Method and apparatus for light redistribution by internal reflection
US6739738B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for redistributing light to shift the apparent position of light generation and provide a more uniform area of light emission from a light assembly incorporating a plurality of spaced-apart light sources. Divergent light from each light source is collimated into a beam. Portions of each beam are diverted from the direction of the beam, transmitted laterally and redirected to emerge from the light assembly radially spaced from the position of the light source producing the beam. An internal reflecting lens member molded from optical plastic is disclosed as one apparatus for carrying out the method. The disclosed method and apparatus are particularly applicable to light assemblies incorporating an array of LEDs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.