Abstract: Reflector and light systems include collecting and back reflecting surfaces that efficiently collect the energy produced by a light source and redirect the light back through the collecting surface without restriking the collecting surface or the light source. The reflected light does not reach the focus for the back reflecting surface until the light exits the system. A lens-end bulb may be used as the light source to produce a projected cone of light that is focused on a target that is positioned in front of the second focus and a reflected cone of light that is focused on the same target. In one form of the invention, the back reflecting surface is eliminated to permit the projected light to be focused on one target located externally of one end of the system and the reflected light to be focused on another target located externally of the other end of the system.

Abstract: A light emitting panel and method of making same including an emitter surface having one or more layers of woven fiber optic material with disruptions or bends as discrete locations along the length of the fibers to allow light to be emitted therefrom and which are coated to change the attenuation of the fibers to increase the amount of light emitted therefrom. The panel is particularly suitable for use as a back light for a liquid crystal or other device, the light being transmitted to the emitter surface from a remote light source through a cable or light pipe connected to one or both ends of the emitter surface.

Abstract: Reflector system includes a reflector having an ellipsoidal portion and a hemispherical portion joined together at the intersection of a plane passing through one of the foci of the ellipsoidal portion normal to the major axis of the ellipsoidal portion. A light source is generally positioned at the focus. The ellipsoidal portion extends forwardly of the focus and terminates in an opening covered by a mirror extending normal to the major axis of the ellipsoidal portion for redirecting light rays emanating from the light source back through the reflector. The center axis of the hemispherical portion intersects the focus, and such hemispherical portion extends rearwardly of the focus and terminates in another opening through which the light rays are redirected by the mirror to a final focus located exteriorly of the reflector.