Fiber optic end coupling for a lighting system
US5802227A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S385/901
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved fiber optic end coupling apparatus for a bundle of optical fibers that is heat resistant and that can precisely and easily align different-sized fiber optic bundles along an axis of the beam of light. The end coupling releasably connects one end of a fiber optic bundle to a housing containing an illumination source to light an object, which, by way of example, can be a swimming pool, a spa or the like. The cable has a bundle of exposed coaxial optical fibers in a region adjacent to the end of the cable. The coupling includes a tubular body that has a forward end and that is mounted concentrically on the bundle so that the exposed ends of the fibers are out of contact with the body and extend axially forward from the forward end of the body. The coupling also includes a connector mounted on the body in releasable engagement with the housing to support the ends of the fibers close to the illumination source. A holder is mounted forward of the forward end of the body to locate the ends of the fibers in a position to receive the light emitted by the illumination source. Therein and this hole has a centerpoint located such that light is directed along the fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.