a more uniform light output distribution from the member.
- the rod-like light emitting member 1 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 has a generally cylindrical cross section, the light emitting member may have other cross-sectional shapes including for example the semi-cylindrical, elliptical, square and triangular shapes previously discussed to obtain a desired light output distribution to suit a particular application.
- the notches or grooves may be provided on more than one side of the members as desired.
- any of the light emitting members of the present invention may be curved along their length to suit a particular application.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 show another rod-like light emitting member 1 of the invention in which a plurality of longitudinally spaced notches 3 in the shape of rounded shallow dimples 28 are provided along the length of the member for causing light to be emitted therefrom.
- the dimples 28 may be made progressively deeper and/or closer together as the distance from the light source increases to produce a more uniform light output distribution.
- the surface of the dimples 28 may be coated with a suitable reflective material 15 such as reflective paint or tape as schematically shown in FIG. 18 .
- the unlighted end edge of the light emitting member may similarly be coated with a suitable reflective coating 15 .
- the dimples 28 may be made progressively deeper or closer together as the distance from both ends increases toward the middle with the depth of the dimples being greatest or the spacing between dimples being closest together at the middle to produce a more uniform light output distribution. While the light emitting member 1 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, the member may have any of the other cross-sectional shapes previously described to fit a particular application. Also, the dimples 28 may be elongated and be provided along more than one side of the member if desired. In addition, the member itself may be curved along its length to suit a particular application.
- FIGS. 19 and 20 show another light emitting member 30 of the invention in the shape of a panel 31 having a greater cross-sectional width than thickness and bottom and top surfaces 32 and 33 .
- the panel 31 may be lighted from one or both end edges and also from one or both side edges as schematically shown in FIG. 20 .
- the number of light sources 5 utilized will depend on the size of the panel as well as the type of light sources used and the brightness and uniformity of light output desired. If LEDs 6 are used as the light source, wide viewing angle LEDs may be used for lighting the panel as opposed to the narrow viewing angle LEDs used to light rod-like light emitting members.
- a pattern of rounded shallow generally U or C shaped notches or grooves 3 having the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 2 may be provided in one or more surfaces of the panel member 31 for causing transmitted light to be emitted therefrom. If the panel is lighted from only one end edge, the notches or grooves 3 may be placed closer together as the distance from the lighted end edge increases to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the panel. Moreover, additional notches or grooves 3 ′ may be provided in one or more edges of the panel member 31 in order to reflect the light wherever it is needed.
- the light emitting panel 31 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the light emitting panel 31 may also be arcuately shaped as schematically shown in FIGS. 21-28 .
- the curved side edges 34 and 35 of the arcuately shaped panels 31 should either be highly polished or covered with a reflective material or coating 15 such as paint to reflect light back into the panel.
- Such arcuately shaped panels may be lighted from one end edge as schematically shown in FIG. 21 or lighted from both end edges as schematically shown in FIG. 23 .
- the arcuate panels may have sideways enlargements 36 along their length as schematically shown in FIG. 23 .
- the ends of the arcuately shaped panels may be joined together at 40 and lighted by a single light source 5 as schematically shown in FIG. 25 .
- the notches 3 may be placed closer and closer together (or made deeper and deeper or larger and larger) as the distance from the lighted edges increases as schematically shown in FIGS. 19-26 .
- the notches 3 may be grouped in special patterns on selected areas of the panel 31 as schematically shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 .
- the arcuate shaped panels 31 are shown in FIGS. 21-28 as being generally ring shaped. However, such panels may also have other arcuate shapes including for example “J”, “S” or “U” shapes.
- any of the light emitting members of the invention may also have patterns of rounded shallow notches or grooves on more than one side.
- FIG. 29 shows a light emitting member 1 or 30 having a pattern of notches or grooves 3 on both the top and bottom surfaces of the member to produce a specified lighting pattern.
- any of the light emitting members of the invention may have a suitable reflective coating or film on different surfaces of the members to reflect light back into or through the members.
- FIG. 30 schematically shows one such light emitting member 1 or 30 having a reflective layer 15 on the notched side 4 or 32 to reflect light back through the other side and on the end edge opposite the lighted end edge to reflect light back into the member.
- any of the light emitting members 1 or 30 of the invention may have a suitable sheet, film or coating 41 such as a diffuser, brightness enhancement film or other optical device adjacent one or more sides of the member as schematically shown in FIG. 31 to alter the light output distribution from the member, for example, make it more even or brighter or change the view angle.
- a suitable sheet, film or coating 41 such as a diffuser, brightness enhancement film or other optical device adjacent one or more sides of the member as schematically shown in FIG. 31 to alter the light output distribution from the member, for example, make it more even or brighter or change the view angle.
- a transparent UV protective film or sleeve 42 may cover the light emitting members 1 or 30 as schematically shown in FIG. 32 . Also a white or mirror-type background may be provided for the members if desired.
- These various light emitting members with rounded shallow notches or grooves are relatively easy and inexpensive to mold. Also such members allow for easy low volume manufacturability because little or no tooling is required for custom applications.
- Low volume manufacturability may involve using a low speed circular cutting tool such as a ball mill, with a high feed rate of the cutting tool and/or members such that the cutting tool will leave tool marks on the face of the notches or grooves thus producing a textured or roughened surface to extract more of the light through the notches or grooves.
- the amount of texturing or roughness of the notches or grooves may be varied along the surface of the light emitting members in order to obtain a selected light output distribution from the members by varying the cutter speed and/or feed rate.
- the notches or grooves may be made progressively more textured or roughened with increased distance from the light source to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the members.
- the depth of the notches or grooves may be progressively increased or decreased by progressively increasing or decreasing the depth of the cutting tool.
Abstract
Illuminators include transparent light emitting members having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces of the members for causing internally reflected light to be emitted from the members. The notches or grooves may be cut using a circular cutting tool. The relative speed of the cutting tool and feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the members may be controlled to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.
Description
- This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/264,576, filed Oct. 4, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to transparent light emitting members that have specially shaped notches or grooves in one or more surfaces to create a selected light output distribution from such members and their method of manufacture.
- It is well known that light transparent members including for example rods, panels, films, sheets and plates, can be made into light emitting members or illuminators by notching the members in a certain pattern. However, such notches are typically relatively sharp grooves, which do not scatter light very finely. Also the sharp grooves make the light emitting members more susceptible to breakage during installation or when placed under tension. The light emitting members may be used, for example, as a back light and/or front light for transparent or translucent devices such as LCDs, dials, gauges, pictures, point of sale advertising, decorative devices, and so on. Also such light emitting members may have special usages in optical scanning and array devices and the like.
- In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the light emitting members have rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces that scatter the light emitted from the members.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the rounded shallow notches or grooves reduce the risk of breakage of the light emitting members during installation or when the members are placed under tension.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the notches or grooves are generally U or C shaped.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light emitting members with rounded shallow notches or grooves are relatively inexpensive and easy to mold.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light emitting members with rounded shallow notches or grooves allow for easy low volume manufacturability of the members with any desired amount of smoothness or roughness on the faces of the notches or grooves.
- In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the light emitting members may have special arcuate shapes for use in special lighting applications.
- These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.
- To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
- In the annexed drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a rod-like transparent light emitting member of the present invention having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in a surface of the member for causing light entering the member to be reflected or refracted (i.e., emitted) from the member. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary section through the light emitting member and one of the notches or grooves ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a rod-like transparent light emitting member of the invention shown lighted from both ends rather than just one end as shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are schematic fragmentary side elevation views of an end portion of a light emitting member of the present invention showing alternative ways of optically coupling a light source to an edge of the member. -
FIGS. 5-9 are schematic end elevation views of rod-like light emitting members of the type shown inFIGS. 1-3 having different cross-sectional shapes,FIG. 5 showing a cylindrical cross-sectional shape,FIG. 6 showing an elliptical cross-sectional shape,FIG. 7 showing a semi-cylindrical cross-sectional shape,FIG. 8 showing a rectangular cross-sectional shape, andFIG. 9 showing a triangular cross-sectional shape. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic end elevation view of a rod-like light emitting member of the present invention having a rectangular cross-sectional shape similar toFIG. 8 but with three sides having rounded shallow notches or grooves instead of just one as shown inFIG. 8 to produce a brighter light output. -
FIGS. 11 and 13 are schematic side elevation views of other rod-like light emitting members of the present invention having different notching patterns to produce a desired light output distribution from such members. -
FIGS. 12 and 14 are schematic end elevation views of the light emitting members ofFIGS. 11 and 12 , respectively, as seen from the right ends thereof. -
FIG. 15 is a schematic side elevation view of another rod-like light emitting member of the present invention having a rounded shallow notch or groove extending longitudinally along the member. -
FIG. 16 is a schematic transverse section through the light emitting member and rounded groove ofFIG. 15 , taken along the plane of the line 16-16 thereof. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic side elevation view of another rod-like light emitting member of the present invention having longitudinally spaced notches or grooves along the length of the member in the shape of rounded shallow dimples. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic transverse section through the light emitting member and one of the dimples ofFIG. 17 , taken along the plane of the line 18-18 thereof. -
FIG. 19 is a schematic side elevation view of another light emitting member of the present invention in the shape of a panel having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in a surface of the member. -
FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom plan view of the light emitting member ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is a schematic bottom plan view of another panel-like light emitting member of the present invention that is arcuately shaped with spaced apart ends and is lighted from one end only. -
FIG. 22 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member ofFIG. 21 as seen from the right side thereof. -
FIG. 23 is a schematic bottom plan view of another arcuately shaped light emitting panel member of the present invention that has sideways enlargements and is lighted from both ends. -
FIG. 24 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member ofFIG. 23 as seen from the right side thereof. -
FIG. 25 is a schematic bottom plan view of another arcuately shaped light emitting panel member of the present invention which has two ends that are joined together and lighted by a single light source. -
FIG. 26 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member ofFIG. 25 as seen from the right side thereof. -
FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of another arcuately shaped light emitting panel member of the present invention with a selective (non-uniform) notching pattern in a surface of the member to produce a selective (non-uniform) light output distribution pattern from the member. -
FIG. 28 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel member ofFIG. 27 as seen from the right side thereof. -
FIG. 29 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a notched pattern in two or more sides of the member to produce a selective light output distribution pattern from the member. -
FIG. 30 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a reflective coating or film covering the notched surface of the member to reflect light back through the member. -
FIG. 31 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a sheet or film such as a diffuser, brightness enhancement film, or other optical device adjacent the member to alter the light output distribution from the member. -
FIG. 32 is a schematic side elevation view of a light emitting member of the present invention having a UV protective film or sleeve covering the member. - Referring now in detail to the drawings, and initially to
FIG. 1 , there is shown one transparentlight emitting member 1 of the present invention in the shape of anelongated rod 2 having a pattern of notches orgrooves 3 in asurface 4 of the member for causing light that is transmitted through the member by internal reflection to be reflected or refracted out of the member as well known in the art. However, the notches orgrooves 3 of the present invention, rather than being relatively sharp grooves as is conventional practice, are rounded shallow notches or grooves each having a generally U or C cross-sectional shape as schematically shown inFIG. 2 . These rounded notches orgrooves 3 may have a minimum depth and width of radius of no more than a few thousandths of an inch, depending on the length and thickness of the light emitting member, and have the advantage that they will scatter the light more finely than sharp grooves and will reduce the risk of breakage of the members during installation or when the members are placed under tension. Also the surfaces of the notches may be smooth or textured or roughened as desired to extract less or more light out through the notches or grooves. - Such light emitting members may be molded or cast or machined or cut out of any suitable transparent, clear or colored (including scintillating or fluorescent) material including glass or plastic such as acrylic, polycarbonate, styrene, or urethane or the like. The notches or
grooves 3 may be painted or covered with a reflective color. Also, different notches may be coated with different colors for decorative or visibility purposes when the light emitting member is lighted by one or more white light sources. - Such light emitting members may be lighted from one or both end edges using any
suitable light source 5. The rod-likelight emitting member 2 ofFIG. 1 is shown lighted from one end by a narrow angle light emitting diode (LED) 6 inserted in a slot, cavity or opening 7 machined, molded, cast or otherwise formed in the light emitting member.Light source 5 may be held in place within theopening 7, for example, by an interference fit or by embedding, potting or bonding the light source in place using a suitable embedding, potting or bondingmaterial 8. Bonding can also be accomplished using a variety of methods that do not incorporate extra material, for example, thermobonding, heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding or the like. Other methods of bonding include insert molding and casting around the light source. - The
light source 5 may also be held adjacent an edge oflight emitting member 1 using for example a few drops of adhesive, or by heat shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube 10 around both thelight source 5 and an edge of thelight emitting member 1 as schematically shown inFIG. 4 a. Also aremote light source 5 may be optically coupled to the edge of the light emitting member by focusing the light source on the input surface 11 of alight guide 12 suitably connected to the light emitting member as schematically shown inFIG. 4 b. - If LEDs are used as the light source,
suitable holes 7 may be molded or cast in one or more edges of the light emitting member for receipt of the LEDs as schematically shown inFIG. 1 . - Using LEDs as the light source has the benefit that LEDs produce very little heat, consume small amounts of electric power, have a relatively long life, are relatively inexpensive, are not damaged by vibration, and do not produce EMI. However, other types of light sources may also be used including, for example, an arc lamp, an incandescent bulb, a lens end bulb, a line light, a halogen lamp, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube, a fiber optic light pipe transmitting from a remote source, a laser or laser diode, or any other suitable light source.
- The density and/or depth or size of the
notches 3 may be varied along the surface of thelight emitting member 1 in order to obtain a selected light output distribution from the member. For example, the amount of light traveling through the light emitting member will ordinarily be greater in areas closer to the light source than in areas further removed from the light source. The pattern of notches orgrooves 3 may be used to adjust for the light variances within the light emitting member, for example, by placing thenotches 3 closer together as the distance from the light source increases to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member. Also, depending on the length and cross-sectional thickness of the light emitting member, thenotches 3 may be made progressively deeper and/or wider with increased distance from the light source to provide a more uniform light output from the member. - When the light emitting member is lighted from one end only as shown in
FIG. 1 , placing thenotches 3 progressively closer together and/or making the notches progressively deeper and/or wider as the distance from the lighted end edge increases will result in a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member. Further, the faces of the notches may be made progressively more textured or rougher with increased distance from the light source to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the member. - A reflective film or
coating 15 may be provided on the non-lighted end edge of the light emitting member (if lighted from only one end edge as schematically shown inFIG. 1 ) as by applying a reflective film to such non-lighted end edge or coating such non-lighted end edge with white or silver reflective paint to minimize light loss from such non-lighted end edge. - The
light emitting member 1 may also be lighted from both ends as schematically shown inFIG. 3 for increased light output. In that event, the notches orgrooves 3 may be placed closer and closer together as the distance from both lighted end edges increases toward the middle where the concentration of the notches will be greatest to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member. -
FIG. 5 shows the rod-likelight emitting member 1 of the invention as having a cylindricalcross-sectional shape 16. However, light emittingmember 1 may have other cross-sectional shapes as well for varying the output ray angle distribution of the emitted light to suit a particular application. For example, changing the cross-sectional shape of themember 1 from thecylindrical cross section 16 shown inFIG. 5 to an elliptical cross section 17 as shown inFIG. 6 will narrow the view angle of the light produced, whereas changing the cross-sectional shape to asemi-cylindrical cross section 18 as shown inFIG. 7 will widen the view angle. - If a non-angular light output is desired, a rectangular
cross-sectional shape 19 as shown inFIG. 8 or a triangularcross-sectional shape 20 as shown inFIG. 9 may be used. Also, the light output distribution from alight emitting member 1 with a rectangularcross-sectional shape 19 can be made brighter by notching three of the foursides sides 4 as schematically shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show a variation of the notching pattern along a rod-likelight emitting member 1 in which thenotches 3 closest to thelighted end 25 are made relatively parallel to the light emitting member to cause a relatively small percentage of the transmitted light to be emitted and thenotches 3 further removed from the lighted end are made more and more perpendicular to the axis of the light emitting member as the distance from the lighted end increases to cause a greater percentage of the transmitted light to be emitted to produce a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting member. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 show another pattern ofnotches 3 extending along the length of a rod-likelight emitting member 1 that is lighted from both ends. In this embodiment thenotches 3 are located along anarc 26, with the notches closest to the top surface of the member adjacent the middle producing brighter light when viewed from the proper angle. -
FIGS. 15 and 16 show another rod-likelight emitting member 1 of the invention in which a rounded shallow notch orgroove 3 extends along the length of the member for causing light to be emitted therefrom. Thegroove 3 may be coated with a suitablereflective material 15 such as reflective paint or tape as schematically shown inFIG. 16 to increase its effectiveness in reflecting light. - If the
light emitting member 1 ofFIGS. 15 and 16 is lighted from one end only as schematically shown inFIG. 15 , the depth of thelight emitting groove 3 may if desired progressively increase as the distance from the lighted end increases to produce a more uniform light output distribution. Also, the unlighted end edge of thelight emitting member 1 may be coated with a suitablereflective material 15 such as reflective paint or tape. - If the
light emitting member 1 ofFIGS. 15 and 16 is lighted from both ends, thegroove 3 may if desired be made shallower at the ends and progressively deeper from the ends toward the middle to produce a more uniform light output distribution from the member. Moreover, while the rod-likelight emitting member 1 shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 has a generally cylindrical cross section, the light emitting member may have other cross-sectional shapes including for example the semi-cylindrical, elliptical, square and triangular shapes previously discussed to obtain a desired light output distribution to suit a particular application. Regardless of the shape of the rod-like light emitting members, the notches or grooves may be provided on more than one side of the members as desired. Also, any of the light emitting members of the present invention may be curved along their length to suit a particular application. -
FIGS. 17 and 18 show another rod-likelight emitting member 1 of the invention in which a plurality of longitudinally spacednotches 3 in the shape of roundedshallow dimples 28 are provided along the length of the member for causing light to be emitted therefrom. If the light emitting member is lighted from one end only as shown inFIG. 17 , thedimples 28 may be made progressively deeper and/or closer together as the distance from the light source increases to produce a more uniform light output distribution. The surface of thedimples 28 may be coated with a suitablereflective material 15 such as reflective paint or tape as schematically shown inFIG. 18 . Also, the unlighted end edge of the light emitting member may similarly be coated with a suitablereflective coating 15. - If the
light emitting member 1 ofFIGS. 17 and 18 is lighted from both ends, thedimples 28 may be made progressively deeper or closer together as the distance from both ends increases toward the middle with the depth of the dimples being greatest or the spacing between dimples being closest together at the middle to produce a more uniform light output distribution. While thelight emitting member 1 shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, the member may have any of the other cross-sectional shapes previously described to fit a particular application. Also, thedimples 28 may be elongated and be provided along more than one side of the member if desired. In addition, the member itself may be curved along its length to suit a particular application. -
FIGS. 19 and 20 show anotherlight emitting member 30 of the invention in the shape of apanel 31 having a greater cross-sectional width than thickness and bottom andtop surfaces panel 31 may be lighted from one or both end edges and also from one or both side edges as schematically shown inFIG. 20 . The number oflight sources 5 utilized will depend on the size of the panel as well as the type of light sources used and the brightness and uniformity of light output desired. IfLEDs 6 are used as the light source, wide viewing angle LEDs may be used for lighting the panel as opposed to the narrow viewing angle LEDs used to light rod-like light emitting members. - A pattern of rounded shallow generally U or C shaped notches or
grooves 3 having the cross-sectional shape shown inFIG. 2 may be provided in one or more surfaces of thepanel member 31 for causing transmitted light to be emitted therefrom. If the panel is lighted from only one end edge, the notches orgrooves 3 may be placed closer together as the distance from the lighted end edge increases to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the panel. Moreover, additional notches orgrooves 3′ may be provided in one or more edges of thepanel member 31 in order to reflect the light wherever it is needed. - The
light emitting panel 31 shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 is substantially rectangular in shape. However, thelight emitting panel 31 may also be arcuately shaped as schematically shown inFIGS. 21-28 . The curved side edges 34 and 35 of the arcuately shapedpanels 31 should either be highly polished or covered with a reflective material orcoating 15 such as paint to reflect light back into the panel. Such arcuately shaped panels may be lighted from one end edge as schematically shown inFIG. 21 or lighted from both end edges as schematically shown inFIG. 23 . Moreover, the arcuate panels may havesideways enlargements 36 along their length as schematically shown inFIG. 23 . Further, the ends of the arcuately shaped panels may be joined together at 40 and lighted by a singlelight source 5 as schematically shown inFIG. 25 . - If a uniform light output distribution is desired from the arcuately shaped panels, the
notches 3 may be placed closer and closer together (or made deeper and deeper or larger and larger) as the distance from the lighted edges increases as schematically shown inFIGS. 19-26 . Alternatively, if a selective (non-uniform) light output distribution is desired, for example, if only certain areas need lighting, thenotches 3 may be grouped in special patterns on selected areas of thepanel 31 as schematically shown inFIGS. 27 and 28 . - The arcuate shaped
panels 31 are shown inFIGS. 21-28 as being generally ring shaped. However, such panels may also have other arcuate shapes including for example “J”, “S” or “U” shapes. - Any of the light emitting members of the invention may also have patterns of rounded shallow notches or grooves on more than one side.
FIG. 29 shows alight emitting member grooves 3 on both the top and bottom surfaces of the member to produce a specified lighting pattern. Also, any of the light emitting members of the invention may have a suitable reflective coating or film on different surfaces of the members to reflect light back into or through the members.FIG. 30 schematically shows one suchlight emitting member reflective layer 15 on the notchedside - Moreover, any of the
light emitting members coating 41 such as a diffuser, brightness enhancement film or other optical device adjacent one or more sides of the member as schematically shown inFIG. 31 to alter the light output distribution from the member, for example, make it more even or brighter or change the view angle. - If the light emitting members are used outdoors and are vulnerable to the sun's UV rays, a transparent UV protective film or
sleeve 42 may cover thelight emitting members FIG. 32 . Also a white or mirror-type background may be provided for the members if desired. - These various light emitting members with rounded shallow notches or grooves are relatively easy and inexpensive to mold. Also such members allow for easy low volume manufacturability because little or no tooling is required for custom applications. Low volume manufacturability may involve using a low speed circular cutting tool such as a ball mill, with a high feed rate of the cutting tool and/or members such that the cutting tool will leave tool marks on the face of the notches or grooves thus producing a textured or roughened surface to extract more of the light through the notches or grooves. The amount of texturing or roughness of the notches or grooves may be varied along the surface of the light emitting members in order to obtain a selected light output distribution from the members by varying the cutter speed and/or feed rate. For example, the notches or grooves may be made progressively more textured or roughened with increased distance from the light source to provide a more uniform light output distribution from the members. Also the depth of the notches or grooves may be progressively increased or decreased by progressively increasing or decreasing the depth of the cutting tool.
- Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. In particular, with regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, the terms (including any reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs a specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed component which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. Also, all of the disclosed functions may be computerized and automated as desired. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
Claims (8)
1. A method of making an illuminator comprising cutting a pattern of shallow notches or grooves in at least one surface of a transparent member using a circular cutting tool, and controlling the relative speed of the cutting tool and the feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the member to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the relative speed of the cutting tool and the feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the member is varied during cutting of at least some of the notches or grooves to vary the amount of roughening of the surface on the notches or grooves.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein at least one of the relative speed of the cutting tool and the feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the member is progressively varied during cutting of at least some of the notches or grooves to progressively vary the amount of roughening of the surface of the notches or grooves.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the amount of roughening of the surface of at least some of the notches or grooves is progressively varied along the length of the notches or grooves.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the amount of roughening of the surface of at least some of the notches or grooves progressively varies along the length of the member.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the notches or grooves are cut in more than one surface of the member.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the depth of the cutting tool is varied during cutting of at least some of the notches or grooves to vary the depth of such notches or grooves.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the depth of the cutting tool is progressively varied during cutting of at least some of the notches or grooves to progressively vary the depth of such notches or grooves along the length of the member.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/126,655 US20050210643A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2005-05-11 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
US11/768,230 US20070248307A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2007-06-26 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
US12/846,929 US20100294001A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2010-07-30 | Method of making transparent light emitting members |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/264,576 US6910783B2 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2002-10-04 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
US11/126,655 US20050210643A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2005-05-11 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/264,576 Division US6910783B2 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2002-10-04 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/900,000 Continuation-In-Part US7406245B2 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2004-07-27 | Flat optical fiber light emitters |
US11/768,230 Continuation-In-Part US20070248307A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2007-06-26 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050210643A1 true US20050210643A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
Family
ID=32042265
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/264,576 Expired - Lifetime US6910783B2 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2002-10-04 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
US11/126,655 Abandoned US20050210643A1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2005-05-11 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/264,576 Expired - Lifetime US6910783B2 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2002-10-04 | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6910783B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1573245B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE553404T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003277225A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004033959A2 (en) |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2009147945A (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2009-07-02 | Siemens Ag | Machine provided with optical communication means from first machine part to second machine part relatively rotatable |
US20120069595A1 (en) * | 2010-09-22 | 2012-03-22 | Anthony Catalano | Linear illumination devices |
US20140355302A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-12-04 | Cree, Inc. | Outdoor and/or Enclosed Structure LED Luminaire for General Illumination Applications, Such as Parking Lots and Structures |
US9291320B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-03-22 | Cree, Inc. | Consolidated troffer |
WO2016049305A1 (en) * | 2014-09-24 | 2016-03-31 | Federal-Mogul Corporation | Waveguide for controlled light distribution |
US9366799B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-14 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide bodies and luminaires utilizing same |
US9366396B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-06-14 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide and lamp including same |
US9389367B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-07-12 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide and luminaire incorporating same |
US9411086B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-08-09 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide assembly and light engine including same |
US9442243B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-09-13 | Cree, Inc. | Waveguide bodies including redirection features and methods of producing same |
US9625638B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-04-18 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide body |
US9690029B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2017-06-27 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguides and luminaires incorporating same |
US9798072B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-10-24 | Cree, Inc. | Optical element and method of forming an optical element |
US9869432B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2018-01-16 | Cree, Inc. | Luminaires using waveguide bodies and optical elements |
US9920901B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-03-20 | Cree, Inc. | LED lensing arrangement |
US9951923B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2018-04-24 | Valeo Iluminacion | Optical device and signaling and/or lighting system for an automotive vehicle |
US20180163946A1 (en) * | 2015-05-14 | 2018-06-14 | Fluxwerx Illumination Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies with bottom-mounted light source and light guides therefor |
US10209429B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-02-19 | Cree, Inc. | Luminaire with selectable luminous intensity pattern |
US10234616B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2019-03-19 | Cree, Inc. | Simplified low profile module with light guide for pendant, surface mount, wall mount and stand alone luminaires |
US10416377B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2019-09-17 | Cree, Inc. | Luminaire with controllable light emission |
US10436970B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-10-08 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Shaped optical waveguide bodies |
US10502899B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-12-10 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED luminaire |
US10739513B2 (en) | 2018-08-31 | 2020-08-11 | RAB Lighting Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for efficiently directing light toward and away from a mounting surface |
US10801679B2 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2020-10-13 | RAB Lighting Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for assembling luminaires |
US11112083B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-09-07 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Optic member for an LED light fixture |
US11719882B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2023-08-08 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Waveguide-based light sources with dynamic beam shaping |
Families Citing this family (123)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6783269B2 (en) * | 2000-12-27 | 2004-08-31 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Side-emitting rod for use with an LED-based light engine |
US6910783B2 (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2005-06-28 | Lumitex, Inc. | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
US20070248307A1 (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2007-10-25 | Page David J | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
US20040156195A1 (en) * | 2002-10-16 | 2004-08-12 | Robertson Jonas J. | Illuminated acrylic flashlight and tool chest light utility light |
WO2004055427A1 (en) * | 2002-12-13 | 2004-07-01 | Sanken Electric Co., Ltd. | Semiconductor light-emitting device, method for manufacturing same, and linear light source |
US7249878B2 (en) * | 2003-01-10 | 2007-07-31 | Eastman Kodak Company | Multi-layer illuminated package |
US20040228143A1 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2004-11-18 | Squicciarini John B. | Transparent rod with optical fiber core |
US20050013141A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-01-20 | Espinoza-Ibarra Ricardo Ernesto | Method and system for independently displaying a plurality of visual signals |
DE10332393A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-02-03 | Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg | Lamp for motor vehicles, comprises a light source, preferably an LED which is detachably connected to a light conductor |
US7275845B2 (en) * | 2003-10-14 | 2007-10-02 | Miller John F | Illuminatable windshield assembly |
US20050094415A1 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-05-05 | Bor-Dong Cheng | Body molding for car |
US20050237763A1 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2005-10-27 | Swanson William P | Light dispersing device |
GB0422796D0 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2004-11-17 | Graham Morton | An illumination device |
TWM272416U (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2005-08-11 | Baycom Opto Electronics Technology Co Ltd | Decorative light transmission device |
US7374324B2 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2008-05-20 | Dura Global Technologies, Inc. | LED molded light guide |
US7458695B2 (en) * | 2005-06-20 | 2008-12-02 | Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc. | High light-efficiency illumination cluster |
JP4585390B2 (en) * | 2005-06-23 | 2010-11-24 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Annular light guide |
DE102005035232A1 (en) * | 2005-07-25 | 2007-02-01 | Erich Utsch Ag | Holder for a license plate |
US20070076428A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Chia-Yeh Wu | Festoon lamp |
US7401948B2 (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2008-07-22 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Near field lens having reduced size |
US7489453B2 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2009-02-10 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Side emitting near field lens |
US7160010B1 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2007-01-09 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Light manifold for automotive light module |
US7564070B2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2009-07-21 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Light emitting diode device having a shield and/or filter |
US7438454B2 (en) * | 2005-11-29 | 2008-10-21 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Light assembly for automotive lighting applications |
FR2895780B1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2014-08-22 | Saint Gobain | PLANAR-GUIDED LIGHT STRUCTURE WITH QUICKLY SOURCE AND ITS APPLICATIONS |
WO2007080772A1 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-19 | Rohm Co., Ltd. | Light guiding member and linear light source apparatus using same |
US8409088B2 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2013-04-02 | Invuity, Inc. | Retractor illumination system |
US7593615B2 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2009-09-22 | Rpc Photonics, Inc. | Optical devices for guiding illumination |
JP2007259396A (en) * | 2006-02-23 | 2007-10-04 | Rohm Co Ltd | Linear light source device, and image reading device and planar display device using the linear light source device |
US7588342B2 (en) * | 2006-04-24 | 2009-09-15 | Energy Focus, Inc. | Lighted refrigerated display case with remote light source |
US9364755B1 (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2016-06-14 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Methods and apparatus for using illumination marks for spatial pointing |
KR20070108794A (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2007-11-13 | 미래나노텍(주) | Optical sheet and back light assembly of luquid crystal display equipped with the prism sheet |
US7549782B2 (en) * | 2006-05-11 | 2009-06-23 | Avago Technologies Ecbu Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Semiconductor light source configured as a light tube |
US7228052B1 (en) * | 2006-05-12 | 2007-06-05 | Lumina Technology Co., Ltd. | LED light pipe structure |
US8047987B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2011-11-01 | Invuity, Inc. | Blade insert illuminator |
GB2438440B (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2008-04-23 | Design Led Products Ltd | A composite light guiding device |
US7618176B2 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2009-11-17 | Avago Technologies General Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Solid state light source adapted for remote illumination |
US20080002400A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-01-03 | Yujing Technology Co., Ltd. | Illuminating ring |
US20080310187A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-12-18 | Yujing Technology Co., Ltd. | Light guide device for vehicle lamps |
US7302156B1 (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2007-11-27 | Lumio Inc. | Optical system |
JP4463246B2 (en) * | 2006-07-26 | 2010-05-19 | 株式会社フジクラ | Light guide for linear illumination device |
DE102006037797B4 (en) * | 2006-08-04 | 2016-06-30 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Motor vehicle light |
EP1890077A1 (en) | 2006-08-15 | 2008-02-20 | Hella KG Hueck & Co. | Light guide for vehicle lighting device |
US7909482B2 (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2011-03-22 | Innotec Corporation | Electrical device having boardless electrical component mounting arrangement |
DE102006045157B4 (en) * | 2006-09-25 | 2020-06-18 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Hand tool |
US20080188277A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2008-08-07 | Ritter Janice E | Electronic Game Device And Method Of Using The Same |
US8408773B2 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2013-04-02 | Innotec Corporation | Light for vehicles |
US7712933B2 (en) * | 2007-03-19 | 2010-05-11 | Interlum, Llc | Light for vehicles |
US7554742B2 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2009-06-30 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Lens assembly |
US7478941B2 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2009-01-20 | Pixon Technologies Corp. | FLICKERLESS light source |
US7556411B2 (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2009-07-07 | Pixon Technologies Corp. | Flickerless light source |
JP2009021158A (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2009-01-29 | Rohm Co Ltd | Linear light source device |
TWM328573U (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2008-03-11 | Inventec Appliances Corp | Multi-axis light-guiding tube module |
US8088066B2 (en) | 2007-10-24 | 2012-01-03 | Invuity, Inc. | Blade insert illuminator |
CN101451682B (en) * | 2007-12-06 | 2011-06-08 | 富士迈半导体精密工业(上海)有限公司 | Ring lighting device |
US8230575B2 (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2012-07-31 | Innotec Corporation | Overmolded circuit board and method |
US7815339B2 (en) | 2008-01-09 | 2010-10-19 | Innotec Corporation | Light module |
JP2009218076A (en) * | 2008-03-10 | 2009-09-24 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Vehicular lighting fixture |
US7972053B2 (en) * | 2008-04-08 | 2011-07-05 | Nurturenergy, Inc. | Lighting apparatus |
WO2009128516A1 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2009-10-22 | 株式会社フジクラ | Display device |
US20110038137A1 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2011-02-17 | Fujikura Ltd. | Light guiding body and display device using the same |
CN101598299B (en) * | 2008-06-05 | 2012-01-25 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Light source module and game device using same |
US8066416B2 (en) * | 2008-06-09 | 2011-11-29 | Federal-Mogul Ignition Company | Head lamp assembly and accent lighting therefor |
CN101603666A (en) * | 2008-06-11 | 2009-12-16 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Light fixture |
US8016441B2 (en) * | 2008-06-24 | 2011-09-13 | Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc. | One LED illuminated cluster |
WO2010003273A1 (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2010-01-14 | 海立尔股份有限公司 | Flexible backlight module |
KR101479339B1 (en) * | 2008-07-09 | 2015-01-05 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Illumination apparatus using light guide and portable terminal having the same |
US11382711B2 (en) | 2008-08-13 | 2022-07-12 | Invuity, Inc. | Cyclo olefin polymer and copolymer medical devices |
BE1017952A3 (en) * | 2008-11-21 | 2010-01-12 | Brelec B V B A | LIGHT CONDUCTOR WITH SIDE LIGHT EXTRACTION. |
US8070341B2 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2011-12-06 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Light pipe with uniformly lit appearance |
FR2942326B1 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2011-07-01 | Faurecia Interieur Ind | LIGHT GUIDE ASSEMBLY |
KR101044987B1 (en) * | 2009-02-19 | 2011-06-29 | (주)휴먼라이테크 | Lighting equipment using light emitting diode |
US20100315811A1 (en) * | 2009-06-10 | 2010-12-16 | Shih-Chou Chen | Curved light guiding illuminator |
TWM373518U (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2010-02-01 | Wistron Corp | Light guide plate and membrane keyboard having the light guide plate |
GB2472078A (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-01-26 | Visteon Global Tech Inc | A light-pipe for illuminating a display area |
US20110058351A1 (en) * | 2009-09-07 | 2011-03-10 | Wen-Chang Yang | Control panel structure of fitness equipment |
EP2302294A1 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-30 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Connector |
TWI454639B (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2014-10-01 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Light guide ring structure and backlight module using the same |
KR101028308B1 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2011-04-12 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Backlight unit and display apparatus |
US20110219648A1 (en) * | 2010-03-12 | 2011-09-15 | Trevor James | Led edge-lit signage utilizing digital print technology |
US8201983B2 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2012-06-19 | Young Lighting Technology Inc. | Illuminating device |
CN102947737B (en) * | 2010-06-17 | 2017-02-15 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Illumination device with waveguide and LEDs |
US8545305B2 (en) | 2010-06-28 | 2013-10-01 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Devices, systems, and methods for dynamically simulating a component of a wagering game |
WO2012027419A1 (en) | 2010-08-23 | 2012-03-01 | Energy Focus, Inc. | Elongated led lamp for replacing a fluorescent lamp |
EP2614296A1 (en) | 2010-09-09 | 2013-07-17 | Energy Focus Inc. | Elongated lighting system |
US20120087149A1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-12 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Ultra-thin light guide for cluster gauge illumination over display structures |
DE202010014013U1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2010-12-16 | Wolters Cat & Dog Gmbh | Luminous collar |
US20120092874A1 (en) * | 2010-10-15 | 2012-04-19 | Chao-Liang Lin | Light-guiding pillar |
US9657907B2 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2017-05-23 | Bridgelux Inc. | Side light LED troffer tube |
JP5274719B2 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2013-08-28 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope and endoscope illumination device |
DE102011085385A1 (en) | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Lighting device for a motor vehicle |
US9303204B2 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2016-04-05 | Chin Piao Kuo | Planar light source device and method of manufacturing same |
US9171418B2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2015-10-27 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming devices and gaming systems with multiple display device arrangement |
JP6148258B2 (en) | 2012-02-17 | 2017-06-14 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Anamorphic Light Guide |
US9036964B2 (en) | 2012-02-17 | 2015-05-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical light guide coupler |
KR20140129157A (en) | 2012-02-17 | 2014-11-06 | 쓰리엠 이노베이티브 프로퍼티즈 컴파니 | Backlight system |
DE112013002944T5 (en) | 2012-06-13 | 2015-02-19 | Innotec, Corp. | Flexible hollow fiber optic cable |
US8870428B2 (en) * | 2012-06-20 | 2014-10-28 | Energy Focus, Inc. | Elongated LED lighting arrangement |
US20130343046A1 (en) * | 2012-06-22 | 2013-12-26 | Chang Ching TSAI | LED Light Tube |
CN104203070B (en) * | 2012-11-07 | 2016-09-28 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Endoscope |
US9671545B2 (en) * | 2013-01-30 | 2017-06-06 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Cover, portable electronic device using the same and method for manufacturing the same |
US10166402B2 (en) | 2013-05-16 | 2019-01-01 | Excelitas Technologies Corp. | Visible light photo-disinfection patch |
CN105393051B (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2019-05-31 | 3M创新有限公司 | Light guide |
EP3273145B1 (en) | 2013-07-18 | 2019-09-04 | Quarkstar LLC | Luminaire module with multiple light guide elements |
US20150049505A1 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2015-02-19 | Garmin Switzerland Gmbh | Transparent light guide |
CN104456425B (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2017-09-19 | 扬升照明股份有限公司 | Area source |
TWI563203B (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2016-12-21 | Nifco Inc | Illumination device |
JP5907143B2 (en) * | 2013-10-23 | 2016-04-20 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Lighting device |
US20170010401A1 (en) | 2014-02-24 | 2017-01-12 | Quarkstar Llc | Luminaire module having a light guide with a redirecting end-face |
US20150252958A1 (en) * | 2014-03-07 | 2015-09-10 | Lunera Lighting, Inc. | Edge-Lit LED Retrofit for a Fluorescent Tube |
US9658382B2 (en) | 2014-03-28 | 2017-05-23 | Quarkstar Llc | Luminaire module having a light guide with redirecting interfaces |
TWI565983B (en) * | 2014-05-29 | 2017-01-11 | 元太科技工業股份有限公司 | Optical module, display device containing the same and method for manufacturing the same |
US9521885B2 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2016-12-20 | Apple Inc. | Woven display |
US20160016510A1 (en) * | 2014-07-17 | 2016-01-21 | Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. | Light guide film applied at instrument cluster |
US9965918B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2018-05-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Overlapping LCD displays for a gaming machine |
JP6276481B2 (en) * | 2015-01-06 | 2018-02-07 | フィリップス ライティング ホールディング ビー ヴィ | Luminous arrangement for illuminated surface |
CN105864721B (en) * | 2015-01-24 | 2019-05-21 | 鸿富锦精密工业(武汉)有限公司 | Panel light device |
DE102015011904A1 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-03-16 | MENTOR GmbH & Co. Präzisons-Bauteile KG | Lighting device with a planar light guide plate |
US10060590B2 (en) * | 2015-10-05 | 2018-08-28 | Fu An Industrial Co., Ltd. | Light ring structure for vehicle lamp |
FR3045133B1 (en) * | 2015-12-15 | 2020-08-07 | Morpho | LIGHTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PATCH OF SUCH A DEVICE |
US10175653B1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2019-01-08 | Apple Inc. | Watch glow light band |
US10723262B1 (en) * | 2019-06-11 | 2020-07-28 | Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. | Light guide for ring gauge illumination |
US11772245B2 (en) | 2020-02-24 | 2023-10-03 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Impact tool |
Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2354367A (en) * | 1940-02-26 | 1944-07-25 | Ford David Otis | Display sign |
US3829675A (en) * | 1973-04-30 | 1974-08-13 | R Mariani | Lighting means for underwater illumination |
US3892959A (en) * | 1973-11-02 | 1975-07-01 | Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc | Edge-lighted panel arrangement |
US4630895A (en) * | 1985-06-06 | 1986-12-23 | Motorola, Inc. | LCD lightguide |
US5032963A (en) * | 1989-03-29 | 1991-07-16 | Eb Traffic Systems Aktiebolag | Lens for traffic lights and method of making same |
US5136480A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1992-08-04 | Lumitex, Inc. | Thin panel illuminator |
US5377084A (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1994-12-27 | T. Chatani & Co., Ltd. | Surface illuminating apparatus |
US5432876A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1995-07-11 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Illumination devices and optical fibres for use therein |
US5521342A (en) * | 1994-12-27 | 1996-05-28 | General Motors Corporation | Switch having combined light pipe and printed circuit board |
US5521797A (en) * | 1993-02-01 | 1996-05-28 | Tosoh Corporation | Backlighting device |
US5598280A (en) * | 1993-03-23 | 1997-01-28 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Film lens and a surface light source using the same |
US5613751A (en) * | 1995-06-27 | 1997-03-25 | Lumitex, Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies |
US5649754A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1997-07-22 | Photo Craft Co., Ltd. | Illuminating apparatus and a method of manufacturing an edge light conductor for use therein |
US5775791A (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 1998-07-07 | Copal Company Limited | Surface emission apparatus |
US5779338A (en) * | 1994-08-12 | 1998-07-14 | Enplas Corporation | Surface light source device |
US5786266A (en) * | 1994-04-12 | 1998-07-28 | Lsi Logic Corporation | Multi cut wafer saw process |
US5786665A (en) * | 1995-05-23 | 1998-07-28 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Plane-shaped lighting device and a display using such a device |
US5845038A (en) * | 1997-01-28 | 1998-12-01 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical fiber illumination system |
US5895115A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1999-04-20 | Lumitex, Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies for use in automotive applications and the like |
US5953445A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 1999-09-14 | Konica Corporation | Light guiding member, light detecting device and defect inspecting apparatus |
US5961198A (en) * | 1996-02-02 | 1999-10-05 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing backlighting light guide panel therefor |
US5995288A (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 1999-11-30 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Optical sheet optical sheet lamination light source device, and light-transmissive type display apparatus |
US6260458B1 (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 2001-07-17 | Sarcos L.C. | Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guide wires, and the like |
US6565225B2 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2003-05-20 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Bar-shaped light guide, beam lighting device using the bar-shaped light guide, and surface lighting device using the beam lighting device |
US6752338B2 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2004-06-22 | Starkey & Associates Grinding Design And Process Engineering | Ball mill |
US6910783B2 (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2005-06-28 | Lumitex, Inc. | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6712481B2 (en) | 1995-06-27 | 2004-03-30 | Solid State Opto Limited | Light emitting panel assemblies |
JP3301752B2 (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2002-07-15 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Front light, reflective liquid crystal display device and portable information terminal |
US6601984B2 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2003-08-05 | Estec Co., Ltd. | LED illuminating device and lighting apparatus employing the same |
-
2002
- 2002-10-04 US US10/264,576 patent/US6910783B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-10-02 AT AT03808117T patent/ATE553404T1/en active
- 2003-10-02 AU AU2003277225A patent/AU2003277225A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-10-02 WO PCT/US2003/031206 patent/WO2004033959A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-10-02 EP EP03808117A patent/EP1573245B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-05-11 US US11/126,655 patent/US20050210643A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2354367A (en) * | 1940-02-26 | 1944-07-25 | Ford David Otis | Display sign |
US3829675A (en) * | 1973-04-30 | 1974-08-13 | R Mariani | Lighting means for underwater illumination |
US3892959A (en) * | 1973-11-02 | 1975-07-01 | Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc | Edge-lighted panel arrangement |
US4630895A (en) * | 1985-06-06 | 1986-12-23 | Motorola, Inc. | LCD lightguide |
US5136480A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1992-08-04 | Lumitex, Inc. | Thin panel illuminator |
US5032963A (en) * | 1989-03-29 | 1991-07-16 | Eb Traffic Systems Aktiebolag | Lens for traffic lights and method of making same |
US5775791A (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 1998-07-07 | Copal Company Limited | Surface emission apparatus |
US5649754A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1997-07-22 | Photo Craft Co., Ltd. | Illuminating apparatus and a method of manufacturing an edge light conductor for use therein |
US5377084A (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1994-12-27 | T. Chatani & Co., Ltd. | Surface illuminating apparatus |
US5432876A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1995-07-11 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Illumination devices and optical fibres for use therein |
US5432876C1 (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 2002-05-21 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Illumination devices and optical fibres for use therein |
US5521797A (en) * | 1993-02-01 | 1996-05-28 | Tosoh Corporation | Backlighting device |
US5598280A (en) * | 1993-03-23 | 1997-01-28 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Film lens and a surface light source using the same |
US5786266A (en) * | 1994-04-12 | 1998-07-28 | Lsi Logic Corporation | Multi cut wafer saw process |
US5779338A (en) * | 1994-08-12 | 1998-07-14 | Enplas Corporation | Surface light source device |
US5521342A (en) * | 1994-12-27 | 1996-05-28 | General Motors Corporation | Switch having combined light pipe and printed circuit board |
US5786665A (en) * | 1995-05-23 | 1998-07-28 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Plane-shaped lighting device and a display using such a device |
US5613751A (en) * | 1995-06-27 | 1997-03-25 | Lumitex, Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies |
US5895115A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1999-04-20 | Lumitex, Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies for use in automotive applications and the like |
US5961198A (en) * | 1996-02-02 | 1999-10-05 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing backlighting light guide panel therefor |
US6260458B1 (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 2001-07-17 | Sarcos L.C. | Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guide wires, and the like |
US5845038A (en) * | 1997-01-28 | 1998-12-01 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical fiber illumination system |
US5953445A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 1999-09-14 | Konica Corporation | Light guiding member, light detecting device and defect inspecting apparatus |
US5995288A (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 1999-11-30 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Optical sheet optical sheet lamination light source device, and light-transmissive type display apparatus |
US6565225B2 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2003-05-20 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Bar-shaped light guide, beam lighting device using the bar-shaped light guide, and surface lighting device using the beam lighting device |
US6752338B2 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2004-06-22 | Starkey & Associates Grinding Design And Process Engineering | Ball mill |
US6910783B2 (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2005-06-28 | Lumitex, Inc. | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture |
Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2009147945A (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2009-07-02 | Siemens Ag | Machine provided with optical communication means from first machine part to second machine part relatively rotatable |
US20120069595A1 (en) * | 2010-09-22 | 2012-03-22 | Anthony Catalano | Linear illumination devices |
US8702292B2 (en) * | 2010-09-22 | 2014-04-22 | Terralux, Inc. | Linear illumination devices having light guides and LED-based illumination modules |
US10436969B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2019-10-08 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Optical waveguide and luminaire incorporating same |
US9869432B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2018-01-16 | Cree, Inc. | Luminaires using waveguide bodies and optical elements |
US11644157B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2023-05-09 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Luminaires using waveguide bodies and optical elements |
US11070493B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2021-07-20 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Simplified low profile module with light guide for pendant, surface mount, wall mount and stand alone luminaires |
US9366396B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-06-14 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide and lamp including same |
US9389367B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-07-12 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide and luminaire incorporating same |
US9411086B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-08-09 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide assembly and light engine including same |
US9442243B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-09-13 | Cree, Inc. | Waveguide bodies including redirection features and methods of producing same |
US9519095B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-12-13 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguides |
US9581751B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2017-02-28 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide and lamp including same |
US10234616B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2019-03-19 | Cree, Inc. | Simplified low profile module with light guide for pendant, surface mount, wall mount and stand alone luminaires |
US9690029B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2017-06-27 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguides and luminaires incorporating same |
US9291320B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2016-03-22 | Cree, Inc. | Consolidated troffer |
US9823408B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2017-11-21 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide and luminaire incorporating same |
US9366799B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-14 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide bodies and luminaires utilizing same |
US20140355302A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-12-04 | Cree, Inc. | Outdoor and/or Enclosed Structure LED Luminaire for General Illumination Applications, Such as Parking Lots and Structures |
US11112083B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-09-07 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Optic member for an LED light fixture |
US10209429B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-02-19 | Cree, Inc. | Luminaire with selectable luminous intensity pattern |
US9798072B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-10-24 | Cree, Inc. | Optical element and method of forming an optical element |
US9625638B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-04-18 | Cree, Inc. | Optical waveguide body |
US9920901B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-03-20 | Cree, Inc. | LED lensing arrangement |
US10379278B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-08-13 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED luminaire outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED luminaire having outward illumination |
US10502899B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-12-10 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED luminaire |
US10436970B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-10-08 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Shaped optical waveguide bodies |
US10330845B2 (en) | 2014-09-24 | 2019-06-25 | Rebo Lighting & Electronics, Llc | Waveguide for controlled light distribution |
WO2016049305A1 (en) * | 2014-09-24 | 2016-03-31 | Federal-Mogul Corporation | Waveguide for controlled light distribution |
US10830415B2 (en) * | 2015-05-14 | 2020-11-10 | Lumenpulse Group Inc./Group Lumenpulse Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies with bottom-mounted light source and light guides therefor |
US20180163946A1 (en) * | 2015-05-14 | 2018-06-14 | Fluxwerx Illumination Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies with bottom-mounted light source and light guides therefor |
US9951923B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2018-04-24 | Valeo Iluminacion | Optical device and signaling and/or lighting system for an automotive vehicle |
US10416377B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2019-09-17 | Cree, Inc. | Luminaire with controllable light emission |
US10527785B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2020-01-07 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Waveguide-based light sources with dynamic beam shaping |
US10890714B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2021-01-12 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Waveguide-based light sources with dynamic beam shaping |
US11372156B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2022-06-28 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Waveguide-based light sources with dynamic beam shaping |
US11719882B2 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2023-08-08 | Ideal Industries Lighting Llc | Waveguide-based light sources with dynamic beam shaping |
US10739513B2 (en) | 2018-08-31 | 2020-08-11 | RAB Lighting Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for efficiently directing light toward and away from a mounting surface |
US10801679B2 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2020-10-13 | RAB Lighting Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for assembling luminaires |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1573245B1 (en) | 2012-04-11 |
US6910783B2 (en) | 2005-06-28 |
AU2003277225A8 (en) | 2004-05-04 |
US20040066659A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
ATE553404T1 (en) | 2012-04-15 |
WO2004033959A3 (en) | 2006-05-11 |
AU2003277225A1 (en) | 2004-05-04 |
WO2004033959A2 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
EP1573245A4 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
EP1573245A2 (en) | 2005-09-14 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6910783B2 (en) | Transparent light emitting members and method of manufacture | |
US20100294001A1 (en) | Method of making transparent light emitting members | |
US7681347B1 (en) | Edge lit sign with illuminated image | |
US5618096A (en) | Light emitting panel assemblies | |
US8029708B2 (en) | Methods of cutting or forming cavities in a substrate for use in making optical films, components or wave guides | |
US5550676A (en) | Surface light source element | |
US7300194B2 (en) | Light emitting panel assemblies | |
WO1998026212A1 (en) | Lighting apparatus having low profile | |
US6767106B2 (en) | Edge-lit luminaire having prismatic optical control | |
KR20070101656A (en) | Transparent plastic light guide panel and illumination apparatus with light guide panel | |
US5664861A (en) | Light conductive plate and plane illuminating apparatus using the same | |
WO1997014914A1 (en) | Uniform direction dependent line light source | |
UA22147U (en) | Method for transmitting light flux |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LUMITEX, INC., OHIO Free format text: NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:POLY-OPTICAL PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019466/0594 Effective date: 20070622 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |