Specific Material (e.g., Type Of Light Conducting Material, Material Of Pipe Or Rod) Patents (Class 362/582)
  • Patent number: 11867808
    Abstract: One example system comprises a light source configured to emit light. The system also comprises a waveguide configured to guide the emitted light from a first end of the waveguide toward a second end of the waveguide. The waveguide has an output surface between the first end and the second end. The system also comprises a plurality of mirrors including a first mirror and a second mirror. The first mirror reflects a first portion of the light toward the output surface. The second mirror reflects a second portion of the light toward the output surface. The first portion propagates out of the output surface toward a scene as a first transmitted light beam. The second portion propagates out of the output surface toward the scene as a second transmitted light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, David Neil Hutchison, James Dunphy, Nathaniel Golshan, Ralph Hamilton Shepard
  • Patent number: 11731260
    Abstract: A magnetic pick-up tool, including a handle, a magnetic attraction head, and a telescopic rod. The magnetic attraction head is disposed in front of the handle. A first magnet is disposed on the magnetic attraction head. A front end of the telescopic rod is connected to a rear end of the magnetic attraction head. A rear end of the telescopic rod is connected to the handle. An illuminating lamp device capable of emitting light forwards is disposed on the magnetic attraction head. The illuminating lamp device capable of emitting light forwards is disposed on the magnetic attraction head and may be turned on as required for achieving free switching of auxiliary illumination, which have a wider illumination range on sides in a dark environment, so that users may pick up objects well and convenience is brought to the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Zhiwei Wu
  • Patent number: 11719873
    Abstract: A solid body made of an inactive, light transmissive material has embedded therein an optical fiber having a lengthwise segment in which a scattering structure is formed that is to redirect primary propagating light sideways out of the fiber. An active photoluminescent layer integrated in the optical fiber is to wavelength-convert the primary light into secondary light. The solid body is generally cylindrical but without rotational symmetry about the center longitudinal axis of the fiber. A portion of the outer side surface of the body is curved and is covered by an external reflector, while another portion of the outer side surface is uncovered by the reflector in order for the secondary light to emerge. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: L.E.S.S. LTD
    Inventor: Yann Tissot
  • Patent number: 11644158
    Abstract: The present application discloses a light pipe assembly having a light pipe with a proximal end, an opposing distal end, a length between the proximal end and the distal end, and a surface, the surface having an emitting portion and an overlay portion, where the light pipe is a material capable of transmitting light with a first refractive index; and a reflective secondary surface having a second refractive index and a width, the reflective secondary surface positioned adjacent the overlay portion of the light pipe, where the first refractive index is greater than the refractive index of air, and the second refractive index is greater than the first refractive index. In at least one embodiment, the reflective secondary surface is a non-metallic material capable of reflecting light. In at least one embodiment, the width of the reflective secondary surface varies along the length of the light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Glex-N-Gate Advanced Product Developlemt, LLC
    Inventors: Ronie George, James R. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 11262030
    Abstract: The present application discloses a light pipe assembly having a light pipe with a proximal end, an opposing distal end, a length between the proximal end and the distal end, and a surface, the surface having an emitting portion and an overlay portion, where the light pipe is a material capable of transmitting light with a first refractive index; and a reflective secondary surface having a second refractive index and a width, the reflective secondary surface positioned adjacent the overlay portion of the light pipe, where the first refractive index is greater than the refractive index of air, and the second refractive index is greater than the first refractive index. In at least one embodiment, the reflective secondary surface is a non-metallic material capable of reflecting light. In at least one embodiment, the width of the reflective secondary surface varies along the length of the light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Ronie George, James R. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 11224307
    Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 11160414
    Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick Millett
  • Patent number: 10921504
    Abstract: Disclosed are a light guide structure and a luminous pad with the structure. The luminous pad includes a pad body and a light guide structure installed at the periphery of the pad body. The light guide structure includes a light guide strip, a light source module, an electric object, a light pipe and a transmission wire set. The light guide strip has first and second positions; the light source module is installed at the first position and electrically connected to the transmitter; the electric object is installed at the second position; the light pipe is sheathed on light guide strip; the transmission wire set is installed between the light guide strip and the light pipe, and the transmission wire set is connected between the electric object and the transmitter. Therefore, the transmission wire set can be hidden to maintain aesthetics and ensure the flatness of the luminous pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: E-CENTURY TECHNICAL & INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: I-Kuang Lai
  • Patent number: 10007051
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of display technology, and particularly relates to a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module comprises a light source and a light guide plate, the light source being arranged at a light incident surface side of the light guide plate and a light guide pattern comprising a gap being arranged on a rear surface of the light guide plate opposite to a light-exiting surface of the light guide plate, wherein the backlight module further comprises a reflector unit that is used for reflecting light passing through the gap of the light guide pattern arranged on the rear surface of the light guide plate back into the light guide plate, so that the reflected light exits from the light-exiting surface of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhanqi Xu, Jun Chen, Pengyu Zhang, Hongqiang Luo, Guiyu Zhang, Tao Ma
  • Patent number: 9276370
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a high-power liquid-cooled pump and signal combiner and methods thereof for fiber optic applications. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pump and signal combiner capable of conveying several kilowatts of pump laser power for kilowatt class rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers without suffering thermal damage. In one embodiment of the present invention, a high-power, heat dissipating optical fiber device comprises a section of optical fiber configured to propagate light, a cooling chamber, substantially encapsulating the optical fiber, and a fluid within the cooling chamber having a refractive index selected to control the interaction and propagation of the light in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fishteyn, Marc Mermelstein
  • Patent number: 9072452
    Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Invuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Vayser, Fernando Erismann, Douglas Rimer, Vladimir Zagatsky
  • Publication number: 20150145834
    Abstract: A light-based touch-sensitive surface, including a housing, a surface attached to the housing for receiving touch input, a plurality of light sources in the housing for emitting light that crosses the surface, a plurality of light receivers in the housing for detecting the light emitted by the light sources, a curved lens adjacent to the surface through which the light emitted by the light sources passes, including two substantially similarly curved exterior panels, one of which forms a curved rim for the surface, and a calculating unit in said housing, connected to the light receivers, for calculating a touch location based on an absence of light expected to be received by the receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Holmgren, Lars Sparf, John Karlsson, Anders Jansson, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Niklas Kvist, Robert Pettersson
  • Patent number: 8997415
    Abstract: A light-conducting component, in particular finished concrete part in the form of a masonry brick, for constructions and buildings. The component is produced in a casting mold by casting into at least one casting building material and the optical waveguide is made of a light-conducting building material, e.g. PMMA polymer or glass, which is accessible at at least two positions on the outer surface of the light-conducting component for the input of light and output of light. The optical waveguide is configured as a self-supporting 2D or 3D lattice body composed of rods having a thickness/diameter of greater than 1 mm. The self-supporting 2D or 3D lattice body has approximately the same or an only slightly smaller width (W), or length (L), or base dimensions (W, L), or total external dimensions (W, L, H) than the casting mold itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Dieter Christandl, Josef Christandl, Robert Hofer, Oliver Fischer
  • Publication number: 20150043241
    Abstract: A light guide has a transmission of greater than 90 percent, a refractive index greater than 1.4, and less than 10 haze percent. The light guide also includes an organosiloxane block copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least 20,000 g/mole. The organosiloxane block copolymer includes 40 to 90 mole percent disiloxy units of the formula [R12SiO2/2] arranged in linear blocks each having an average of from 10 to 400 disiloxy units [R12SiO2/2] per linear block, 10 to 60 mole percent trisiloxy units of the formula [R2SiO3/2] arranged in non-linear blocks each having a weight average molecular weight of at least 500 g/mol, and 0.5 to 25 mole percent silanol groups [?SiOH]. R1 is independently a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl and R2 is independently a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl. Moreover, at least 30% of the non-linear blocks are crosslinked with another non-linear block and aggregated in nano-domains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: David J. Deshazer, Steven Swier
  • Publication number: 20150016140
    Abstract: An illumination device for irradiating objects with electromagnetic radiation is provided. The illumination device includes at least one light guide and a radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation in the spectral region from 320 nm to 420 nm into the light guide. The light guide is formed of a glass that has a spectral transmittance of at least 70% at 350 nm and is selected from the system of lead-free silicate-tin glasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Schott AG
    Inventors: Thomas Weingaertner, Lothar Willmes, Bernd Schultheis
  • Publication number: 20140369066
    Abstract: A traceable cable assembly comprises: a fiber optic cable including a cable jacket that encloses an optical fiber, and two conductive elements that are embedded spacedly in the cable jacket and that extend along the optical fiber; and multiple lighting units spacedly secured to the fiber optic cable. Each lighting unit includes a connecting seat provided with a light emitting element, and mounted to the fiber optic cable so that the light emitting element is connected electrically between the conductive elements through the connecting seat. A portable power device is detachably coupled to the connecting seat of one lighting unit for supplying a supply voltage to the light emitting element of each lighting unit through the conductive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: AMPHENOL FIBER OPTIC TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN)
    Inventors: Bolin JIANG, Songsheng LI, Min CHEN, Linghua ZHU
  • Publication number: 20140355297
    Abstract: An optical component has an elongate length extending between first and second ends and a width transverse to and substantially smaller than the length and extending between first and second sides. The optical component includes a refractive portion disposed between the first and second sides and extending along the length between the first and second ends, and a plurality of separate reflective portions. At least one of the plurality of separate reflective portions is spaced from the refractive portion and extending along the length between the first and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Mario A. Castillo, Kurt S. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8851731
    Abstract: The light-diffusion LED lamp according to the present patent application includes LED blue light chips and light-guiding column, wherein a substrate of the LED blue light chips is provided with a blocking wall made of reflective heat-conducting materials, chips thereof are provided within the blocking wall, and the upper surface of the substrate within the blocking wall is covered with a transparent heat-conducting layer. The lower portion of the transparent light-guiding column is attached with a cover plate, the bottom surface of which is provided with stepped grooves that match with the LED blue light chips, the side wall of the second stepped groove thereof and the upper surface of the cover plate are provided with a light reflective layer, the top surface of which is covered with a fluorescent layer, and the top portion of the transparent light-guiding column has a reflective structure mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ningbo Baishi Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Marcus Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140286048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switchable see-through luminescent system, e.g. for luminous signage, characterized by its mode to exist in two different states, transparent (‘off-state’) and luminescent (‘on-state’), due to the presence of a luminescent material (20), coated on to the transparent surface (10), capable of being excited on command by means of lighting sources (30) (e.g. LEDs) characterized by suitable emission spectra. In the off-state of the luminescent material (20), the surface appears transparent and it is not evident any significant modifications of the optical properties (transparency, color, etc.) of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Pietro Riello, Francesco Enrichi, Luca Bellotto, Isidora Freris, Simone Bellan
  • Patent number: 8807813
    Abstract: A ring light illuminator with annularly arranged light sources is disclosed. To each light source there corresponds a beam shaper comprising a light collector, a homogenizing means for light from the light source, and an imaging means for imaging an output of the homogenizing means into an area to be illuminated. The homogenizing means in embodiments is a rod, into which light from the light collector is directed. The end of the rod opposite the light collector is imaged by the imaging means into the area to be illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Andy Hill
  • Patent number: 8789992
    Abstract: A light pipe and an illuminating device having the light pipe may be provided. The light pipe may include an optical film having a glass transition temperature of approximately 110° C. to approximately 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8620125
    Abstract: Light diffusing optical fibers and methods for producing light diffusing optical fibers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light diffusing optical fiber includes a core portion formed from silica glass and comprising a plurality of helical void randomly distributed in the core portion of the optical fiber and wrapped around the long axis of the optical fiber. A pitch of the helical voids may vary along the axial length of the light diffusing optical fiber in order to achieve the desired illumination along the length of the optical fiber. A cladding may surround the core portion. Light guided by the core portion is scattered by the helical voids radially outward, through the cladding, such that the light diffusing optical fiber emits light with a predetermined intensity over an axial length of the light diffusing optical fiber, the light diffusing optical fiber having a scattering induced attenuation loss greater than about 0.2 dB/m at a wavelength of 550 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie James Button, Andrey Kobyakov, Sergey Anatolyevuch Kuchinsky, Stephan Lvovich Logunov, Aramais Zakharian
  • Patent number: 8591087
    Abstract: An illumination system generating light having at least one wavelength within 200 nm to 2000 nm range. The system includes a light source and at least one light diffusing optical fiber with a plurality of nano-sized structures (e.g., voids). The optical fiber is coupled to the light source. The light diffusing optical fiber has a core and a cladding. The plurality of nano-sized structures is situated either within said core or at a core-cladding boundary. The optical fiber also includes an outer surface. The optical fiber is configured to scatter guided light via the nano-sized structures away from the core and through the outer surface, to form a light-source fiber portion having a length that emits substantially uniform radiation over its length, said fiber having a scattering-induced attenuation greater than 50 dB/km for the wavelength(s) within 200 nm to 2000 nm range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Robertson Bickham, Dana Craig Bookbinder, Edward John Fewkes, Stephan Lvovich Logunov
  • Patent number: 8562194
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion unit includes a wavelength conversion member that transmits a part of incident excitation light and converts a part of the excitation light into wavelength-converted light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the excitation light to emit the wavelength-converted light. The excitation light has an intensity distribution in which an intensity is maximum at the center and decreases as getting apart from the center. A thickness of the wavelength conversion member at a portion into which light at the center of the intensity distribution of the excitation light enters is larger than those at any other portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Nishio, Takeshi Ito, Hiroyuki Kamee
  • Patent number: 8546162
    Abstract: A method for forming a light guide layer with improved transmission reliability in a semiconductor substrate, the method including forming a trench in the semiconductor substrate, forming a cladding layer and a preliminary light guide layer in the trench such that only one of opposite side end portions of the preliminary light guide layer is in contact with an inner sidewall of the trench, and performing a thermal treatment on the substrate to change the preliminary light guide layer into the light guide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Lok Bae, Byung-Lyul Park, Pil-Kyu Kang, Gil-Heyun Choi, Kwang-Jin Moon
  • Publication number: 20130215636
    Abstract: Lighting modules and lighting systems containing one or more lighting modules, and associated methods, are provided that receive light from one or more light sources for projecting it to a target surface, e.g., in a uniform, patterned, or other controlled manner. In various embodiments, the lighting modules and lighting systems can be used to mix the light generated by one or more sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Marco Angelini, Claudia Bigliatti, Ernesto Grossi
  • Patent number: 8475025
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention proposes a light-emitting device comprising a radiation source for the emission of a radiation having at least a first wavelength, and an elongated, curved light-guiding body, into which the radiation emitted by the radiation source is coupled and which couples out light at an angle with respect to its longitudinal axis on account of the coupled-in radiation having the first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Ott, Alfred Lell, Uwe Strauss, Volker Haerle, Norbert Stath
  • Patent number: 8470921
    Abstract: This invention is an acoustic device protected by an acoustically transparent low water permeability encapsulant made from an acoustically clear polymer such as polyurethane. High aspect ratio clay nanoparticles are positioned in the substrate in overlapping layers with layers of the substrate interposed. The invention also provides a method for forming an acoustically transparent low permeability encapsulant about an acoustic device. The method includes treating high aspect ration clay nanoparticles to make them organophilic. The treated nanoparticles are then mixed in a polymer resin in such a way as to form an intercalated mixture. A curing agent is added to the mixture, and the mixture is allowed to set. When set the resulting intercalated mixture produces an acoustically clear, low permeability polymer coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas S. Ramotowski
  • Patent number: 8469571
    Abstract: A single piece light guide is disclosed herein. The single piece light guide may include a light rod and a lens. The single piece light guide may be formed using injection molding. The light guide may have one or more regions between the light rod and the lens. A housing may be provided for the light guide. The housing may have an opening that physically supports the light rod. Therefore, the light rod may be secured into place, which may prevent misalignment during use. The one or more regions between the light rod and the lens may assist in assembling and holding the light guide in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Optical International Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung Kuang Yang, Chien-chih Hsiung, Yu-Hsiang Huang, Wen-Lang Hung
  • Patent number: 8425063
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for an article of manufacture for use in a weapon sight wherein the article of manufacture comprises a passively charged photoluminescent material. When installed in a weapon sight, the passively charged photoluminescent material provides light to a fiber optic of the weapon sight during low light conditions to illuminate a reticle pattern of the weapon sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Defense Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Buckingham, Herbert Jones
  • Patent number: 8358067
    Abstract: In a lighting apparatus which emits light of a desired wavelength by irradiating excitation light from a light source to a wavelength converting member, a structure is such that a part of wavelength-converted light which is launched from the wavelength converting member is made to launch from an irradiated-light emerging area without making the light incidence again to the wavelength converting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kamee, Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Nishio
  • Patent number: 8337034
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (10) for illuminating a surface, with a lighting element (20) and an illuminating body (30), wherein the lighting element (20) emits an artificial light (21,21?), a housing element (40) comprises the lighting element (20) and supports the illuminating body (30), the illuminating body (30) comprises a transparent light conductive material and is generally overlying the surface, being illuminated. The invention discloses, that the illuminating body (30) comprises a light extraction layer (50), configured to receive and to deflect the artificial light (21,21?) from the lighting element (20) onto the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Reinder Ronda, Hugo Johan Cornelissen, Yadong Liu, Xiaoyan Zhu, Bo Liu, Kairaz Sarosh Contractor, Marcellinus Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn, Hendrikus Albertus Adrianus Maria De Ruijter, Theodorus Johannes Petrus Van Den Biggelaar
  • Patent number: 8337033
    Abstract: A washing counter, including a bowl portion having a concave configuration used for washing and the like, a counter portion supporting the bowl portion, and a light source portion disposed on a backside of the bowl portion to emit light toward the bowl portion. The light radiates from the surface of the bowl to the surroundings with at least one portion of the bowl portion being formed of a transparent member. The transparent member is obtained by dispersing a light diffusing member in a base member having a transparent raw material having light-transmitting transparency. The light diffusing member being a micro particle having a transparent raw material having a light refractive index different from a light refractive index of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toto Ltd
    Inventors: Takeshi Kaneda, Masanobu Wano, Hiroshi Nagakawa, Shigeru Asoh, Chihiro Sugiyama, Mitsunori Koga, Masaaki Ezawa
  • Patent number: 8308328
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a design panel 12 made of a resin and a light guide lens 16 that is attached to the design panel 12 so as to guide light from a light source to the outside. An insert hole 20 that is a through hole whose shape is commensurate with the light guide lens 16 is formed in the design panel 12. The light guide lens 16 is inserted into the insert hole 20 by elastically deforming a rim of the insert hole 20 when the light guide lens 16 is pushed into the insert hole 20, to thus be attached to the design panel 12. Auxiliary grooves 22 that promote elastic deformation are formed in a neighborhood of the rim of the insert hole 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Fujimura
  • Publication number: 20120275178
    Abstract: Light-coupling systems and methods that employ light-diffusing optical fiber are disclosed. The systems include a light source and a light-diffusing optical fiber optically coupled thereto. The light-diffusing optical fiber has a core, a cladding and a length. At least a portion of the core comprises randomly arranged voids configured to provide substantially spatially continuous light emission from the core and out of the cladding along at least a portion of the length. A portion of the light-diffusing optical is embedded in an index-matching layer disposed adjacent a lower surface of a transparent sheet. Light emitted by the light-diffusing optical fiber is trapped within the transparent sheet and index-matching layer by total internal reflection and is scattered out of the upper surface of the transparent sheet by at least one scattering feature thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Stephan Lvovich Logunov
  • Patent number: 8287760
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus composed of a light source that emits primary light and a phosphor that absorbs the primary light and emits secondary light offers high brightness, low power consumption, and a long lifetime while minimizing adverse effects on the environment. The phosphor is formed of a III-V group semiconductor in the form of fine-particle crystals each having a volume of 2 800 nm3 or less. The light emitted from the fine-particle crystals depends on their volume, and therefore giving the fine-particle crystals a predetermined volume distribution makes it possible to adjust the wavelength range of the secondary light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaya Ishida, Tatsuya Morioka, Daisuke Hanaoka, Mototaka Taneya, Shigeo Fujita, Yoichi Kawakami, Masafumi Harada, Takatomo Sasaki, Yusuke Mori
  • Publication number: 20120250346
    Abstract: An edge-lit lighting product or luminaire includes a light guide made of a single, transparent material and demonstrates properties of total internal reflection with respect to a surrounding environment. The light guide has a thickness and includes a proximal edge, a distal edge and a boundary surface. The proximal edge receives light from a light source. The distal edge is spaced apart from the proximal edge, is configured to emit at least a portion of the light from the light source, spans across a first distance and has a substantially axial symmetric surface. The first distance is greater than the thickness of the light guide. The boundary surface extends between the proximal edge and the distal edge and defines a boundary between the single, transparent material of the light guide and the surrounding environment of the light guide. At least a portion of the boundary surface is curved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120212971
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising a plurality of light emitting elements (1), and a beam shaping optics (7) having an entrance aperture (6). Each light emitting element is optically connected to a set of optical fibers (5) each having a first end optically connected to the light emitting element and a second end optically connected to the entrance aperture (6), so as to guide collimated light from the light emitting element to the beam shaping optics (7). The light emitting elements are distributed over an area larger than the entrance aperture (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Marcus Verbrugh, Ralph Kurt
  • Publication number: 20120182758
    Abstract: The invention improves the optical transmission of a light guide assembly in an optical illumination apparatus achieved by one or more insulation layers which sheath a rigid or flexible light guide rod of the light guide assembly and/or the coupling of light emitted from a radiation source into the light input surface of the light guide rod is improved by an adapter element. Important for the improved transmission in the light guide rod is a highly viscous liquid layer which is in direct contact with the lateral surface of the light guide rod and which includes a perfluoropolyether, particularly Krytox®, Fombline® or Galden®, e.g. Krytox® 16350.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Günther NATH
  • Patent number: 8167471
    Abstract: The self-illuminating extension cord consists of an extension cord including a plurality of lights adorning the exterior of said cord in a spiraling pattern that runs the entire length of the extension cord. The extension cord includes a male plug at a first end and a female plug at a second end. The lights provide an illuminating feature that alerts to the presence of said cord in poorly lit environments. An alternative embodiment further includes upon the male plug or female plug, a breaker, a pilot light, and a switch for turning the lights on or off. A third embodiment includes a translucent outer cover protecting both the plurality of lights and the extension cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Moritz
  • Publication number: 20120051086
    Abstract: In order for light conductor pins (6) in dead hole channels (5) of a plastic cover not to be melted together at their entire side walls with the cover they are produced through a particular injection molding tool in the same tool as the cover and the tool slide (104) which is a component of the injection molding tool (100) is aligned in the injection molding tool (100) with the dead hole channels (5) and inserted into the dead hole channels. The front plate is integrally molded with the base component before or after the light conductor pins are inserted into the base component. When the integral molding is performed after inserting the light conductor pins (6) the integral molding is also provided e.g. at a face of the inserted light conductor pins (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Rolf Peter Ditter
  • Patent number: 8075167
    Abstract: An optical film and an illuminating device having the optical film are provided. The optical film may include a first surface including a plurality of peaks and valleys formed from the plurality of peaks, a second surface opposite the first surface and a plurality of scattering patterns on the second surface. One of the scattering patterns may correspond to 3 to 6 peaks of the plurality of peaks on the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Shu Shin
  • Patent number: 8057073
    Abstract: A light pipe and an illuminating device having the light pipe are provided. The light pipe may include an optical film in a rolled shape to have a hollow conduit and a supporter surrounding a surface of the optical film. The supporter may have at least one of a protrusion and an indentation on a surface of the supporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hwan Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20110188262
    Abstract: There is provided a light conductive plate comprising: a resin sheet; and a plurality of concave dots formed on a surface of the resin sheet, wherein each concave dot in section includes a general formed portion in which to be continuously formed from an opening end portion of the concave dot toward a deep portion thereof, and a discontinuous formed portion that is fabricated at the deepest portion of the general formed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro ISAGO, Takumi SAITO, Hiroshi CHOU
  • Patent number: 7980745
    Abstract: The present invention is an illumination device designed to provide efficient illumination in confined spaces and methods of using such a device. The devices of the present invention comprise a laser light source of a specifically selected wavelength or wavelengths, optical fiber(s) and one or more light converters to convert the input laser light to broad spectrum white light or a specific desired wavelength. The light converter may be integral/modular with the fiber optic assembly. The light converter may be constructed of phosphors, nanocrystals or other energy converters which are embedded within a transport material such as polymer or glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Ramsey Shanbaky
  • Publication number: 20110025951
    Abstract: A spectral conversion device including a plurality of discrete units dyed with a photoluminescent material at a concentration greater than or equal to an amount sufficient to absorb and convert substantially all input light from a light source to a desired output spectrum, and a coating material disposed around the discrete units, wherein the coating material binds the plurality of discrete units to form a matrix, wherein when the plurality of discrete units are positioned over the light source, the input light passing through the transparent discrete units is not converted, and the input light passing through the doped discrete units is converted to red and green wavelengths, further wherein the emitted input light and the converted red and green light correspond to the desired output spectrum to produce one or more colors. An associated method and an associated device used with flat panel image displays are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Jones
  • Patent number: 7862219
    Abstract: A light diffusing device for use in photodynamic therapy has a progressively distally increased exposed amount of core fiber defining a light emitting section. Excessive light energy emission is thus prevented access to proximal locations and provides an increased amount of available light energy at distal locations, thus permitting an even emission of light energy along the light emitting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Photodynamic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Mersch, Ronald R. Zimmermann, Merrill A. Biel
  • Publication number: 20100290244
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises an irradiation source 11 and a liquid light guide 10 coupled thereto. The liquid light guide has the form of a goose neck. A liquid filled light guide tube 28 of the liquid light guide 10 is supported in a position retaining tube 22 and at least one end of the light guiding tube 28, preferably the light input end, is supported rotatably in the position retaining tube 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Günther NATH
  • Publication number: 20100290245
    Abstract: A liquid light guide 11, 21, 31 which is connected to an irradiation source 23 including a reflector lamp has an irradiation image 12 with a relatively inhomogeneous intensity distribution. The present invention relates to a simple mechanical clamping device to be clamped from outside onto the liquid light guide 11, 21, 31 for impressing a sharp U- or S-shaped curvature thereon. Due to the curvature the intensity distribution of the irradiation image 12 is homogenized at an acceptably low transmission loss of only a few percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Günther Nath
  • Publication number: 20100246208
    Abstract: A light guide plate comprises: a rectangular light exit plane and at least one light entrance plane in contact with the light exit plane, wherein the light guide plate comprises three or more structural layers disposed on each other in a direction normal to the light exit plane, each structural layer containing scattering particles dispersed therein, the structural layers having different particle densities of scattering particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Iwasaki