Abstract: The first panel illumination system includes a high intensity light source with a contoured reflector assembly for providing light to the input of an optical mixer and heat removal device. The optical mixer and heat removal device removes infrared radiation and transmits de-focused light to the input ends of a plurality of rectangular couplers connected to light conducting cables which are in turn connected to the light emitting optical fibers for a light emitting panel. These fibers are woven in accordance with specific weave ratio ranges and weave configurations to emit light uniformly across the extent of a light emitting fabric surface.

Abstract: The flat panel illumination system includes a high intensity light source with a contoured reflector assembly for providing light to the input of an optical mixer and heat removal device. The optical mixer and heat removal device removes infrared radiation and transmits de-focused light to the input ends of a plurality of rectangular couplers connected to light conducting cables which are in turn connected to the light emitting optical fibers for a light emitting panel. These fibers are woven in accordance with specific weave ratio ranges and weave configurations to emit light uniformly across the extent of a light emitting fabric surface.

Abstract: The light emitting optical fiber assemblies include light emitting panels that employ a nonwoven geometric grid of light emitting optical fibers which can be arranged to permit air to pass through the panel or to define apertures providing access through the panel. Also, such nonwoven fiber grids can be arranged to permit the panels to be cut or sectioned without losing all light emitting capability. Panels are provided which include the encapsulation of light emitting fibers in a light transmitting laminate, and the laminate is provided with light scattering formations which permit light to be emitted from the encapsulating layer. The panels and other light emitting units are provided with light or electromagnetic radiation from lightpipe harness assemblies which are designed to supply light to a plurality of use devices.

Abstract: A cap mounted self-illuminating patch which includes a reflector unit mounted to extend partially through the front surface of the cap. The reflector unit includes a screen supporting surface which defines the open side of a light chamber, and a light diffusion screen is mounted on the screen supporting surface to extend across the open side of the light chamber. The screen supporting surface and the screen are configured so that the screen substantially conforms in shape to the front surface of the cap, and a mounting structure is provided to space the screen outwardly from the front surface of the cap. Indicia or figures to be illuminated are provided on the screen, and light from a single point light source within the light chamber is substantially evenly distributed across the screen by a back reflector extending outwardly from the screen supporting surface away from the screen to define the light chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniformly distributing a substantially parallel beam of light along a light conducting distribution rod of fixed length is demonstrated using a series of imbedded beam splitting mirrors. The light distribution rod may have a wide variety of light distribution properties and may be bent into circular configurations. Also a method and light collection assembly is disclosed which use a series of mirrors to collect parallel or diverging light and redirect it into a narrow beam of parallel light. The collection is accomplished by spiral or asymptotic mirror surfaces which funnel the light by means of converging multiple reflections into a designated output pattern. A multiple channel optical fiber rotatable connector is a principle example of a device which employs both the light distributing and light collecting assemblies. This connector passes light between two relatively rotating sections.

Abstract: The apparatus for collecting, distributing and utilizing solar radiation includes a solar collection panel (24) having an array of solar gathering cells (1, 37) which provide radiation to a light collecting unit (3, 4, 39). This light collecting unit (3, 4, 39) provides radiation as a single beam to a lens system (5, 7) which provides a coherent beam to a lightpipe (8). This beam is then directed to use units such as a light to electricity converter (100, 154), heat distributing elements (202, 213, 230, 244, 270) and light distributing elements (322, 336, and 348).

Abstract: The light emitting optical fiber assemblies include light emitting panels that employ a nonwoven geometric grid of light emitting optical fibers which can be arranged to permit air to pass through the panel or to define apertures providing access through the panel. Also, such nonwoven fiber grids can be arranged to permit the panels to be cut or sectioned without losing all light emitting capability. Panels are provided which include the encapsulation of light emitting fibers in a light transmitting laminate, and the laminate is provided with light scattering formations which permit light to be emitted from the encapsulating layer. The panels and other light emitting units are provided with light or electromagnetic radiation from lightpipe harness assemblies which are designed to supply light to a plurality of use devices.

Abstract: Optical transmission devices suitable for use in constructing lightpipe networks are disclosed. The optical transmission devices include an optical coupler arrangement (1, 34, 72, 73) for connecting a lightpipe to other optical transmission or utilization devices with minimum interface losses. A lens element for collimating light (71, 92) may be secured to the optical coupler arrangement (1, 34, 72, 73), and two collimating lenses (84, 85) together with associated optical couplers (83, 86) may be combined to form an angular divergence reducer light travelling along lightpipes, lightpipe gates (184, 203, 214) for interrupting the flow of light along lightpipes, lightpipe switches (221-265) for directing light from a primary lightpipe to any selected one of a plurality of secondary lightpipes, and lightpipe merge devices (320-332, 360-385) for merging the flow of light from two lightpipes are all interconnected to form a light distribution system.

Abstract: The optical lightpipes are provided with an internal structural configuration which enables the pipes to either transmit light with greater efficiency or to emit light more effectively along the length of the lightpipe. For light emission, light transmitting optical fibers are doped in the core region with refractive and/or reflective light scattering particles. When with a single optical fiber lightpipe, ribs are formed on the exterior of the lightpipe to prevent the lightpipe from being deformed to an angle greater than the critical angle for light conductance. A single tubular lightpipe of plastic may be formed with an internal reflective layer and outer ribs to control bending of the pipe.

Abstract: The apparatus for collecting, distributing and utilizing solar radiation includes a solar collection panel (24) having an array of solar gathering cells (1, 37) which provide radiation to a light collecting unit (3, 4, 39). This light collecting unit (3, 4, 39) provides radiation as a single beam to a lens system (5, 7) which provides a coherent beam to a lightpipe (8). This beam is then directed to use units such as a light to electricity converter (100, 154), heat distributing elements (202, 213, 230, 244, 270) and light distributing elements (322, 336, and 348).

Abstract: A fiber optics illuminator is described consisting of a light bulb having a fiber optics coupler or coupling means integral with the bulb envelope. The bulb is provided with a combination of ellipsoidal and spherical mirrors which together direct all light emitted from the filiment through a small optical window located at the rear of said coupler or coupling means. To facilitate trapping of the light in the optical fibers, the light is made to emerge from the optical window at angles equal to or less than the critical angle of the fibers. This invention is intended for use as a primary light source for most applications involving illumination wherein visible or infra-red or ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation is channeled by optical fibers to illuminate a specific environment.

Abstract: A light emitting fabric (10) in which optical fibers (12, 28, 46, 48) are part of the weave, replacing some of the threaded fibers (27), whereby the fabric is uniformly illuminated and, accordingly, decorated. The individual optical fibers are gathered into a bundle (15) at one end of the fabric and illuminated by a light source (17). Light traveling through the fibers is emitted in small amounts throughout the lengths thereof through small scratches (14) that pierce the outer coating. Uniformity and intensity of light are enhanced by providing a reflective coating (13) on the non-illuminated ends of the optical fibers. This fabric is usable in clothing; such as costumes, high visibility safety clothing, suntan suits (21); rugs, draperies, theater curtains, architectural panels (23), fiberglass boat hulls, and the like.