Abstract: Illuminators include transparent light emitting members having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces of the members for causing internally reflected light to be emitted from the members. The notches or grooves may be cut using a circular cutting tool. The relative speed of the cutting tool and feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the members may be controlled to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.

Abstract: Illuminators include transparent light emitting members having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces of the members for causing internally reflected light to be emitted from the members. The notches or grooves may be cut using a circular cutting tool. The relative speed of the cutting tool and feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the members may be controlled to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.

Abstract: Illuminators include transparent light emitting members having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces of the members for causing internally reflected light to be emitted from the members. The notches or grooves may be cut using a circular cutting tool. The relative speed of the cutting tool and feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the members may be controlled to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marring a surface of a fiber optic substrate by sandblasting one or more sides of the substrate during movement of the substrate past one or more sandblasting nozzles to produce a specific illumination pattern. The nozzles may be operated intermittently to produce intermittent light emitting areas along the length of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate may be moved past the nozzles at a variable speed, or the pressure of the nozzles or spacing of the nozzles from the surface of the substrate may be regulated during movement of the substrate past the nozzles in order to produce a specific illumination pattern. Also, a perforated plate may be placed between the nozzles and substrate in order to produce a specific illumination pattern. After the sandblasting operation, the substrate may be cleaned and cut to desired lengths, and permanently heat formed into any desired shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marring a surface of a fiber optic substrate by sandblasting one or more sides of the substrate during movement of the substrate past one or more sandblasting nozzles to produce a specific illumination pattern. The nozzles may be operated intermittently to produce intermittent light emitting areas along the length of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate may be moved past the nozzles at a variable speed, or the pressure of the nozzles or spacing of the nozzles from the surface of the substrate may be regulated during movement of the substrate past the nozzles in order to produce a specific illumination pattern. Also, a perforated plate may be placed between the nozzles and substrate in order to produce a specific illumination pattern. After the sandblasting operation, the substrate may be cleaned and cut to desired lengths, and permanently heat formed into any desired shape.