Diffuser Or Diffusing Of Incident Light (e.g., Optical Coupler) Patents (Class 362/558)
  • Publication number: 20140293643
    Abstract: An candle-like lighting device includes a light body having a diffuser, a light guider and a light source; the diffuser having a plurality of diffusing particles mounted therein; the light guider having a reflecting portion defined at one end thereof and having a refracting portion defined at another end thereof, the diffuser sleeving the light guider; and the light source assembled to the light guider. Wherein, partial light beams from the light source are reflected by the reflecting portion toward the refracting portion and are refracted by the refracting portion into the diffuser; simultaneously, rest light beams form the light source are directly transmitted toward the refracting portion and are refracted by the refracting portion into the diffuser; as a result, the refracted light beams are diffused by the diffusing particles in the diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHING-CHERNG SUN, YI-CHIEN LO, HUI-EN LIU, KUAN-HUNG LEE
  • Publication number: 20140293641
    Abstract: An irradiation module mechanically detachably attached to a light source module includes a first light source light entrance end which allows entry of first light source light from a first light source module, a first light guide member to guide the first light source light entered the first light source light entrance end, a second light source light entrance end which allows entry of second light source light from a second light source module, and a second light guide member to guide the second light source light entered the second light source light entrance end. The first light guide member and the second light guide member have optical specifications which correspond to optical characteristics of the light source light to be guided and in which the optical characteristics are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi ITO, Eiji YAMAMOTO, Masahiro NISHIO
  • Patent number: 8845165
    Abstract: A light source for a crystal lamp has a light guide pillar, a light-emitting element, and a linear micro structure. The light guide pillar has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, and the light-emitting element is disposed next to the bottom surface. The linear micro structure is formed on and surrounds the side surface, and the emitting light beams of the light-emitting element are reflected by or refracted through the linear micro structure to allow the linear micro structure to function as a thin-lined light source surrounding the light guide pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Dongguan Masstop Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd., Wintek Corporation
    Inventors: Zhi-Ting Ye, Kuo-Jui Huang
  • Publication number: 20140268862
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatuses to provide lighting in appliances are disclosed. An example refrigerator includes a compartment disposed within the refrigerator having first and second opposite side walls, a movable component disposed in the compartment, the movable component having a front edge, a light pipe extending along the front edge of the movable component, and a first light source positioned at the first side wall to emit light into a first end of the light pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: COREY M. GOODEN
  • Publication number: 20140268864
    Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing a modular waveguide light fixture are described herein. One aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure is an apparatus for providing lighting. The apparatus can include a base including a body surrounding a cavity. The apparatus can include a light source disposed within the cavity and configured to emit light. The apparatus can include a waveguide extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central axis and comprising a core surrounded by an outer surface along the central axis. The proximal end can be configured to interface with and receive the light from the light source. The waveguide can be configured to propagate light within the core via total internal reflection within the outer surface of the waveguide. The apparatus can include a diffusion zone disposed along a portion of the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Radast Design LLC
    Inventors: David Lee, Rajvikram Singh, Steven Thomas Peltier
  • Publication number: 20140268865
    Abstract: Side emitting optical apparatuses and methods having an optical grade silicone component. Optionally, the optical grade silicone 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. The optical apparatus is configured such that the light is emitted more uniformly along a length of the optical apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: IDD Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Mary Ann Matthew
  • Patent number: 8837009
    Abstract: A light guiding member includes an input surface, an output surface, a counter surface, a reflective portion, and a diffusing portion. The light guiding member is a rod-shaped member that guides light in a longitudinal direction thereof. The input surface is one end face of the light guiding member and allows light to be input thereon. The output surface has a belt-like shape, extends in the longitudinal direction, and allows light to be emitted therefrom. The counter surface is located opposite the output surface. The reflective portion is a belt-like portion extending in the longitudinal direction and reflects light toward the output surface. The diffusing portion is a belt-like portion extending in the longitudinal direction and diffuses light emitted from the output surface. The diffusing portion is smaller than the reflective portion in width in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 8833996
    Abstract: Illumination devices are described for illuminating a target area, e.g., floors of a room, using solid-state light sources. In general, an illumination device includes a first light guide extending along a first plane, the first light guide to receive light from first light emitting elements (LEEs) and guide the light in a first direction in the first plane; a second light guide extending along the first plane, the second light guide to receive light from second LEEs and guide the light in a second direction in the first plane opposite to the first direction; a first redirecting optic to receive light from the first light guide and direct the light in first and second angular ranges; and a second redirecting optic to receive light from the second light guide and direct the light in third and fourth angular ranges, where the first, second, third and fourth angular ranges are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Louis Lerman, Ingo Speier
  • Patent number: 8833955
    Abstract: A backlight module has a light guide plate, a back plate and light emitting assemblies. The light guide plate is substantially prism-like. The back plate has a shape corresponding to that of the light guide plate, and has an inclined first side plate and an inclined second side plate opposite to the first side plate. Each of the first and second side plates has at least one receiving recess, and the light emitting assemblies are received in the receiving recesses. In comparison with a side-light type backlight module, the present invention saves a heat-dissipation aluminum extrusion member. In comparison with a direct-light type backlight module, the present invention shortens the light mixing distance in a vertical direction, so as to reduce the module thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lindong Fang, Yicheng Kuo
  • Publication number: 20140247619
    Abstract: An apparatus including: an illumination source; and a climate controlled enclosure having at least one light diffusion element situated within the enclosure, the at least one light diffusion element being in photonic communication with the illumination source, and the illumination source being remote to the enclosure. The disclosure also provides a method of using the apparatus to illuminate the interior of the apparatus and optionally the contents of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kevin Wallace Bennett, Richard Bergman, Stephen Lvovich Logunov, Vineet Tyagi
  • Patent number: 8820996
    Abstract: An illumination optical device includes a light source, a light pipe guiding illumination light from the light source, a diffuser arranged on an emitting surface side of the light pipe. A width of the emitting surface of the light pipe in the horizontal direction is set greater than a width of an illuminated object, and a width of the emitting surface of the light pipe in the vertical direction is set smaller than a width of the illuminated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuma Aiki, Satoshi Nakano
  • Patent number: 8804070
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight including a diffusion medium located between lamps and a diffusion plate to diffuse light. The diffusion medium includes an external band of square type diffusion medium and a plurality of ribs formed of the diffusion medium connected to both sides of the external band of square type diffusion medium. The ribs include a plurality of first ribs which are directly located over the lamps, a plurality of second ribs which are located between the first ribs, and a third rib which connects each of the ribs to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Min Moon, Eun Ju Kim
  • Publication number: 20140218958
    Abstract: Light diffusing optical fibers for use in ultraviolet illumination applications and which have a uniform intensity that is angularly independent are disclosed herein along with methods for making such fibers. The light diffusing fibers are composed of a silica-based glass core that is coated with a number of layers including a scattering layer. According to some embodiments multiple light diffusing fibers are bundle together and are situated inside a jacket. The jacket may incorporate scattering sites, or may include a scattering layer situated thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Edward John Fewkes, Stephan Lvovich Logunov, Paul John Shustack
  • Patent number: 8794776
    Abstract: An instrument is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is limited to a display area and a housing, which surrounds the display area. A transparent instrument covering is held spaced from the display area by the housing. The instrument covering is a transparent light conductor panel, in which a symbol display area is arranged. The light conductor panel includes, but is not limited to light-diffusing Nano particles in its volume in the symbol display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter Brandt, Heiko Charle, Dino Demma
  • Publication number: 20140211499
    Abstract: An artificial flame device is disclosed. There is an enclosure defining a lamp opening. A base stator assembly includes a base with a selectively activatable electromagnet, a post extending therefrom, and an electroluminescent device with a lens is mounted on the post. An articulation assembly is suspended from the base stator assembly. The articulation assembly has a lamp optic with a bearing coupled to the lens of the electroluminescent device. There is at least one extension defining a magnetic distal end that interacts with the electromagnet of the base in response to a selective activation thereof that induces rotation and movement of the articulation assembly within a predefined conical volume. The lamp optic protrudes from the lamp opening of the enclosure and diffuses light from the electroluminescent device passed thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Publication number: 20140204605
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light-importing system, direct-lit backlight module and liquid crystal display device. The light-importing system includes ambient light collection system, facing and collecting ambient light, and outputting absorbed light; a plurality of light-guiding devices, each having light-entering end and light-exiting end, light-entering end adjacent to ambient light collection system, the absorbed light entering light-entering end and guided to light-exiting end, the plurality of the light-exiting ends being arranged in an array format underneath a light-entering surface of a diffuser; and a plurality of light diffusion devices, each disposed between light-exiting end and light-entering surface, expanding the light-emitting angle of the light-exiting end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Che-chang Hu, Hu He
  • Publication number: 20140204606
    Abstract: A light bulb includes a light emitting device at the base of the bulb and a light guide (320) that guides the emitted light to a diffusion element (330) above the base of the bulb. The diffusion element is configured to diffuse the light so as to emulate the predominantly radial light distribution pattern produced by a candle. A variety of features for the diffusion element, as well as features of the base and bulb, are presented that enhance the candle-like effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Hendrik Smits, Frans Hubert Konijn
  • Publication number: 20140198519
    Abstract: A light projector has a light emitting device having a light emitting surface, an optical fiber having an incident end-face to which light emitted from the light emitting surface enters, and a lens arranged between the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the incident end-face of the optical fiber. The light emitting device, the optical fiber and the lens are arranged on one optical axis. The optical fiber includes a core region as a region including a single core of uniform refractive index or a region collectively encompassing a plurality of cores having uniform refractive index. The lens converts diffused light emitted from the light emitting surface to diffused light that widens more moderately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motoharu Okuno, Tsuyoshi Miyata, Takamasa Kameda
  • Publication number: 20140192550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire that enables the use of more sparsely distributed light sources, having a uniform fixture surface brightness and good color mixing. The luminaire comprises first and second light guide layers (10, 11) optically coupled together by at least one optical coupler (12a, 12b), which allows the passage of light from the first (10) to the second light guide layer (11). The luminaire also comprises a plurality of light sources (16a, 16b), each of which being arranged such that light emitted by the light source (16a, 16b) is coupled into the first light guide layer (10) at an interface surface (17)arranged substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the first light guide layer (10). The luminaire further comprises a scattering element (14) adapted to cause light to be emitted from an emitting surface of the second light guide layer (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Siebe Tjerk De Zwart, Jochen Renaat Van Ggeluwe, Wilhelmus Petrus Adrianus Johannus Michiels, Menno Van Baardwijk, Fetze Pijlman, Cornelis Gerardus Maria De Haas
  • Patent number: 8770763
    Abstract: A projection display device which displays an image by projecting the image on a screen includes a laser light source for emitting coherent light, a display device for forming an image to be displayed on a screen in an area illuminated by a luminous flux from the laser light source, a first diffusion plate for diffusing a luminous flux, and a second diffusion plate for diffusing a luminous flux. The first diffusion plate is provided in at least one of a conjugate position of the laser light source or the vicinity of the conjugate position in the optical path of the optical system including the laser light source through the screen. The second diffusion plate is provided in at least one of a conjugate position of the display device and the vicinity of the conjugate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Murayama, Kanto Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8774573
    Abstract: Described herein are optical devices including resonant cavity structures. In one embodiment, an optical fiber includes: (1) an elongated core including an outer surface; (2) an inner reflector disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the core and extending substantially along a length of the core; (3) an outer reflector spaced apart from the inner reflector and extending substantially along the length of the core; and (4) an emission layer disposed between the outer reflector and the inner reflector and extending substantially along the length of the core, the emission layer configured to emit radiation that is guided within the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: OMNIPV, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kenney, Jian Jim Wang, William M. Pfenninger, Nemanja Vockic, John Midgley, Kai Shum
  • Publication number: 20140169025
    Abstract: A linear light module having an optical coupling element and a light pipe is described. The optical coupling element receives light emitted by multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) having different emission wavelengths and couples the light efficiently to a linear light pipe. The light from the LEDs is efficiently mixed by the optical coupling element and the light pipe to produce a linear light output that is uniform in color and intensity. Diffusers can be used with the optical coupling element and light pipe at various locations to further enhance the uniformity of the emitted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Lumenetix, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Weaver, Dustin Cochran, Robert Alan Nottingham, Herman Ferrier, Thomas Poliquin, David Bowers, Yuko Nakazawa, James Kingman, Kevin Pelletier, Sanjoy Ghose
  • Publication number: 20140168650
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling spectral attributes of illumination. According to various embodiments, a portion of illumination including an excluded selection of illumination spectra is blocked, while another portion of the illumination including a transmitted selection of illumination spectra is directed along an illumination path. In some embodiments, optical metrology is performed utilizing the spectrally controlled illumination to enhance measurement capability. For instance, the spectral attributes of illumination utilized to analyze different portions of a sample, such as different semiconductor layers, may be selected according to certain measurement characteristics associated with the analyzed portions of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Amnon Manassen, Andrew V. Hill, Ohad Bachar, Avi Abramov, Daria Negri
  • Publication number: 20140160784
    Abstract: A light concentrating optic for use with a photovoltaic device includes a light pipe having a first end portion for receiving light and a second end portion for outputting concentrated light. An optical element is coupled to the light pipe on the first end portion and configured to form an optical interface between the light pipe and the optical element. The optical element includes at least one light transmitting surface configured to redirect incident light entering the optical element to disperse the light to fall incident on side walls of the light pipe to increase homogeneity and intensity of light through the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alhassan Badahdah, Yves C. Martin, Theodore G. Van Kessel
  • Patent number: 8746924
    Abstract: An apparatus for an illumination system including a concentric light source providing a quantity of light; a diffusion shield to diffuse the light and produce a diffused illumination where the diffused illumination is provided to a component positioned in an interior portion of the diffusion shield; a support structure where the diffusion shield is mechanically coupled with the support structure at a first base portion of the diffusion shield and where the concentric light sources are mechanically coupled with the support structure and positioned radially outward from the first base portion of the diffusion shield; and a harvesting shield where the harvesting shield is mechanically coupled with the support structure and positioned radially outward from the concentric light sources and where the harvesting shield redirects at least a portion of the quantity of light from the concentric light sources towards the diffusion shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Amir Shirkhodaie, Robert Moriarty, Kong Ma
  • Publication number: 20140153277
    Abstract: An assembling structure of an LED lamp module includes an LED lamp base (10) and a heat sink (30). The LED lamp base (10) includes a plastic receptacle (11), an LED light source (12) disposed in the plastic receptacle (11), and a plurality of metal fasteners (20) spaced apart and upright on an outer side surface of the plastic receptacle (11). The heat sink (30) includes has a plurality of openings (42), wherein the LED lamp base (10) is rotatable with respect to the heat sink (30) to make the metal fasteners (20) positioned in the openings (42), respectively and thus, the LED lamp base (10) is combined with the heat sink (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Kuang-Chu LAI
  • Patent number: 8733991
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is formed using a light guide body. Thus light with an excellent aesthetic quality can be emitted without increasing the number of components. The structure has a light guide part (6a) formed on a light guide member (6). The light guide part (6a) emits light in an elongated shape by irradiating a first light-emitting diode (9) provided on one end of the light guide part (6a) in the longitudinal direction. A projecting part (6g) projects reward on the rear face of the light guide part (6a), which is the light-emitting face. A light emission suppressing part (6h) is provided on the projection end face of the projecting part (6g) and has a metal film (6f) formed by vapor deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Hitoshi Kurihara, Akifumi Suzuki, Atsushi Obata
  • Publication number: 20140140090
    Abstract: An illuminated color displaying device having at least one light diffusing waveguide coupled to a plurality of different light sources emitting light at different wavelengths, to provide color modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephan Lvovich Logunov, Alranzo Boh Ruffin
  • Patent number: 8727591
    Abstract: Disclosed are a light emitting device and a light emitting element that can decrease fabrication difficulties, while improving lighting efficiency and controlling the distribution of intensity that occurs in the emitted light. A light emitting device comprises a rod-shaped light guide, an LED that inputs light to the light guide, and a prism that changes the direction of light input from the lengthwise end of the light guide, and emits redirected light from a light exit surface that is disposed opposite the prism. The light emitting device is constituted so that an input lens is formed at the lengthwise end of the light guide as a parallel light forming body to make light exiting from the LED toward the light guide nearly parallel light, and the LED is shifted from the center axis of the light guide toward the side closer to the prism, or toward the side away from the prism, and thus said nearly parallel light is directed to the exit surface of the light guide or to the prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Nittoh Kogaku K.K.
    Inventor: Keiichi Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8723426
    Abstract: A system may include an LED array, an optical plane, optics, a sensor and a controller. The LED array is configured to generate LED light. The optical plane has a plurality of scattering features and with a mixing chamber. The optics is configured to direct the LED light to the optical plane. The plurality of scattering features are configured to reflect a sampled portion of the LED light into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is configured to mix the sampled portion of the LED light. The sensor is configured to sense the sampled portion of the LED light received from the mixing chamber. The controller is connected to the sensor and configured to control the LED array using the sensed, sampled portion of the LED light received from the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Prism Projection, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett J. Young
  • Publication number: 20140126235
    Abstract: A luminaire module includes at least one light-emitting element (LEE); a light guide (LG) extending in a first direction from a first end of LG to a second end of LG to receive at the first end light emitted by the LEE and configured to guide the light to the second end; and an optical extractor (OE) optically coupled to LG at the second end to receive light from the LEE guided from the first end to the second end of LG. OE includes a first interface configured to reflect a first portion of the light exiting the LG and transmit a second portion of the light exiting the LG so that the second portion of the light exits OE to an ambient environment in the first direction, and a second interface configured to transmit light incident thereon to the ambient environment in a direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Ingo Speier, Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Patent number: 8714800
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light source device for emitting concentrated light, which is prepared by concentrating light emitted from a light source, including: the light source; a reflective box in which the light source is provided; a plurality of light guides having a circular column shape or a polygonal column shape and having two end surfaces being different in area; and light separating means, the reflective box having a plurality of openings, each opening being provided with one of the light guides in such a way that the end surface smaller in area faces the light source, and each light separating means being provided at a position between the adjacent ones of the openings. With this, a small-sized light source device for emitting light with high output and high directivity, and a simulated solar light irradiation device including the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akiko Kobayashi, Kohji Minami, Hiroyuki Tadano, Norito Fujihara, Tamon Iden, Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8708543
    Abstract: There is herein described a light engine that emits a light. The light engine includes a light source, a light guide, a plurality of extraction optical elements, and a plurality of phosphors. The light guide receives the light. The extraction optical elements are on the surface of the light guide. The extraction optical elements extract at least a portion of the light out of the light guide. The phosphors are disposed on top of at least some of the extraction optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Dongxue Wang, Matthew A Stough, Martin Zachau
  • Patent number: 8702291
    Abstract: An illuminatable apparatus includes a fabric sheet containing fiber optic rods interwoven with fabric threads. The ends of the fiber optic rods are bundled together to form a ferrule which is removably insertable into a holder carrying a light source and a power source. An outer ferrule can be fixed over the sleeve-like ferrule or robust applications. The holder may be removably attached to articles of clothing. The illuminatable fabric sheet can be used as an optical bandage, in a medical cast, in a negative pressure device, or in a bed pad/sheet, or in a therapeutic brace support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: John Stephan
  • Publication number: 20140098011
    Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to autostereoscopic display device illumination apparatuses having one or more optical fibers (i.e., flexible light diffusing waveguides) as linear emitters for illuminating columns of pixels of a display panel within the autostereoscopic display device. In some embodiments, the linear emitters are defined by a single optical fiber that is arranged on a substrate in a serpentine manner to form an array of linear emitters. In some embodiments, the linear emitters are defined by several optical fibers. Illumination apparatuses of some embodiments may also include a prism device configured to create multiple images of the optical fiber(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jacques Gollier
  • Publication number: 20140092623
    Abstract: An illuminated color display panel having at least one light diffusing waveguide, and a transparent panel having at least one luminophore provided in a predetermined pattern on at least one major planar surface of the transparent panel is provided. Light from at least one light source is coupled to the waveguide and light from the waveguide is coupled to the panel at or adjacent at least one edge of the panel. The resulting illuminated color display panel is useful for general lighting purposes and signage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Stephan Lvovich Logunov, Alranzo Boh Ruffin
  • Patent number: 8687937
    Abstract: A light-guide module includes a light-guide strip having opposite first and second ends, a light-entry surface disposed at the first end, a light-exit surface extending between the first and second ends, and first and second working surfaces disposed parallel to each other and extending between the first and second ends. One of the first and second working surfaces defines a light-scatter zone and includes a plurality of micro-scatter structures that are disposed within the light-scatter zone and that configure the light-scatter zone with a light-scattering ability that varies from the first end to the second end. The light-guide module also includes a reflecting element disposed to reflect light that exits from the light-guide strip via the first and second working surfaces back into the light-guide strip via the first and second working surfaces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Sen Tsao, Kuo-Wen Chang
  • Publication number: 20140085923
    Abstract: A light emitting device can project high density laser light by collecting laser light to irradiate in a spotlight manner while remedying local brightness saturation and temperature quenching, and can suppress the lowering of efficiency due to such local brightness saturation and temperature quenching. The light emitting device can include an excitation light source for emitting excitation light; a wavelength conversion member including a diffusion layer and a wavelength conversion layer. The Device can include an optical system configured to collect the excitation light from the excitation light source to irradiate the first face with the collected excitation light in a spotlight manner. In the light emitting device, the diffusion layer can have a thickness that is set in such a manner that brightness distribution of the diffused light exiting through the second face does not include a local peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Nakazato
  • Publication number: 20140063839
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: IDD AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Kevan Guy, Mary Ann Matthew
  • Publication number: 20140063838
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to lighting diffusing fibers (LDFs) having a flame retardant coating thereon. The LDFs comprise a glass RAL fiber core having a primary polymer coating of a clear, colorless polymeric material having an index of refraction less than that of the glass fiber core and a flame retardant coating applied over the primary coating. The flame retardant coating consist of approximately 35-85 wt. % UV curable polymer forming monomers and 15-65 wt. % of an inorganic, halogen free filler, along with at least one photoinitiator and an antioxidant. In an embodiment phosphor-containing polymer layer can be applied between the primary coating and the flame retardant coating. In another embodiment the phosphor can be added to the flame retardant coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Inna Igorevna Kouzmina, Stephan Lvovich Logunov
  • Patent number: 8657472
    Abstract: A light redirecting film (100) includes a first major surface (110) that includes first microstructures (150) that extend along a first direction and a second major surface (120), which may form part of a matte layer, the second major surface being opposite to the first major surface and including second microstructures (160). The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75. The light redirecting film (100) may comprise particles. The second microstructures may have a slope distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph T. Aronson, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Tri D. Pham, Robert A. Yapel, Joseph A. Zigal, Steven J. McMan, Steven D. Solomonson, Steven H. Kong, Fei Lu, Gary T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 8636366
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus of the present invention includes light source (101), rod integrator (105), reflecting mirror (103), diffusion plate (104) disposed adjacently to reflection mirror (103), reflective polarizing plate (107), and wavelength plate (106). The lighting apparatus further includes curved mirror (102) disposed among light source (101), reflecting mirror (103), and diffusion plate (104). Reflecting mirror (103) and curved mirror (102) include apertures (102a and 103a) formed to allow at least light from light source (101) to pass. Curved mirror (102) reflects light leaked from the entrance plane side of rod integrator (105) toward aperture (103a) of reflecting mirror (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Display Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kato
  • Patent number: 8620125
    Abstract: Light diffusing optical fibers and methods for producing light diffusing optical fibers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light diffusing optical fiber includes a core portion formed from silica glass and comprising a plurality of helical void randomly distributed in the core portion of the optical fiber and wrapped around the long axis of the optical fiber. A pitch of the helical voids may vary along the axial length of the light diffusing optical fiber in order to achieve the desired illumination along the length of the optical fiber. A cladding may surround the core portion. Light guided by the core portion is scattered by the helical voids radially outward, through the cladding, such that the light diffusing optical fiber emits light with a predetermined intensity over an axial length of the light diffusing optical fiber, the light diffusing optical fiber having a scattering induced attenuation loss greater than about 0.2 dB/m at a wavelength of 550 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie James Button, Andrey Kobyakov, Sergey Anatolyevuch Kuchinsky, Stephan Lvovich Logunov, Aramais Zakharian
  • Patent number: 8602622
    Abstract: A backlight module may include an optical substrate, at least one light guide pipe, and at least one first light source. At least one accommodation trench is disposed on the optical substrate for accommodating the light guide pipe. The first light source is disposed at one side of the light guide pipe and is arranged for emitting at least one first light into the light guide pipe. The first light is transferred in the light guide pipe and leaves the light guide pipe when being reflected by the optical substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chung-Hao Tien, Chien-Hsiang Hung, Ming-Chin Chien, Chih-Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 8596818
    Abstract: An optical member includes; an incident surface on which light is incident, an exit surface which is disposed substantially opposite the incident surface and from which the light exits, a prism pattern disposed on the exit surface, and a diffusion pattern which is aligned with the prism pattern and is disposed in a total internal reflection region in which the light incident on the incident surface is totally internally reflected by the prism pattern and output through the incident surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang-Woo Lee, Seung-Mo Kim, Jin-Sung Choi
  • Patent number: 8591087
    Abstract: An illumination system generating light having at least one wavelength within 200 nm to 2000 nm range. The system includes a light source and at least one light diffusing optical fiber with a plurality of nano-sized structures (e.g., voids). The optical fiber is coupled to the light source. The light diffusing optical fiber has a core and a cladding. The plurality of nano-sized structures is situated either within said core or at a core-cladding boundary. The optical fiber also includes an outer surface. The optical fiber is configured to scatter guided light via the nano-sized structures away from the core and through the outer surface, to form a light-source fiber portion having a length that emits substantially uniform radiation over its length, said fiber having a scattering-induced attenuation greater than 50 dB/km for the wavelength(s) within 200 nm to 2000 nm range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Robertson Bickham, Dana Craig Bookbinder, Edward John Fewkes, Stephan Lvovich Logunov
  • Publication number: 20130308335
    Abstract: A modular optical-fiber-based illumination system comprises a light source (52); a low-scatter light-conducting optical fiber (54) optically coupled to the light source (52) having an output end (58); and a light-diffusing optical fiber (12) having a glass core (20), a cladding (40) and a plurality of nano-sized structures (32) situated within said core (20) or at a core-cladding boundary. An input end (62) of the light-diffusing optical fiber (12) is removably and optically coupled to the output end (58) of the low-scatter light-conducting optical fiber (54). Various light sources (52), including UV, infrared, colored, and white, may be used. With a UV source (52), the light-diffusing optical fiber (12) may desirably have one or more phosphors for converting UV into one or more other wavelengths, and the illumination system may include a filter or absorber (76) that prevents or reduces propagation of the one or more other wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Lucien Genier
  • Patent number: 8585228
    Abstract: An apparatus to widen the light dispersion pattern of a light source shining through an overlay window from the viewing side of an electrical computer system. The overlay window is coupled to a panel of the system. The overlay window includes a transparent material, which has a first surface facing the light source and a second surface facing away from the light source to define a viewing side. An opaque material can be disposed on the first surface to partially cover the first surface to form a viewing window. A first diffusing mechanism is disposed on the first surface, and a second diffusing mechanism is disposed on the second surface. In response to the passage of the light output through the viewing window, the light dispersion pattern of the light output from the viewing side of the overlay window has a viewing angle of up to about 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry L. Hayden, Sr., Ronald D. Lutz, Jr., Charles Ingalz, Bill Hin Yi Fong
  • Publication number: 20130299684
    Abstract: A light-trapping sheet of the present disclosure includes: a light-transmitting sheet; and light-coupling structures arranged in an inner portion of the light-transmitting sheet. The light-coupling structure includes first, second and third light-transmitting layers. A refractive index of the first and second light-transmitting layers is smaller than that of the light-transmitting sheet; and a refractive index of the third light-transmitting layer is larger than those of the first and second light-transmitting layers. The third light-transmitting layer has a diffraction grating parallel to the surfaces of the light-transmitting sheet. The light-trapping sheet further includes a transparent cover sheet opposing at least one of the surfaces of the light-transmitting sheet with a gap interposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji NISHIWAKI, Shinichi WAKABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20130294105
    Abstract: A light element for ambient illumination, having a light distribution plane and a main scatter plane, wherein an angle between a surface normal of the main scatter plane and a surface normal of the light distribution plane is between 10° and 80°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jens Dietmar Reuschel