Building Interior Illumination With Reflected, Refracted Or Predetermined Angle Of Entrance Of Outside Light Patents (Class 359/591)
  • Patent number: 11668926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide mirror assembly, which includes at least two thin prisms in combination with a rotating module. The thin prisms are oriented to direct the light beam towards the designated spot. The bases carrying the thin prisms are fixed by base fasteners or a moveable holder module, and the thin prisms are adjusted in terms of the spacings among them, the inclined angle thereof and the settings thereof to improve the output orientation and beam convergence of the light beam. The invention is useful in illumination, photo-thermal power generation, photovoltaic power generation, heat extraction air conditioner and light beam communication. The invention is also useful in other applications, such as weather control, fire extinguishment, pest control, energy transmission, telecommunication, rock cutting, molten lava casting and light beam probing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Wei-Yuan Pao
  • Patent number: 11453611
    Abstract: Photosensitive lithium zinc aluminosilicate glasses that can be selectively irradiated and cerammed to provide patterned regions of glass and lithium-based glass ceramic, and composite glass articles made from such glasses and glass ceramics are provided. Compressive and tensile stress at the interface of the lithium-based glass-ceramic and lithium zinc aluminosilicate glass may be used to frustrate crack propagation in such a composite glass/glass ceramic article. Methods of making composite glass articles comprising such lithium-based glass ceramics and lithium zinc aluminosilicate glasses are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: George Halsey Beall, Nicholas Francis Borrelli, Joseph Francis Schroeder, III, Thomas Philip Seward, III
  • Patent number: 11309827
    Abstract: A solar mounting frame for a ventilator apparatus includes: a solar mounting frame having four sides mounted to the ventilator; and a side solar mounting frame having two L-shaped angle rails to mount a solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Gulshan Prem Choppla
  • Patent number: 11209142
    Abstract: A daylight illumination system for integration into a building or larger vehicle comprises a translucent facade element (800) containing a glass sheet and a light redirection element (302 or 708), and a light transport channel (801) for guiding light about horizontally into an interior of the building, the light transport channel comprising one opening attached to the interior side of said facade element and at least one opening towards the interior of the building, characterised in that the light redirection element (302 or 708) is formed as a structured polymer film or sheet attached to a glass sheet of the facade element (800) and is configured for changing the direction of incident light into the about horizontal light transport channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Skynative UG
    Inventors: Tobias Hintermann, Patrice Bujard, Andre Kostro, Adrian Von Muehlenen, Cristobal Garrido Segura
  • Patent number: 10988979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10851584
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10851585
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10808409
    Abstract: A grab rail with automatically activated light including: a straight longitudinal bar having a front longitudinal face and a rear longitudinal face and hollow openings at each end; two light units, each sealingly but releasably secured in one of said hollow end openings; a battery source connected with the light units and located inside the bar; at least one noise activated switching device operatively associated with said LED light units and battery source; and at least one post mount with flange, wherein an end of the post distal the flange is secured to the rear longitudinal face of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Evekare Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Glenn Holland
  • Patent number: 10718479
    Abstract: A daylight illumination system for integration into a building or larger vehicle comprises a translucent facade element (800) containing a glass sheet and a light redirection element (302 or 708), and a light transport channel (801) for guiding light about horizontally into an interior of the building, the light transport channel comprising one opening attached to the interior side of said facade element and at least one opening towards the interior of the building, characterised in that the light redirection element (302 or 708) is formed as a structured polymer film or sheet attached to a glass sheet of the facade element (800) and is configured for changing the direction of incident light into the about horizontal light transport channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Tobias Hintermann, Patrice Bujard, Andre Kostro, Adrian Von Muehlenen, Cristobal Garrido Segura
  • Patent number: 10670227
    Abstract: A downlight fixture includes an optic housing, a light-emitting diode (LED) array, and a lens-less reflector. The LED array emits directional light rays in a downward direction towards an illuminated target. The reflector is mounted within the optic housing and adjacent to the LED array. The reflector has a hyperbolic wall continuously extending between a narrow neck and a wide bell. The light rays are spread into a light beam within the reflector upon making contact solely with the hyperbolic wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Charles Jeffrey Spencer, Zhong Xie, Tony Geralds
  • Patent number: 10619812
    Abstract: There is provided a light collecting device comprising a concave portion for receiving incoming light. The concave portion comprises a reflective inner surface for directing at least partly the incoming light toward a focal spot, which is defined by a geometry of the concave portion. A light guide holder is held in place at the focal spot and holds a light-receiving end of a light guide, inside its annular shape. It holds the light-receiving end toward the concave portion to substantially capture the incoming light directed toward the focal spot. The concave portion can be a dish or a lamp reflector. The light guide holder can be held in place by arms having pads that rest on or hold the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: BIGZ TECH INC.
    Inventor: Eliot Ahdoot
  • Patent number: 10595469
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus that includes a flexible circuit substrate that has a front face and an opposite back face, and a first end and an opposite second end; a first plurality of LED dice on the flexible substrate, wherein each die of the first plurality of LED dice emits blue light; a second plurality of LED dice that emits red light; a third plurality of LED dice that emits infrared, wherein the first, second and third plurality of LEDs each emit a full-width-half-maximum bandwidth of no more than 50 nm in each of their respective colors; a first and second end cap affixed to opposite ends of flexible substrate and configured to curve the first face of the flexible circuit substrate into a concave shape; and a pole bracket connected to the end caps for attaching to a pole that supports the lighting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Grow Lites, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Golle, Aaron J. Golle, Barbara A. DeBaun, David T. Doan, Matthew P. Limpert, Walter J. Paciorek, Jason P. Green, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 10508490
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10508489
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10329769
    Abstract: The present subject matter comprises a simple, passive skylight dome with relatively tall partially vertical sides comprising partially transparent material which diffuses the transmitted light, and a mostly opaque sun shade near the top of the relatively tall partially vertical sides. The partially vertical sides are able to better intercept sunlight from low sun elevation angles than conventional horizontal skylights. The mostly opaque sun shade is able to block sunlight from high sun elevation angles to prevent such sunlight from entering the building below the dome. By enhancing the collection of low-sun-elevation-angle light, the subject matter improves the daylight performance of the skylight early and late in the day, and all day in the winter months. By reducing the collection of high-sun-elevation-angle light, the subject matter reduces the solar heat gain near solar noon in the summer months, thereby reducing air conditioning loads and related costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Entech Solar, Inc
    Inventor: David Gelbaum
  • Patent number: 10018379
    Abstract: A system and method for converting the sun's electromagnetic radiation to work, where the system collects the radiation with at least first one lens or mirror. Splitting means split the radiation spectrum, preferably using prism, set of prisms, diffraction grating, or set of beam splitters. Second one lens or mirror is configured to collect the radiation separately for each wavelength range. At least one fiber optic cable is configured to transfer the radiation to electromagnetically or electrically operated appliance, device or machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sol Cold Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaron Shenhav
  • Patent number: 9978892
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transparent pane, in particular a glass pane, which includes on at least one of its main surfaces a surface structure including an assembly of specified individual motifs in relief, in particular pyramids, cones, or truncated cones, created by embossing or by rolling. A structure is created on the surface of the pane constituted by individual motifs, based on one or more basic motifs but which are distinguished from each other by their depth, their height, and/or the perimeter of their base area, and/or by the position of their peak with respect to their base. With this variation, formation of intensity peaks of the reflected light is prevented and at the same time a high quality of light trapping is obtained by panes suitable, for example, for solar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Nils-Peter Harder, Ulf Blieske, Dirk Neumann, Marcus Neander, Michele Schiavoni, Patrick Gayout
  • Patent number: 9970613
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting film according to one aspect of the invention including: a first substrate having optical transparency; a plurality of lighting units formed of a plurality of polygonal prism-shaped structures having optical transparency provided on a first surface of the first substrate; and gaps provided between the plurality of lighting units, in which the lighting unit is a polygon which has five vertexes in a sectional shape orthogonal to a longitudinal direction and has all of internal angles smaller than 180°, the lighting unit includes a first side which is one side of the polygon corresponding to a surface contacted with the first substrate, and a plurality of vertexes including a first vertex and a second vertex which are vertexes corresponding to both ends of the first side and a third vertex which is not positioned on the first side, a length of a perpendicular line of the first side passing the third vertex is longer than a length of a perpendicular line of the first side passing a ve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideomi Yui, Tsuyoshi Kamada, Tomoko Nango
  • Patent number: 9914660
    Abstract: A sensitized, photo-structurable glasses and methods for producing are provided. The glasses includes Si4+, one or more crystal-agonist, one or more crystal-antagonist, and one or more pair of nucleating agents. The glasses are sensitized in that the glass reacts more sensitive to irradiation with UV-light and can be crystallized easier and with higher aspect ratios than a non-sensitized glass with equal composition. Furthermore, the sensitized glasses of this invention have smaller crystal sizes after irradiation and tempering than a non-sensitized glass with equal composition. The invention also relates to a structured glass product. Such product can be obtained by submitting the crystallized glass product to a subsequent etching step. The structured product can be used in components or as component for the application fields micro-technology, micro-reaction-technology, electronic packaging, micro-fluidics, FED spacer, bio-technology, interposer, and/or three-dimensional structured antennae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Bianca Schreder, Marten Walther, Martin Feichtinger, Lothar Niessner, Carsten Renz, Sean Qian, Junming Xue
  • Patent number: 9835302
    Abstract: The Sun Sky/Electric Hybrid Lighting System (SEHLS) is the fully integrated sun lighting system that can be connected through out multiple rooms to bring natural sun stereophonic lighting into a home or office. SEHLS is a dual capable system that was designed for energy savings with both sun power and low energy lighting. The SEHLS system has four major lighting systems that fit any room's needs. Each unit has been designed with the same common usage and capability. In this Patent, the Sun Sky/Electric Reflective Lite System (SERLS) will be Patented as an example. The SERLS is a dual usage system that can be placed in medium-spaced room such as a bedroom, hallway or office to provide sun light luminance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventors: Henry Vernon Reed, II, Nancy Suzanne Hardon
  • Patent number: 9702149
    Abstract: A tubular skylight is provided, comprising a roof mounted element for collecting exterior light, a ceiling mounted element, and a tube connecting the roof mounted element and the ceiling mounted element. The skylight includes a diffuser element mounted in the ceiling mounted element for distributing the exterior light in a room. The diffuser element includes a first diffuser pane having a translucent bottom portion and a sidewall portion with a translucent light path zone. The tubular skylight has means for affecting the luminance of the light exiting the diffuser such that the luminance of light exiting through the light path zone has a different luminance than light exiting through the bottom portion. The ceiling mounted element and the diffuser element provide a light passage from the light path zone to the room by a free space adjacent the light path zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Kristian Nitzsch Kristensen
  • Patent number: 9594240
    Abstract: Provided are a lighting apparatus, and an optical inspection apparatus and an optical microscope using the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a light source that emits light, an optical device that outputs light that is more uniformly intense over a predetermined ray angle distribution than light input thereto; a multi-reflection device that reflects light multiple times, the multi-reflection device having a light incident surface receiving light and a light emission surface that emits multiply reflected light, and a light diffusion device that diffuses the light emitted from the light emission surface of the multi-reflection device. The light source, the optical device, the multi-reflection device, and light diffusion device share an optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kimura, Mitsuhiro Togashi, Masaki Takada, Mitsunori Numata
  • Patent number: 9329321
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a backlight module comprising a light collection system, a light guide plate and a plurality of optical fibers, wherein all light incident ends of the plurality of optical fibers are connected to the light collection system for receiving sunlight; the backlight module further includes an optical fiber connector; the plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel on the surface of the light guide plate, with all their light emitting ends flush with the light incident end of the light guide plate; the optical fiber connector abuts against the light emitting end of the plurality of optical fibers and the light incident end of the light guide plate, respectively, used for guiding the sunlight emitting from the light emitting end of the plurality of optical fibers to enter the light guide plate from the light incident end of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chao Ning
  • Patent number: 9322178
    Abstract: A skylight with a sunlight pivot is provided. The skylight includes an external cover, a light channel, and a sunlight pivot disposed between the cover and the light channel. The sunlight pivot may include a periphery, a plurality of struts, and first and second prisms connected to at least two of these struts. The first and second prisms may define a void between them. The first prism has a cross-section configured to redirect light incident upon the exterior of the pivot to increase the amount of light passing into the light channel. The second prism is configured with a cross-section configured to redirect light incident upon the exterior of the pivot to decrease the amount of light passing through the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: VKR HOLDINGS A/S
    Inventors: Steve Roy Kastner, Charles Joseph Rimsky
  • Patent number: 9291321
    Abstract: Lighting devices and methods for providing daylight to the interior of a structure are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a daylighting device including a tube having a sidewall with a reflective interior surface, a light collecting structure, and a light reflector positioned to reflect daylight into the light collector. In some embodiments, the light collector is associated with one or more light-turning and/or light reflecting structures configured to increase the amount of light captured by the daylighting device. Optical elements may allow for the absorption and/or selective transmission of infrared light away from an interior of the daylighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SOLATUBE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Paul August Jaster
  • Patent number: 9236517
    Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly includes a light splitting element, a light converging element, an optical fiber unit and a photoelectric unit. The light converging element is located between the light splitting element and the optical fiber unit. The optical fiber unit is located between the light converging element and the photoelectric unit. The light splitting element splits sunlight into light of different wavelengths. The light converging element converges the split light onto different focal points. The optical fiber unit transmits the converged light to the photoelectric unit. The photoelectric unit converts the light into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Po-Chou Chen
  • Patent number: 9103870
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus inspects a photovoltaic cell panel in which the photo device is formed. The inspection apparatus includes: an irradiation part that irradiates the photovoltaic cell panel with pulsed light (pump light) emitted from a femtosecond laser; a detecting part that detects an electromagnetic wave pulse, which is generated from the photovoltaic cell panel according to the irradiation of the pump light; and a continuous light irradiation part that irradiates a portion, which is irradiated with the pump light in the photovoltaic cell panel, with continuous light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SCREEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Nakanishi, Masayoshi Tonouchi, Iwao Kawayama
  • Patent number: 9028078
    Abstract: Lens apparatus includes adjacent concave and convex lens surfaces adjacent with an air layer therebetween. At least one of the lens surfaces includes an antireflection film including multiple subwavelength structures at an average pitch of 400 nm or smaller. The surface satisfies: 0.7<R1/R2<1.3, and |?2??1|>15°, provided that: D=f/FNo, ?1=sin?1(D/(2×fi)), and ?2=sin?1((h×D)/R2), where f and FNo represent focal length and F-number of the entire optical system, f1 represents focal length of an optical system on object side with respect to the air layer between the lens surfaces, h represents axial conversion beam height on the at least one surface having anti-reflection film, R1 and R2 represent curvature radii of surfaces of respective object and image sides between the lens surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Iriyama
  • Publication number: 20140360578
    Abstract: A solar energy system for collecting light includes at least one stretchable lightguide film configured to optically couple light into a lightguide condition in the at least one stretchable lightguide film. Also disclosed is a method for collecting light with a lightguide film that includes stretching or contracting the lightguide film having one or more coupling features to optically couple light into the lightguide film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony J. Nichol, Zane A. Coleman
  • Patent number: 8896924
    Abstract: An improved tubular daylighting system comprises a plurality of tubular shaft sections connected to a skylight lens for transmitting light through the shaft sections to the interior of a building. Adjoining top and bottom shaft sections have different diameters to enable one to be inserted into the other, the top shaft section having a plurality of tabs, the bottom section having a plurality of slots which register with the tabs of the top shaft section, such that selectively bending the tabs outwardly or inwardly from the shaft wall of the top shaft section through the slots of the bottom shaft section interconnects the top and bottom shaft sections in coaxial alignment. In one embodiment an inverted dome diffuser is mounted below the skylight lens atop the shaft sections to diffuse light entering the shaft sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Weaver
  • Patent number: 8885255
    Abstract: A method and device for improving natural lighting within buildings is provided. The device comprises a controllable shelf having an upper, specular reflective surface for directing natural light into interior spaces and against interior ceilings. The shelves can be static or pivotable to redirect light based on the day and time of year. The pivotable shelf can be rotated downward or upwards to change the angle with which the light is reflected into the adjacent window, while its position is below the window and along the exterior of the building. This improves interior natural lighting and reduces electrical lighting costs using either a static shelf or movable shelf, wherein the assembly is deployable in a commercial or residential environment without blocking any naturally entering light through the window itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Isamu James Yokota
  • Patent number: 8820010
    Abstract: A window assembly defines a transom opening above a movably deployable reflective shelf that is positionable to reflect sunlight into the building through the transom, and also can be closed over the transom for protection and/or privacy. The reflective shelf may be associated with a mechanically operated a jalousie window. A plurality of shading shelves may be located on the window below the reflecting shelf and similarly operable to open and close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Fernando L. Abruña, Jesús M. Sosa
  • Publication number: 20140198281
    Abstract: A light guiding system, an edge-type backlight module and a liquid crystal display are disclosed. The light guiding system includes an ambient light collection system facing toward ambient light for absorbing the ambient light, a plurality of light guiding devices, and a fluorescent film arranged between the light emitting ends and the light incident surface. Each of the plurality of light guiding devices includes a light emitting end and a light incident end. The light emitting ends are arranged close to a light incident surface of a light guiding plate, and the light incident ends are arranged close to the ambient light collection system. The absorbed ambient light enters the light incident ends and propagates toward the light emitting ends. By adopting the fluorescent film, the light beams from the light emitting ends are diffused such that brightness difference on the light incident surface is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology
    Inventors: Che-chang Hu, Hu He
  • Publication number: 20140198390
    Abstract: Dual-sided daylight redirecting films include an optical substrate with two solar light redirecting layers disposed on the major surfaces of the optical substrate. The light redirecting layers are microstructured surfaces forming a plurality of prism structures. At least one of the microstructured surfaces is an ordered arrangement of a plurality of asymmetric refractive prisms, and the two solar light redirecting layers are not identical or mirror images. Articles may be prepared that include the dual-sided daylight redirecting film and one or more glazing substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Charles A. Marttila, Bing Hao
  • Patent number: 8736961
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to techniques and equipment for color correction of natural daylight. More particularly, the present application relates to color correction of daylight entering the interior of a structure to maintain a substantially constant color temperature over a period of time through deployment of an opto-luminescent material in a daylighting device. The color correction through deployment of an opto-luminescent material and/or color filter in a daylighting device preferably maintains high lumen intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lydecker, Jack C. Rains, Jr., David P. Ramer
  • Patent number: 8730578
    Abstract: A sunlight coupler is provided, the sunlight coupler may include a beam integrator configured to concentrate beams of sunlight, which may be incident from a plurality of optical fibers, in the form of a single beam, a triplet lens focusing the concentrated beam on a specific position, and an optical fiber provided for transmission of the focused sunlight. The optical fiber may be a thermally-diffusion expand core fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Young Soon Heo, Hyun Seo Kang, Young Sun Kim, Hyoung Jun Park, Kwon-Seob Lim, Keo-Sik Kim, Eun Kyoung Jeon
  • Publication number: 20140126062
    Abstract: A sunlight coupler is provided, the sunlight coupler may include a beam integrator configured to concentrate beams of sunlight, which may be incident from a plurality of optical fibers, in the form of a single beam, a triplet lens focusing the concentrated beam on a specific position, and an optical fiber provided for transmission of the focused sunlight. The optical fiber may be a thermally-diffusion expand core fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
  • Publication number: 20140085728
    Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SunCentral Inc.
    Inventor: Lorne Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8640991
    Abstract: An aircraft window includes a microstructure so that light rays with a correspondingly large angle of incidence are reflected back to the exterior region. By contrast, light rays with another, i.e. smaller, angle of incidence are allowed to pass almost without hindrance. The microstructures are designed as optical prisms, wherein the order of magnitude of the prisms is in the region of light wave lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Saalmann
  • Publication number: 20140022640
    Abstract: An illumination system for illumining an anechoic chamber includes a light gathering device mounted on an outer surface of the anechoic chamber for gathering daylight, a light guiding post mounted to the anechoic chamber, and a diffusion device received in the anechoic chamber. The light guiding post is connected between the light gathering device and the diffusion device. The light guiding post includes two shields mounted in the light guiding post, which are respectively adjacent to the light gathering device and the diffusion device, to protect the anechoic chamber from electrostatic or magnetic interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YONG-SHENG YANG, XIAO-LIAN HE
  • Patent number: 8619366
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for integrating at least one optical element inside an insulated glazing unit comprising at least two glass panes, where the optical element has a plurality of perforations and a non-perforated area, where the non-perforated area prevents penetration of light in a building where the insulated glazing unit is mounted, and where the perforations have a depth/width ratio that allows for passage of light with given angles of incidence, while light having other angles of incidence are unable to pass though the perforations, which provides a shading effect, and wherein the optical element is arranged between the two glass panes by means of an adhesive, and where the adhesive is substantially not present in the perforations of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Photosolar A/S
    Inventors: Eik Bezzel, Alicia Johansson, Claus Barholm-Hansen
  • Patent number: 8611011
    Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: SunCentral, Inc.
    Inventor: Lorne Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20130314795
    Abstract: An improved tubular daylighting system comprises a plurality of tubular shaft sections connected to a skylight lens for transmitting light through the shaft sections to the interior of a building. Adjoining top and bottom shaft sections have different diameters to enable one to be inserted into the other, the top shaft section having a plurality of tabs, the bottom section having a plurality of slots which register with the tabs of the top shaft section, such that selectively bending the tabs outwardly or inwardly from the shaft wall of the top shaft section through the slots of the bottom shaft section interconnects the top and bottom shaft sections in coaxial alignment. In one embodiment an inverted dome diffuser is mounted below the skylight lens atop the shaft sections to diffuse light entering the shaft sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Weaver
  • Publication number: 20130301134
    Abstract: A method and device for improving natural lighting within buildings is provided. The device comprises a controllable shelf having an upper, specular reflective surface for directing natural light into interior spaces and against interior ceilings. The shelves can be static or pivotable to redirect light based on the day and time of year. The pivotable shelf can be rotated downward or upwards to change the angle with which the light is reflected into the adjacent window, while its position is below the window and along the exterior of the building. This improves interior natural lighting and reduces electrical lighting costs using either a static shelf or movable shelf, wherein the assembly is deployable in a commercial or residential environment without blocking any naturally entering light through the window itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Isamu James Yokota
  • Publication number: 20130293963
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to techniques and equipment for color correction of natural daylight. More particularly, the present application relates to color correction of daylight entering the interior of a structure to maintain a substantially constant color temperature over a period of time through deployment of an opto-luminescent material in a daylighting device. The color correction through deployment of an opto-luminescent material and/or color filter in a daylighting device preferably maintains high lumen intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lydecker, Jack C. Rains, JR., David P. Ramer
  • Patent number: 8568011
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Windsor Rillie, Keith Robert Kopitzke, Ding Yao Shay, Paul August Jaster
  • Publication number: 20130279008
    Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: SUNCENTRAL, INC.
    Inventor: Lorne Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20130133744
    Abstract: A light collection and light guidance system including: a flat collecting sheet having a first roughened light receiving front surface; and a plurality of optical fibers attached to at least one edge of the flat collecting sheet, wherein the first roughened light receiving front surface of the sheet has a plurality of resonance coupling periodicities, a plurality of correlation lengths, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a method of light collection and light guidance using the aforementioned system, or a system including a flat collecting sheet and a solar converter, as defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Etienne, Claudio Mazzali, William James Miller, Daniel Aloysius Nolan
  • Patent number: 8371078
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a sunlight collection system has an upper portion with prismatic elements and a lower cylindrical portion extending from the periphery of the upper portion down to terminate in an open lower end through which light can pass. In certain embodiments, a prism ring is positioned within the cylindrical portion and is configured to refract sunlight entering the sunlight collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Solatube International
    Inventor: Paul Jaster
  • Patent number: 8331028
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a light shelf of the present invention includes at least one panel assembly for reflecting daylight into a space; and at least two structural elements for holding the panel assembly, wherein the structural elements include a spine component having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a first mounting component for installing on a structural member and for engaging the proximal end of the spine component; a second mounting component for engaging the distal end of the spine component; and a sleeve component having at least one indentation for holding a side of the panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Prashanth Irudayaraj, Gregory McKenna