Abstract: An illumination device includes: an optical waveguide having a first lateral surface for emitting light and a second lateral surface for receiving light; a scattering cap secured to the first lateral surface of and extending substantially the length of the waveguide; and a light source (e.g., a plurality of LEDs spaced a predetermined distance from one another) positioned adjacent to the light-receiving surface of the waveguide. Light entering the waveguide is efficiently transmitted to the scattering cap and is then preferentially scattered so as to exit with a broad elongated light intensity distribution pattern being formed along a lateral surface of the scattering cap.

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon lighting comprising a plurality of spaced point light sources positioned adjacent a lateral light receiving surface of a substantially rod-like waveguide made of a material that preferentially scatters light entering the light receiving surface such that the light intensity pattern exiting a lateral light emitting surface of the waveguide has a substantially uniform light intensity pattern.

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon of a predetermined design includes a substantially rigid power control board, a light source, at least one sidewall, and a waveguide. Light entering the lower lateral surface of the waveguide from the adjacent light source is directed along at least a portion of the length of the waveguide before being emitted from the light-emitting lateral surface of the waveguide, resulting in an essentially uniform light intensity pattern over its entire light-emitting surface. The control board is preferably a printed circuit board, prepopulated with multiple point light sources which are electrically connected to one another and are secured to and arranged in a predetermined design on the control board.

Abstract: An illumination device for the simulation of neon lighting comprises a leaky waveguide rod having a light-emitting lateral surface and a first set of one or more point light sources positioned adjacent one or both ends of the waveguide rod, the attenuation of light along the length of the waveguide rod being controlled such that light emitted from the lateral surface of the waveguide rod has essentially the same intensity over the length of the waveguide rod.

Abstract: An illumination device includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical waveguide, which has a light-emitting outer surface and an interior semi-reflective portion spaced at a predetermined distance from the light-emitting outer surface. A channel is defined through a portion the waveguide along the length thereof and is adapted to receive an elongated light source such that emitted light is directed into at least one of the wall surfaces defined by the channel. As the light enters and is directed about the circumference of the waveguide, a portion of the light is scattered and emitted through the light-emitting outer surface of the waveguide. Light is also reflected by the semi-reflective portion, causing additional light to be scattered and emitted through the light-emitting outer surface of the waveguide.

Abstract: An illumination device utilizes a profiled rod or material having waveguide that preferentially scatters light entering a light receiving surface so as to along the length of the rod. A light source is positioned adjacent the light receiving surface with a reflecting member or coating juxtaposed against that surface for reflecting light into the light receiving surface.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a flexible and substantially rod-like member having a predetermined length with a light-receiving surface and a light-emitting surface and an elongated light source extending along and positioned adjacent the light-receiving surface of the rod-like member, such that light entering the rod-like member from the elongated light source and through the light-receiving surface is preferentially scattered, thus causing a light intensity pattern that appears substantially uniform along the light-emitting surface of the rod-like member.

Abstract: A waterproof illumination device for simulating the lighting effect of neon lighting with the additional feature of being unaffected by water submersion. The device comprises a plurality of space point light sources secured within a waveguide that is waterproofed by sealing.

Abstract: An illumination device simulates neon lighting and allows for emission of light in colors that cannot ordinarily be achieved by use of LEDs alone through the incorporation of a light color conversion system into the illumination device. This light color conversion system comprises an intermediate light-transmitting medium tinted with a predetermined combination of one or more fluorescent dyes. Light emitted from the light source of the illumination device is directed into the intermediate light-transmitting medium and interacts with the fluorescent dyes contained therein. This light is partially absorbed by each of the fluorescent dyes of the intermediate light-transmitting medium, and a lower-energy light is then emitted from each of the fluorescent dyes and into the light-receiving surface of the waveguide. Thus, selection of appropriate combinations of dyes results in various colors being emitted from the illumination device.

Abstract: An illumination device for the simulation of neon lighting comprises a leaky waveguide rod having a light-emitting lateral surface and a first set of one or more point light sources positioned adjacent one or both ends of the waveguide rod, the attenuation of light along the length of the waveguide rod being controlled such that light emitted from the lateral surface of the waveguide rod has essentially the same intensity over the length of the waveguide rod.

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon lighting comprising a plurality of space point light sources positioned adjacent a lateral light receiving surface of a substantially rod-like waveguide made of a material that preferentially scatters light entering the light receiving surface such that the light intensity pattern exiting a lateral light emitting surface of the waveguide has a substantially uniform light intensity pattern.

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon lighting comprising a plurality of space point light sources positioned adjacent a lateral light receiving surface of a substantially rod-like waveguide. The waveguide is made of a material that preferentially scatters light entering the light receiving surface such that the light intensity pattern exiting a lateral light emitting surface of the waveguide has a substantially uniform light intensity pattern.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure for distributing light from a light source includes a cylindrical sleeve configured to accommodate and receive light from the light source. The sleeve includes a central axis. A waveguide collar is formed from a solid, planar block of material. The block of material has a central portion configured to accommodate and surround the sleeve. The first and second output arms extend in a plane away from the central portion. The plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: An optical waveguide connector (100) includes a first component (130) defining a first channel portion (145) formed along a length of an inner surface thereof. The first channel portion (145) is sized to receive a waveguide (120). A second component (135) defines a second channel portion (145) along a length of an inner surface thereof. The second channel portion (145) also is sized to receive a waveguide (120). A fastening mechanism fastens the first component (130) to the second component (135) such that the waveguides (120) are held in position. The first and second channel portions form a channel (145) having a reflective inner surface (150) and a central portion (167). The central portion (167) surrounds and conforms in shape to the waveguides (120).

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon lighting comprising a plurality of space point light sources positioned adjacent a lateral light receiving surface of a substantially rod-like waveguide made of a material that preferentially scatters light entering the light receiving surface such that the light intensity pattern exiting a lateral light emitting surface of the waveguide has a substantially uniform light intensity pattern.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure for distributing light from a light source includes a cylindrical sleeve configured to accommodate and receive light from the light source. The sleeve includes a central axis. A waveguide collar is formed from a solid, planar block of material. The block of material has a central portion configured to accommodate and surround the sleeve. The first and second output arms extend in a plane away from the central portion. The plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A compact illuminator includes a housing having open ends configured to receive waveguides. A reflector is positioned within the housing. The reflector has open end portions, a central portion between the end portions, and a light source positioned within the central portion. Side walls extend between the end portions and at least partially enclose the central portion. The side walls protrude inward toward the light source. The reflector is shorter in length than the housing so that the waveguides fit within the housing and abut the end portions of the reflector.

Abstract: An illuminated step-up for a vehicle includes a step-up plate mounted on the door sill of a vehicle. A slot extends along a portion of the length of the step-up plate. An optical waveguide formed from a solid piece of material is positioned to release light through the slot.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure for distributing light from a light source includes a cylindrical sleeve configured to accommodate and receive light from the light source. The sleeve includes a central axis. A waveguide collar is formed from a solid, planar block of material. The block of material has a central portion configured to accommodate and surround the sleeve. The first and second output arms extend in a plane away from the central portion. The plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: An optical waveguide assembly for distributing light within a vehicle door panel includes a light source that outputs light to an optical waveguide. A trunk waveguide that propagates light through internal reflection has output branches and a trunk input portion connected to the light source. Branch waveguides that propagate light through internal reflection extend from the output branches of the trunk waveguide to lighting outputs of the vehicle door panel. Support arms extend between the branch waveguides and support the branch waveguides within the vehicle door panel.