Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.

Abstract: A device for directing light longitudinally forwardly, that comprises a lens body having a front face facing forwardly, rearward body extent, and a curved sidewall extending between the rearward body extent and the front face; a rear cavity in the body, the cavity having a sidewall and a front wall defining a corner; and a light source in the cavity, and characterized in that light rays transmitted by the light source toward the curved sidewall, and toward the corner are collimated forwardly.

Abstract: Radiant electromagnetic energy transmitting apparatus, comprising an elongated body consisting of electromagnetic energy transmitting material, the energy injected into the body to travel therein and to be trapped during the travel by total internal reflecting off walls defined by the body, and there being at least one site within the body having variegated surface relief acting to scatter incident radiant energy for ejection from the body as rays defining a selected solid angle.

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 at the opening of the aperture between the aperture and 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 radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.

Abstract: Radiant electromagnetic energy transmitting apparatus, comprising an elongated rod consisting of electromagnetic energy transmitting material, and a source of the energy having an end portion received into the rod to transmit the energy in different directions therein for effecting energy travel lengthwise of the rod.

Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system, comprising at least two light-emitting sources, each emitting different frequency light; an optical cavity receiving light output from the sources, to mix therein, and act as a secondary emitter; a light receiver positioned to be illuminated by light from the secondary emitter.

Abstract: Lens apparatus includes a TIR lens having multiple facets, the lens having a central axis about which the facets extend in non-circular relation. The lens may have a non-circular perimeter about that axis, and that perimeter may be rectangular or square.

Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.

Abstract: A TIR lens having a central axis, and toward which light from a light source is to be directed, and a light ray deviator positioned along the path of light travel between the source and the TIR lens, for deviating light rays toward portions of the lens spaced from the axis, thereby to more evenly distribute light flux at the output of the TIR lens.

Abstract: A light source having a light bulb disposed within a cavity having diffusely reflecting walls and an aperture for backlighting a display is disclosed. The ratio of aperture area to cavity surface area is maximized. 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: A radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.