Norbert Schumann 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).
Abstract: A connector adapted for use in an illumination system comprising at least one optical element, such as an optical fiber. is disclosed. The connector comprises a housing dimensioned so that internally it retains at least one end portion of at least one optical element, and externally substantially follows the shape of the end portion(s) of the optical element(s). This forms a join between the ends of the optical element(s). A light source is also contained within the housing and positioned so as to illuminate the end portions of at least one optical element. Electrical connection means adapted to connect the light source to an external power supply are provided. The electrical connection means being moveable relative to the housing. The electrical connection means may be carried by a flexible substrate, or may be formed by slideable contacts within a light guide rail.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 17, 2010
Date of Patent:
November 11, 2014
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Joerg Roberto Purfuerst, Norbert Schumann, Thomas Keller, Werner Schwarz, David M. Rudek, Eric Schmuck
Abstract: A connector adapted for use in an illumination system comprising at least one optical element, such as an optical fibre. is disclosed. The connector comprises a housing dimensioned so that internally it retains at least one end portion of at least one optical element, and externally substantially follows the shape of the end portion(s) of the optical element(s). This forms a join between the ends of the optical element(s). A light source is also contained within the housing and positioned so as to illuminate the end portions of at least one optical element. Electrical connection means adapted to connect the light source to an external power supply are provided. The electrical connection means being moveable relative to the housing. The electrical connection means may be carried by a flexible substrate, or may be formed by slideable contacts within a light guide rail.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 17, 2010
Publication date:
July 5, 2012
Inventors:
Joerg Roberto Purfuerst, Norbert Schumann, Thomas Keller, Werner Schwarz, David M. Rudek, Eric Schmuck