Abstract: Illumination systems that include a plurality of illumination devices disposed within a water environment. Such illumination devices having a tube filled with water, at least one light source positioned to project light into the tube, and connected to the illumination devices via light carrying connectors, include one or more voids within each tube wall which extend substantially longitudinally and cause light incident below a critical angle to be reflected hack into the tube. Projected or reflected light above a critical angle that strikes a portion of the wall without a void is transmitted through the tube wall. By adjusting the ratio of voids to non-voids light can be delivered in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Illumination devices and illumination systems for use in bioreactors utilize light distribution tubes which are substantially filled with water or other suitable liquid. One system comprises a plurality of illumination devices disposed within a water environment. At least one and preferably a plurality of sources of illumination are preferably positioned outside of the water environment and are connected to the illumination devices via light carrying connectors. Some of the illumination devices comprise one or more extractors or light distributors which extend substantially longitudinally and cause the device to emit light over substantially their entire submerged lengths. The extractors and light distributors reflect light at an angle above a critical angle of incidence so that the reflected light is transmitted through the tube wall(s).

Abstract: Hybrid lighting systems use light distributor tubes to distribute artificial light and natural sunlight through the same distributor tubes. Devices for gathering uncollimated light from conventional sources (such as electrically energized arcs or filaments housed in evacuated or gas filled glass envelopes) and directing the light into the ends of tubes designed to distribute such light. Devices for gathering and concentrating inherently collimated sunlight to be fed into the same light distributing tubes used by the artificial light. One preferred embodiment comprises a light gathering and concentrating system in the form of a pair of opposed parabolic reflectors, one which is preferably large, e.g. having a diameter of five feet, and the other much smaller, e.g. the size of the much smaller distribution tubes. This light gathering system is connected to the light distribution tubes through a pair 90° elbows which are rotatable in the X and Y axis in order to track the location of the sun in the sky.

Abstract: Hybrid lighting systems use light distributor tubes to distribute artificial light and natural sunlight through the same distributor tubes. Devices for gathering uncollimated light from conventional sources (such as electrically energized arcs or filaments housed in evacuated or gas filled glass envelopes) and directing the light into the ends of tubes designed to distribute such light. Devices for gathering and concentrating inherently collimated sunlight to be fed into the same light distributing tubes used by the artificial light. One preferred embodiment comprises a light gathering and concentrating system in the form of a pair of opposed parabolic reflectors, one which is preferably large, e.g. having a diameter of five feet, and the other much smaller, e.g. the size of the much smaller distribution tubes. This light gathering system is connected to the light distribution tubes through a pair 90° elbows which are rotatable in the X and Y axis in order to track the location of the sun in the sky.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention comprise novel reflectors for directing more light parallel to the longitudinal axis of an illumination tube. Other embodiments are directed to devices for supporting illumination tubes. Other aspects are directed to coated substrates which provide better light distribution from illumination tubes. Other aspects of the present invention provides improved light distribution systems designed to provide protection from ultra-violet rays emanating from the light source(s) used in an illumination tube.

Abstract: Hybrid lighting systems use light distributor tubes to distribute artificial light and natural sunlight through the same distributor tubes. Devices for gathering uncollimated light from conventional sources (such as electrically energized arcs or filaments housed in evacuated or gas filled glass envelopes) and directing the light into the ends of tubes designed to distribute such light. Devices for gathering and concentrating inherently collimated sunlight to be fed into the same light distributing tubes used by the artificial light. One preferred embodiment comprises a light gathering and concentrating system in the form of a pair of opposed parabolic reflectors, one which is preferably large, e.g. having a diameter of five feet, and the other much smaller, e.g. the size of the much smaller distribution tubes. This light gathering system is connected to the light distribution tubes through a pair 90° elbows which are rotatable in the X and Y axis in order to track the location of the sun in the sky.

Abstract: Illumination devices and light distribution systems utilizing overlapping joints, connector rings, end caps, assemblies for mounting light tubes to a ceiling or wall, and protective tubes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming hollow tubular light-distributing tubes for area illumination along the length of the tubes from a beam of light introduced into one end. Within the tube is a geometrically complex, 3-dimensional light redirecting structure traversing the light beam along the full length of the tube to redirect the light beam proportionately along the length of tube through a window formed therein. Both the tube and the light-redirecting structure can be formed as an integrated flat, substantially void-free structure for shipping and then converted in situ to the operative, 3 dimensional configuration.

Abstract: Illumination devices and methods of forming illumination devices, utilizing optical light films are disclosed. Joints useful in forming light carriers from optical light films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Illumination devices and methods of forming illumination devices utilizing optical light films are disclosed. Joints useful in forming light tubes from optical light films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Illumination devices and methods of forming illumination devices, utilizing optical light films are disclosed. Joints useful in forming light carriers from optical light films are also disclosed.