Patent · US Expired

Fiberoptically illuminated appliances

US6176824A · kind A · utility

132Cited by
51References
3Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 10, 1997
Grant dateJan 23, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61C17/08
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A fiberoptically illuminated appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a light source and an elongate fiberoptic cable, which is operably engaged to the light source and which conducts light from the light source therethrough. A translucent appliance is operated in a conventional manner to perform a primary predetermined function, which function is exclusive of lighting. The appliance includes a continuous light conducting pathway that is uninterrupted by air and a light-emitting surface formed on the periphery of the appliance and communicably connected to the light-conducting pathway. The cable and the appliance are communicably interengaged. Light is directed from the cable through the continuous light-conducting pathway to the light-emitting surface, from which surface light is projected to illuminate the primary predetermined function.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.