Abstract: In a fiber optic display system an array of pixels form a continuous viewable surface. Each pixel is formed by a bundle of one or more optical fibers which vector light to the pixels from one or more light sources. High density of pixels at the viewable surface is achieved by bundling small diameter optical fibers adapted for vectoring light from a low density light sources. The two-dimensional geometry of the viewable surface is de-coupled from the light source which is arranged in a three dimensional space.

Abstract: A highly efficient luminaire. The luminaire includes a light source that emits light. The emitted light is redirected by a light transformer having a curved circular reflective interior surface, the reflective interior surface reflecting the light in a predetermined pattern. A substantial amount of light being may be reflected close to an axis coincident with a radial line defining a radius of the circular reflective interior surface. Additionally, a substantial amount of light may be reflected in a pattern with low divergency or parallel with an axis of the light transformer. The light is transmitted to the exterior of the luminaire by an optical window.

Abstract: The invention discloses an illuminating device (1) having a laser (3) that emits a light beam (7), which is directed onto a microstructured optical element (13) that spectrally broadens the light from the laser. The laser (3) and the microstructured optical element (13) are arranged within the casing.

Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a horizontal carousel has a common light source array consisting of LED's and the like inside the system's rotating or movable carrier loop at a picking or storage access area behind the shelves of a selected carrier. When that carrier is at the desired access position, the common light source transmits light through light transmitting devices to an access face of the carrier at the picking or storing location in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be flexible light pipes arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required.

Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a Vertical Carousel (VC) or Vertical Lift Module (VLM), which has a common light source or light source grid, consists of LED's and the like incorporated into the body of the machine in proximity to the access point operator's workstation. When a storage carrier/tray is delivered to the access position, the common light source transmits light through one of a light transmitting element to an access face of the storage compartment position in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required (i.e., the number of compartments within the tray can vary in size and number) individually for different trays, and are delivered over a grid pattern of light sources for annunciation.

Abstract: A unique, solid flat panel lighting emitting luminaire has been created that utilizes a light source remote from the luminaire coupled with a hollow light pipe. The light panel luminaire is fed light flux via a hollow light pipe system into one or two edges of the flat panel. The light panel has imbedded irregular tapered tetrahedron light guides that emit light in a uniform controlled fashion over the length of the emitting surface. The subject lighting luminaire provides light emitted from an adjacent High Intensity Discharge (HID) light source. The luminaire is specifically designed to provide light over a large surface for backlit billboard applications without the limitations of traditional fluorescent light source light boxes. The luminaire does not require any maintenance to its interior as the light source is remote from the emitting surface.

Abstract: An LED illuminating device that includes a light-guiding member formed of a translucent material; an LED element formed of at least one diode disposed on one end of the light-guiding member for emitting light therein; a light-emitting region along the length of the light-guiding member; and a plurality of grooves having a rectangular cross-section and formed in the circumferential surface of the light-guiding member at appropriate intervals in the axial direction. The present invention also provides an LED illuminating appliance of various configurations that employ the LED illuminating device as a light source.

Abstract: A self-illuminating device, having a light source part and a light guide part. A light source is enclosed in an enclosure, which further accommodates a power source, to provide a voltage to the light source and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit adjusts and controls the power source supplied to the light source, so as to control brightness and color of the light source. The light guide part is preferably in a form of a plurality of light guide strips. Each of the light guide strips has one end received in the enclosure and coupled to the light source and the other end extending therefrom. Due to the light guide property, the light received at one end can be transmitted to the exposed other end of the light guide strips. Preferably, the exposed ends are arranged to display a desired pattern, design or logo.

Abstract: An LED display comprises a reflective panel and a segment structure on the reflective panel. The segment structure includes a plurality of segments for forming digit, text, symbol and graph and decimal point for the LED display. Each segment comprises a plurality of light dots, the number and shape and factor of the light dots are not limited and can be varied according to practical requirement. The LED display has performance and effect compatible to the VFD and advantages such as simple manufacture process, reduced materials, reduced cost, high yield and enhanced quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optically marking an elongated indication path. This method is comprised of supporting an optic sieve (1) along an exposed indication path, and aligning an end (4) of the optic sieve (1) (or networks of sections of optic sieves) with a light source (2) (or light socket harnessing the collective outputs of a plurality of light sources). The optic sieve (1) in the context of the present invention is characterised by having at least one side emitting optic fiber within a flexible semi opaque holographically grooved sleeve. The present invention also relates to devices having optically marked elongated indication paths according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A structure of firework light, wherein, a base is provided therein with an electric conductor and an automatic reeling device to lower the gravity of the firework light, and a post is provided to connect a hollow ball thereon, a lot of transparent radial rods are conveniently connected with the ball. An IC controller is provided in the hollow ball to separately control a flashlight, so that the IC controller makes the lamp strings in the radial rods flash sequentially after the flashlight flashes.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for illuminating keypad-type input devices, utilizing a light source, such as an LED, and transmitting the output of the light source to individual input loci via a fiber optic light guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illuminating an interior portion of a processing chamber in a semiconductor processing system. A fiber optic light source is operatively associated with the processing chamber to illuminate the interior of the chamber to facilitate viewing the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A light conduit to be used in conjunction with a light source in a hand-held electronic device for illuminating the keys and display of the device. The light conduit has a planar light guiding section with a plurality of light escape elements located in the keys to allow portions of the received light to escape for illuminating the keys. An light escapement section, located near the display, is extended from or optically coupled to the light guiding section to allow a further portion of the received light to escape from the light escapement section for illuminating the display. The light source can be located near the light guide section or near the light escapement section. light guide section or near the light escapement section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting signboard having a curved structure. The above lighting signboard having a curved structure includes a light guide plate which is formed in a curved plate shape for thereby being attached to an outer surface of a circular column structure, a back plate which supports the light guide plate, and a front plate which implements a lighting by a light from the light guide plate and supports the advertisement plate which is curved along the shape of the circular column structure. A diffused reflection member is inserted in a portion remotely distanced from the light source for thereby scatter-spreading the light from both ends of the same, and the light from the light source is spread through the light guide plate for thereby lighting an advertisement film attached on a front surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An LED display comprises a reflective panel and a segment structure on the reflective panel. The segment structure includes a plurality of segments for forming digit, text, symbol and graph and decimal point for the LED display. Each segment comprises a plurality of light dots, the number and shape and factor of the light dots are not limited and can be varied according to practical requirement. The LED display has performance and effect compatible to the VFD and advantages such as simple manufacture process, reduced materials, reduced cost, high yield and enhanced quality.

Abstract: An extended length side emitting cable is disclosed. The cable includes transmitting and side emitting fibers. As light proceeds along the side emitting fibers, it decreases in intensity and in color quality. The transmitting fibers are coupled into the side emitting fibers to refresh the light. In this manner the cable maintains increased uniformity of color and intensity along its length.

Abstract: The illuminating apparatus of the present invention has two light conductive bars which have one spot-like light source in common on their end surfaces, and which are disposed with their respective side surfaces facing each other and along the end surface of a light conductive plate. The spot-like light source has the center of its light emitting surface positioned to an interface portion between the two light conductive bars, whereby non-uniformity in brightness of lights at the end surfaces of the light conductive bars is diminished at the end surface of the light conductive plate with respect to the length direction of the light conductive bars while the lights emitted from the spot-like light source and introduced into the light conductive bars have their optical paths changed at respective optical path conversion means formed on the light conductive bars, and travel into the light conductive plate.

Abstract: A light, such as for an airport taxiway, in which a base includes a light source which outputs light. The light source may be an LED (light emitting diode) light source which is highly energy efficient and which has a long life. A light guide receives and guides light output from the light source. The light guide further extends out from the light source. A reflector is positioned in the light guide and reflects the light guided through the light guide to provide the appropriate illumination.

Abstract: In a light-emitting device comprising an organic electroluminescent device including one or more organic thin layers (at least including a light-emitting layer) which are sandwiched between a transparent first electrode formed on a light-transmitting substrate and a second electrode, the light-transmitting substrate is formed so as to include parts for reflecting light emitted by the organic electroluminescent device (corresponding to a pixel) and thereby preventing the light from entering adjacent pixel areas. The light-transmitting substrate is formed of material having a refractive index of 1.65 or more or a refractive index higher than that of the light-emitting layer. A surface of the light-transmitting substrate opposite to the first electrode is provided with a light-diffusing function for avoiding total reflection.

Abstract: A display device has a light source and a display part including a light guide, a movable element, and selection means to locally and selectively bring the movable element into contact with the light guide to couple light out of the light guide. The light source is a UV radiation source. The movable element includes means for scattering UV light. The display device includes phosphor elements for emitting visible light at different colors when excited by UV radiation. The phosphor elements include phosphor particles in an embedding material.

Abstract: A directional way finding system is described which comprises a light emitting device having a plurality of side emitting light conduits arranged side by side with parts of the conduits covered at repeated intervals along the length of the conduits to leave an exposed sequence of light emitting sections in each conduit. These sections are longitudinally offset in adjacent conduits to provide diagonal light emitting regions, so that when the conduits are sequentially energised light is emitted from the light emitting sections to give to an observer the perception of light travelling in a forward or reverse direction, depending on the order in which the conduits are scanned. Embodiments are described for a system in which the light conduits are optical fibres energised from a laser and in which the light conduits are electroluminescent wires energised from a switched power supply.

Abstract: To provide a side light extraction type light fiber capable of extracting light having high brightness at a viewing angle. Means for solving: a light fiber comprising: a core (1) in the center portion, and a cladding arranged around the core, characterized in that the cladding comprises: (i) a light diffusive layer (3) comprising a light diffusive portion made of a light diffusive material containing, as a binder, a polymer having a refractive index smaller than that of the core, which is provided in closely contact with the core in a wall thickness of 1 to 300 &mgr;m in a circumferential direction, and (ii) a protective layer (4) made of a light transmitting resin material, which is formed to integrate with the light diffusive layer and covers the light diffusive layer.

Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polaizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an illumination device. The illumination device includes a light emitting diode that emits a radiation pattern, wherein a maximum luminous intensity of the radiation pattern is displaced relative to a center axis of the light emitting diode. The illumination device may also include a number of light guides positioned to be illuminated by the light emitting diode. The invention utilizes the “batwing” radiation pattern of a light emitting diode to effectively illuminate a number of light guides with a single light emitting diode. Each light guide is offset from a center axis of the light emitting diode to capture light that is annularly displaced. This offset positioning of the light guides allows the light guides to effectively capture light from the light emitting diode where light intensity is greatest.

Abstract: In this surface light source device, light is incident from a plurality of point light sources 2 arranged on a one side end surface of a light guide plate 1, is reflected on a light reflecting surface 11 on a rear surface of the light guide plate 1, and is emitted from a front surface of the light guide plate 1. The point light sources 2 comprise white light emitting diode elements. Two white light emitting diode elements out of six of the white light emitting diode elements having chromaticity outermost from a center of an aimed chromaticity range in opposite hue directions are arranged in an approximately center of a group of the white diode elements.

Abstract: A light guide plate has a back face provided with a first light diffusion pattern which tends to get denser according to an increasing distance from a primary light source. The light guide plate has an emission face provided with a second light diffusion pattern covering rate of is the largest at an approximately center portion (particular partial region) of the emission face. The first and second light diffusion patterns consist of a great number of fine light diffusion elements, respectively. Each fine light diffusion element of the second light diffusion pattern has a smaller size as compared with that of the first light diffusion pattern. The emission face of the light guide plate has an effective emission area to provide an emission light which is supplied to an LCD panel or other objects to be illuminated, via a light control member such as prism sheet. The approximately center portion and/or other one or more particular partial regions in the emission face show an intentionally heightened brightness.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle having an elongated first blade portion connected at one end to one end of the handle and an elongated second blade portion extending along the length of the first blade portion. One end of the second blade portion defines an illumination input end to which a connector is coupled. The connector is shaped to optically couple the illumination input end to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of the first and second blade portions is illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of displaying a luminescent icon includes a light source and a light pipe capable of allowing light to propagate therethrough. The light pipe has a first end capable of receiving light from the light source and a second end capable of emitting the light from the light source, wherein the second end has a shape corresponding to the luminescent icon. A method capable of displaying a luminescent icon includes emitting a light from a light source and forming the light into a shape corresponding to the luminescent icon.

Abstract: In an illumination (or front light) system based on an optical waveguide for e.g. LCD devices, Moiré artefacts due to internal reflections in the optical waveguide are minimized by using microstructures (grooves) which have a curved shape or are pre-arranged at an angle.

Abstract: An illumination device for transmitting and/or distributing light with an extractor that extends distally into the interior of the light guide. The illumination device includes a hollow light guide including a wall having an inner surface and a structured outer side. The structured outer side includes a plurality of prisms defining grooves that extend along a length of the light guide. An extractor extends substantially along the length of the light guide and projects distally from the inner surface towards an interior of the light guide. The extractor is operative to cause light to be released through the wall of the light guide. A method of attaching the extractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-guiding system for improving the lighting conditions of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, including a light-generating unit (3) which can be switched on and off electrically and a light guide (5) which is used for guiding the light and which is coupled to the light-generating unit (3) for coupling in the light. According to the present invention, the light guide (5) is arranged in the area of the interior lining of the vehicle roof (1) and designed as a flat light guide, the light being coupled in at one or more lateral surfaces (7, 8) of the light guide (5); and the flat light guide (5) being prepared such that the light couples out of the light guide (5) into the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle over a large surface and in a homogeneous manner.

Abstract: An optical transmission tube for illumination is uniquely incorporated into any one of a variety of automotive, commercial, retail, structural, architectural, safety, or other products including running boards, vehicle interior compartments such as a glove box, approximate the license plate attachment area on a vehicle, a trunk, a vehicle hood, on a vehicle door, a vehicle bumper, a vehicle luggage rack, a picture frame, a flashlight, a building, a guard rail, a construction barrier, a bicycle, a sign, an appliance interior compartment such as a refrigerator, a part bin, a retail display shelf, a clipboard, a step, a tractor trailer, a desk, a walkway, a room or storage chamber, a runway, an instrument panel, a railroad crossing gate, an emergency sign, an elevator doorway, a swimming pool, a dog collar, a fish tank, a baby crib a hand rail, an inline skate an island in a parking lot or on a street, affixed to a curb, or on safety clothing.

Abstract: This application relates to a novel identification and flashlight device incorporating a flag disposed to extend laterally from a transparent pole-like projection extending from the end of the battery case of a hand held miniature flashlight assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optically marked surface. In the preferred embodiment, the optically marked surface (15) comprises a light source (16), a surface to be marked (18), optical material (19) capable of illumination by the light source, the optical material, the surface and the light source being so configured and arranged that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface. The present invention also discloses turf comprising artificial or natural turf fibers and fiber optic filaments extending between the turf fibers. The present invention also provides a method of marking a surface comprising the steps of providing a light source, providing a surface to be marked, providing an optical material capable of illumination by the light source, configuring and arranging the optical material, the surface, and the light source such that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface, and illuminating the optical material.

Abstract: An optical module for edge lit display signs utilizes energy efficient miniature cold cathode fluorescent lamps. Lampholders that mechanically and electrically couple the lamps include resilient sockets and clamps shaped to engage the outer surface of the resilient sockets. A preferred optical module intended as an illumination source for edge-lit emergency exit signs has two spaced apart cold cathode fluorescent lamps and an optical reflector configured to increase the light coupled to display surfaces of the edge-lit sign.

Abstract: A split-phase pedestrian head traffic signal having directional light beams and a variable beamwidth. The pedestrian heads are selectively controlled such that half-way through a control cycle, a pedestrian half-way across the street may see a “walk” signal, while a pedestrian still at the far side of the street will actually see a “stop hand” signal. A pair of pedestrian heads each having a split-phase facilitate the beam steering such that the appropriate walk or stop hand signal are viewed by the pedestrian at the appropriate location. An area array of LEDs in combination with a Fresnel lens is selectively controlled such that light generated from the respective head can be directed toward different positions of the street for informing pedestrians at different locations attempting to cross the street.

Abstract: An illuminated frontlit display includes a front light guide having at least one light input face that supplies light to the guide, a viewing face, and a light output face opposite the viewing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the extraction layer having a substantially flat light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the guide through the light exit face to a reflective light valve and back through the viewing face of the guide to a viewer.

Abstract: A waveguide illumination assembly for an automobile license plate includes a single light source and a transport or waveguide disposed outward from the license plate perimeter. The light source shines into one end of the waveguide. The waveguide has one or more arms, each of which has an array of reflective elements. Light is internally reflected as it travels through the waveguide until it strikes a reflective element, thereby directing light through an opposing longitudinal side of the waveguide arm and onto the license plate.

Abstract: Illuminate letters and numbers that are visible, located inside 1A and 1B which will be operated by 3, 4, 5 and 6 to illuminate any phrase or clause. This device will be operated by microchip or inverter 2 a voltage outlet, this will be a whole new break through in advertising to the public besides radio and television.

Abstract: A runway and taxiway lighting system (of FIG. 1). The system (100) includes a housing (105) as part of a light assembly (102), which light assembly (102) includes a light source (120) for emitting light (123), and a light pipe (126). The light pipe (126) has a first end (124) in close association with the light source (120) for coupling the light (123) thereinto, and a second end (128) from which the light (123) is dispersed. The system (100) also includes a power source encased in a power box (108), and operatively connected to the light assembly (120) for providing power thereto.

Abstract: A flat lighting device (8; 32) having an aperture fluorescent lamp (33), an optical system (10; 34) and an optical conductor plate (11; 35) is provided. The optical system (10: 34) specifically influences the light distribution of the light to be coupled into the optical conductor plate in such a way that seen in a cross-sectional plane of the tubular discharge vessel of the lamp, the light distribution has at least one maximum at an angular spacing &bgr;, measured from the optical axis (A), the angular spacing &bgr; fulfilling the following relationship: &LeftBracketingBar; β &RightBracketingBar; ≥ arctan ⁢   ⁢ ( d L ) L being the longitudinal extent of the optical conductor plate in the direction of the optical axis (A) and d being its thickness.

Abstract: An LED illuminating device that includes a light-guiding member formed of a translucent material; an LED element formed of at least one diode disposed on one end of the light-guiding member for emitting light therein; a light-emitting region along the length of the light-guiding member; and a plurality of grooves having a rectangular cross-section and formed in the circumferential surface of the light-guiding member at appropriate intervals in the axial direction. The present invention also provides an LED illuminating appliance of various configurations that employ the LED illuminating device as a light source.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a liquid crystal display device includes a lamp tube for generating light, and electrodes each having a suitable shape for receiving end portions of the lamp tube. The lamp tube and the electrodes are combined to generate the light by applying electric power to the electrodes. The lamp assembly may include multiple lamp tubes having different brightness from each other, in which the brightness difference between the lamp tubes is compensated by uniformly diffusing the light generated from the lamp tubes.

Abstract: A light, such as for an airport taxiway, in which a base includes a light source which outputs light. The light source may be an LED (light emitting diode) light source which is highly energy efficient and which has a long life. A light guide receives and guides light output from the light source. The light guide further extends out from the light source. A reflector is positioned in the light guide and reflects the light guided through the light guide to provide the appropriate illumination.

Abstract: A carrier for a hot-pluggable disk drive has a frame with a pair of side walls, a front bezel, and a rear connector assembly. The disk drive mounts to the frame within its confines. The carrier also has pipes for transmitting light to the front bezel. The light pipes extend along the side wall from the front bezel to the rear connector assembly. The carrier is installed in the disk drive docking bay of a computer system. The rear end of the docking bay has a docking connector for interconnecting with the rear connector assembly, which also interconnects with the drive. The rear connector assembly is provided with a retainer for supporting the rearward ends of the light pipes. When the carrier is seated in the docking bay, the light pipes precisely align with activity lights at the back of the docking bay. The light emitted by the activity lights is transmitted through the light pipes and displayed at the front bezel for viewing by the user.

Abstract: An illuminated display assembly includes a flexible, translucent and rectangular display plate having an outer edge including two opposing side edges and two opposing end edges, and an image depicted on the display plate within the outer edge of the plate. The display plate also has a width dimension measured from the opposing side edges. The display plate is mounted to a support frame having a rectangular panel and a support member extending along a periphery of the panel. The support member includes two opposing side supports and two opposing end supports. A retainer is disposed along each of the side supports and the support frame has a dimension measured from the retainer on the side support that is less than the width of the display plate. Thus, when the retainer receives respective side edges of the display plate, the display plate deforms in a convex shape with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: High luminance display devices, typically utilized in applications requiring sunlight readability, require unique design methodologies as the thickness approaches a maximum of one-inch. The present invention relates to a high intensity light generation engine and associated light transmission apparatus for transmitting the light generated by the engine to a remote location. The invention is especially applicable for use in constructing a back lighted display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), of minimal thickness, i.e., one-inch or less. A display of minimal thickness is achieved by separating a light source and other peripherals from the display device, using a remote enclosure. Such a display is most suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions where space is at a premium, such as in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: A dial for an indicating instrument, in particular in a motor vehicle, is described in the application. This dial comprises an optically conducting basic body whose outside is shaped as a two-stage cone. Except for light passages (10) forming symbols, the outside is covered by an opaque layer (9), the light, which has previously been coupled into the basic body (2), exiting there. The special feature consists in that the basic body (2) is produced by injection molding, and this permits the production of a non-planar outer surface, the opaque layer (9) itself being produced on the outer surface.

Abstract: A display structure comprises a substrate formed with a slanted surface, a panel, a lamp connected with two lead wires, and an intermediate made of elastic material and used for clamping the lead wires on the substrate. When the intermediate slides on the substrate, the intermediate is compressed by the slanted surface of the substrate pressing thereon, and a wedging effect is generated between the substrate and the intermediate. The lead wires can be fixed by the compressed intermediate until the intermediate is fully disposed on the substrate. Even in instances of excessive or abrupt force being applied on the lead wires, the majority of the force is directly absorbed by the intermediate and transmitted to the substrate.