Side-light extraction by light pipe-surface alteration and light-extraction devices extending radially beyond the outer cladding
US7164819B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/02033
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A light pipe with side-light extraction by light pipe-surface alteration includes an optical light pipe with a plastic light-carrying portion covered with a fluoropolymer cladding. A plurality of light-extraction devices is spaced along an active section of the light pipe for emission of side light over only a range from about 2 to 270 degrees of the cross-sectional circumference of the light pipe in the active section. The light-extraction devices have inlets passing through the cladding and optically contacting the plastic light-carrying portion. Another form of light pipe with side-light extraction by light pipe-surface alteration includes an optical light pipe with a plastic light-carrying portion. An active section of the light pipe for side light emission comprises an axisymmetrical change of area of cross section of the light pipe that generally diminishes from an inlet end of the active section, through the active section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.