Abstract: A grid defining illumination cells having areas to pass light from a source for use in generation of a lines, wherein the grid is defined by first lines extending about one axis defined by the source, and second lines emanating from the axis to intersect first lines, each cell having four edges defined by successive of first lines and successive of second lines, the cells having one of the following: i) equal areas ii) areas that increase in direction away from the source.

Abstract: In a device for directing light longitudinally forwardly, the combination comprises a light source; a drum lens having a body extending about the light source, for refracting light from the source; a light reflector extending about the drum lens body for forwardly re-directing refracted light received from the drum lens body, the drum lens and reflector defining a longitudinally forwardly extending optical axis; and including an aspheric lens located longitudinally forwardly of the light source to refract light received from a source to be transmitted in a forward direction.

Abstract: In apparatus to extract light from an LED, the combination includes a cylindrical body consisting of light transmitting material, the body having a cylindrical outer wall; a pyramidal body having at least three sides and consisting of light transmitting material, the pyramidal body located longitudinally endwise of the cylindrical body, to expose the three or more sides, the planar sides defining planes which intersect said cylindrical body outer wall at curved edges, the cylindrical outer wall terminating at said curved edges; and an LED located in a spaced relation to the pyramidal body, and oriented to transmit light in the cylindrical body and toward the pyramidal body.

Abstract: In a device for directing light longitudinally forwardly, the combination comprising a light source, and a protective, transparent envelope extending about the light source; a drum lens having a body extending about the light source and envelope, for refracting light from the source; a light reflector extending about the drum lens body, for forwardly and convergently re-directing refracted light received from the drum lens body; and a correcting lens for receiving a collimating re-directed light screened from the reflector.

Abstract: An illumination device comprises a waveguide having a peripheral edge. A series of point light sources are mounted in spaced relationship adjacent a peripheral portion of the waveguide. A series of diffusive reflective surfaces, preferably formed by posts, are disposed adjacent the peripheral portion of the waveguide, between pairs of the point light sources. The diffusive reflective surfaces are oriented relative to the series of point light sources and the waveguide so as to introduce light into regions of the waveguide between pairs of the point light sources, whereby the peripheral portion of the waveguide is substantially uniformly illuminated.

Abstract: A light source for backlighting a display comprises a light-emitting device such as an incandescent bulb or LED array disposed within a cavity having diffusely reflecting walls and an aperture. A diffuser and brightness enhancing film are situated at the opening of the aperture between the aperture and the display to be backlit. A color filter may also be employed to whiten the light emerging from the light source.

Abstract: This invention consists of a highly efficient beamforming system of ring-lens elements that may be used in automobile headlights, flashlights, and for other lighting products. The lens captures most of the light from an omnidirectional source, so that light from a solid angular cone of nearly 4 steradians is utilized with little or no reliance on a metallic reflector. The surfaces of the lens elements may be formed integrally with a hot light source, such as an incandescent lamp, so that the filament of the light source is inserted directly into an internal cavity of the lens. The lens may also be formed in optical contact with a cold light source, such as a light emitting diode, to reduce Fresnel losses and increase light utilization efficiency. An integrated system of optical surfaces collects light, including downwardly-directed light, from the source to further increase light utilization to a high efficiency of 75-90%.

Abstract: A light source for backlighting a display panel comprises a light-emitting device such as an incandescent light bulb or LED array disposed within a cavity having diffusely reflecting walls and an aperture. A diffuser and brightness enhancing film are situated proximate the opening of the aperture which illuminates the display to be backlit. Preferably, light emerging from the aperture is substantially uniform in intensity and color, and in one embodiment, a color filter is employed to whiten the light emerging from the aperture. One embodiment has an aperture in which the ratio of the area of the aperture to the sum of such area and the surface area of the cavity is at least 0.05. In this embodiment, the ratio of the depth of the cavity to an edge to edge dimension of the cavity is at least 0.1.

Abstract: A clip for alternatively draping one of two structures, the first structure having a top surface, an underside surface, and a peripheral edge; the second structure having a rod support member, includes a face portion having front and back surfaces. The back surface contacts the peripheral edge of the first structure. A first leg is perpendicularly disposed to and extends rearwardly from the back surface. The first leg contacts the top surface of the first structure. A slide member is disposed adjacent the back surface and is movable between the first and second ends of the face portion. The slide member includes a linear portion for engaging the underside surface of the first structure of various sized peripheral edges. The slide member includes a plurality of fasteners. The clip includes a second leg having a curvilinear portion that extends rearwardly from the back surface of the face portion for engaging the rod support member. The curvilinear portion has first and second ends.

Abstract: A clip for alternatively draping one of three structures, where the first structure includes a top surface, an underside surface and a peripheral edge, the second structure includes a top surface and a peripheral edge having a downwardly extending flange member, and the third structure having a rod support member includes a face portion having front and back surfaces and first and second ends. The back surface of the face portion contacts the peripheral edge of the first structure for the downwardly extending flange member of the second structure. A first leg is perpendicularly disposed to the face portion at the first end and extends rearwardly from the back surface, such that the first leg contacts the top surface of the first and second structures. A curvilinear portion of a second leg extends rearwardly from the face portion at the second end for engaging the rod support member of the third structure.

Abstract: An interconnect system which is used to provide an electrical connection between contact pads on the facing surfaces of adjacent electrical support media such as the face plate and the substrate of an electronic circuit device such as gas discharge displays. The interconnect system uses a conductive glass material which is selectively screened onto and fired with the display device.

Abstract: A gas discharge display which includes a heater element that is built into the unit. The heater element is co-planar with the cathode electrodes of the display. A single set of parallel conductive pins is used to provide the connections for the anode, cathode and heater element components of the display.

Abstract: A gas discharge display which includes a heater element that is built into the unit. The heater element is co-planar with the cathode electrodes of the display. A single set of parallel conductive pins is used to provide the connections for the anode, cathode and heater element components of the display.

Abstract: An apparatus including terminals for electronic devices such as display units or the like. The terminals are hermetically sealed into the structure of the electronic device during the assembly thereof. The terminal includes a bent, resilient end portion at the internal end thereof to make contact with electrical conductors within the device. The other end of the terminal extends beyond the edge of the device. The mid-region of the terminal is retained within the hermetic seal which is disposed adjacent to the edge of the apparatus.