Patents by Inventor Albert J. Stokes

Albert J. Stokes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5386489
    Abstract: A flexible shape-retaining light guide device for illuminating fixed objects from a remote fixed light source. The light guide combines a bundle of flexible optical fibers with a shape-retention member. The fiber bundle and shape-retention member are surrounded by a flexible jacket of heat shrink material. In one embodiment, the fibers are connected to the shape-retention member only at the output end of the light guide by an annular sleeve. The input end of the light guide is unfinished to accommodate movement of the guide's components relative to one another as the guide is positioned. Once positioned the input end of the light guide is cut to length and secured near the light source. In an alternate embodiment, a removable optically transparent end cap frictionally engages the outer surface of the jacket at each end of the device to retain the fibers and keep out contaminants. Once positioned, the device is cut to length and the new end is resealed with the removed end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Christine E. Munson
    Inventor: Albert J. Stokes