Patent · US Expired

Flexible light pipe for side-lit applications

US6215947A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
3References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 18, 2000
Grant dateApr 10, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 18, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S385/901
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved optical light pipe for side-lit uses is formed from a core/cladding combination, optionally with a transparent jacket, where the core is preferably a cured acrylic polymer and the cladding is preferably a fluorocarbon polymer containing a very low level of fine particles which scatter the light uniformly along the length of the piping. Further light enhancement can be obtained with low levels of glass fibers or glass microspheres also present in the cladding. Chopped glass fibers alone at low levels in the cladding are useful for back-lit applications. The light pipe so formed is useful in signs, underwater outlines, corridor lighting in theaters, and similar uses.

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