Abstract: Side emitting optical apparatuses and methods. In some embodiments, a transparent optical element includes a plurality of diffusive side areas that are configured to disrupt the travel path of a light ray traversing along a longitudinal axis of the optical element to re-direct the light ray out of the side of the optical element. In some embodiments, the diffusive side areas are configured such that the light is emitted more uniformly along a length of the optical element.

Abstract: A light engine includes a light source disposed at a focus of four ellipsoidal reflectors, where the reflectors are arranged at 90 degrees relative to one another. A condensing lens is used with each reflector to focus forwardly directed, low angle light rays onto a target plane. Each reflector serves to reflect only the accurate, nigh angle light rays towards the target plane. Each reflector and its associated condenser produce a light beam having a reduced diameter (i.e., spot size) while also increasing the amount of optical energy directed at its respective target plane.

Abstract: An optical coupling assembly for coupling an output from a first optical fiber bundle to a second optical fiber bundle, where the two optical fiber bundles are moving relative to one another, and without any physical contact or electronic components being required to effect the optical coupling therebetween. A first annular member receives an input optical fiber bundle and presents outermost ends of the individual optical fibers of the first bundle in a circular arrangement that forms a first face portion. A second annular coupling member receives the outermost ends of a second optical fiber bundle that presents the outermost ends in a circular arrangement to form a second face portion. The coupling members are supported in longitudinal alignment with one another such that the two face portions are in facing relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for focusing light from an extended light source onto a secondary focal point (such as an input end of a light guide element). The apparatus includes a solid conic body formed in accordance with an ellipse, off axis paraboloid, or other conic shape, within which is disposed a refractive focusing lens. A first portion of the light rays (i.e. high angle light rays) generated by the extended light source are reflected through total internal reflection (TIR) by a first portion of the solid conic body onto the secondary focal point. A second portion of the light rays (i.e., low angle light rays), which would otherwise not be reflected by the solid conic body, are refracted by the focusing lens onto the same secondary focal point. Thus, by superposition, substantially all of the optical energy from the extended light source is coupled onto the secondary focal point.

Abstract: An optical coupling system and method for transmitting optical signals around sharp bends or curves without the use of prisms, mirrors or other conventional reflecting elements. The coupling system includes a reflecting element having a curved outer reflecting surface shaped in accordance with an ellipsoid. First and second optical elements are arranged along the two focal planes of the ellipsoid in a manner to achieve Total Internal Reflection (TIR) of the optical signal transmitted from the first optical element to the second optical element. An alternative embodiment discloses a coupling system for coupling a signal from a single input optical element into a pair of output optical elements. The use of TIR achieves extremely high efficiency in the transmission of an optical signal around a curve or bend between two optical elements.

Abstract: A beam splitter wave guide apparatus and method for enabling the selection of one of a plurality of distinct spectra of an optical input signal and for enabling an intensity of a resulting output signal to be adjusted. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical optical element having an input end and an output end. The input end includes a pair of spaced apart surfaces that each include a suitable filter formed thereon. A first one of the filters passes a first spectrum of light and reflects all other light outside the first spectrum. The second filter passes a second spectrum of light but reflects all other light outside of the second spectrum. Rotating the cylindrical optical element allows either the first or second spectrum to be selected such that an optical output signal is generated having the desired spectrum. Controlled rotational movement of the cylindrical optical element further allows the intensity of the resulting optical output signal to be varied as needed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for focusing light from an extended light source onto a secondary focal point (such as an input end of a light guide element). The apparatus includes a solid conic body formed in accordance with an ellipse, off axis parabaloid, or other conic shape, within which is disposed a refractive focusing lens. A first portion of the light rays (i.e. high angle light rays) generated by the extended light source are reflected through total internal reflection (TIR) by a first portion of the solid conic body onto the secondary focal point. A second portion of the light rays (i.e., low angle light rays), which would otherwise not be reflected by the solid conic body, are refracted by the focusing lens onto the same secondary focal point. Thus, by superposition, substantially all of the optical energy from the extended light source is coupled onto the secondary focal point.

Abstract: A light engine for more efficiently transmitting light reflected or refracted from a light source to the face of an optical transmission element such as an optical fiber or optical fiber bundle. The light engine includes a light source disposed at a focus of four ellipsoidal reflectors, where the reflectors are arranged at 90 degrees relative to one another. A condensing lens is used with each reflector to focus forwardly directed, low angle light rays onto a target plane. Each reflector serves to reflect only the accurate, high angle light rays towards the target plane. Each reflector and its associated condenser produce a light beam having a reduced diameter (i.e., spot size) while also increasing the amount of optical energy directed at its respective target plane. Collectively, the spot sizes of the four beams are significantly smaller in area than the collective size of beams produced by a conventional single or dual ellipsoidal light engine.

Abstract: An optical coupling system and method for transmitting optical signals around sharp bends or curves without the use of prisms, mirrors or other conventional reflecting elements. The coupling system includes a reflecting element having a curved outer reflecting surface shaped in accordance with an ellipsoid. First and second optical elements are arranged along the two focal planes of the ellipsoid in a manner to achieve Total Internal Reflection (TIR) of the optical signal transmitted from the first optical element to the second optical element. An alternative embodiment discloses a coupling system for coupling a signal from a single input optical element into a pair of output optical elements. The use of TIR achieves extremely high efficiency in the transmission of an optical signal around a curve or bend between two optical elements.

Abstract: A beam splitter wave guide apparatus and method for enabling the selection of one of a plurality of distinct spectra of an optical input signal and for enabling an intensity of a resulting output signal to be adjusted. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical optical element having an input end and an output end. The input end includes a pair of spaced apart surfaces that each include a suitable filter formed thereon. A first one of the filters passes a first spectrum of light and reflects all other light outside the first spectrum. The second filter passes a second spectrum of light but reflects all other light outside of the second spectrum. Rotating the cylindrical optical element allows either the first or second spectrum to be selected such that an optical output signal is generated having the desired spectrum. Controlled rotational movement of the cylindrical optical element further allows the intensity of the resulting optical output signal to be varied as needed.

Abstract: A thermal panel (10) for passive temperature control includes a cell (28) having a transparent side (14) and a base side (24). The cell (28) has a heatable plate (12) contained therein. The heatable plate (12) is passively disposable between a warming position and a cooling position. The heatable plate (12) is heated by a plurality of light waves (34) when the plate (12) is passively disposed in the warming position. Further, the cell also has an insulating medium (30) contained therein. The insulating medium (30) shields the heatable plate (12) from the light waves (34) when the heatable plate (12) is in the cooling position.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device adaptable for heating and for cooling a fluid such as air. The device includes at least one thermoelectric module and at least one rotating heat sink that transfer heat between the thermoelectric module(s) and the fluid. The heat sink(s) are mounted on a shaft and include a plurality of thermally conductive impeller blades. The thermoelectric module(s) rotate with the heat sink(s) about the shaft. Because the thermoelectric module(s) are in direct contact with the thermally conductive impeller, heat is transferred more efficiently into and out of the thermoelectric device. Because the impeller blades also act as heat sinks, fewer components are needed than with conventional devices.