Abstract: A GRIN optic having an optical axis (z-direction) and a GRIN profile varying in the x and y-directions, the profile having one or more discontinuities extending in the x-y direction. The discontinuities may form a non-closed shape or have a non-smooth rectilinear shape. The GRIN optic may have plane-parallel surfaces. A method of designing a GRIN optic which includes mapping discretized elements in the light output specification to array elements of a linear GRIN array elements, identifying for each array element, a base refractive index n0, a gradient magnitude ?, and a gradient direction ?G capable of directing a beamlet from the light source to a corresponding location in the light output specification, and constructing a piecewise-continuous freeform GRIN profile of the GRIN optic by integrating the discrete linear GRIN array elements into a continuous refractive index profile.

Abstract: A GRIN optic having an optical axis (z-direction) and a GRIN profile varying in the x and y-directions, the profile having one or more discontinuities extending in the x-y direction. The discontinuities may form a non-closed shape or have a non-smooth rectilinear shape. The GRIN optic may have plane-parallel surfaces. A method of designing a GRIN optic which includes mapping discretized elements in the light output specification to array elements of a linear GRIN array elements, identifying for each array element, a base refractive index n0, a gradient magnitude ?, and a gradient direction ?G capable of directing a beamlet from the light source to a corresponding location in the light output specification, and constructing a piecewise-continuous freeform GRIN profile of the GRIN optic by integrating the discrete linear GRIN array elements into a continuous refractive index profile.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment an improved faucet proportioner includes a plate for defining a first stream of water together with additional curtain streams of water adjacent the first stream. The first stream is directed into a venturi for pulling a second liquid, like detergent or sanitizer, while the curtain streams flow alongside outside of the venturi, but within the proportioner. The streams first contain any splash or splatter of the first stream at the venturi mouth, and secondly the streams enhance the venturi drawing action of the first stream upon joining the first stream as it flows out of the venturi discharge opening. The enhanced venturi action of the first stream effectively draws the second liquid into the first stream, yet the proportioner does not require any porous obstruction downstream of the venturi which might clog or retain detergent or sanitizer and release it when only pure water is desired. Methods are included.