Abstract: An illumination device including at least one arm supporting one or more light emitting devices, such arm pivoting from a closed configuration for passing through a hole to an open configuration for function. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination device includes three or five arms, light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light emitting devices and, springs for automatically pivoting the arms to the open configuration.

Abstract: A light-guiding system comprising a plate-like light-emitting element (20) provided with means for emitting light through at least part of its front surface (22). Light is coupled in by a plate-like light-guiding member (21) connected to a lateral side of said lightemitting element (20). One or more interstices (25) are present between said light-emitting element (20) and said light-guiding member (21).

Abstract: An optical fiber is disclosed, which is comprised of: a core, having a plurality of microstructures formed thereon; and a cladding layer, surrounding the core. In a preferred embodiment, as light is transmitting along the axis of the aforesaid optical fiber and strikes on the plural microstructures, it is scattered and reflected out of the optical fiber through a side wall thereof so as to achieve a side-emitting effect. As the microstructures are formed inside the core of the aforesaid optical fiber, not only they are prevented from being damaged by normal usage, contacting to adhesive directly, but also they can lower the risk of the optical fiber being snapped/deformed while the optical fiber is subjecting to an external force and bended. In addition, by controlling the shape, quantity, size, distribution density and location of the microstructure, the brightness of the side-emitting optical fiber can be adjusted correspondingly.

Abstract: A light-guiding structure including a plurality of light pipes, a plurality of connecting portions and a fixing socket is provided. The light pipes are disposed on the fixing socket, and the light pipes are connected together by the connecting portions. At least one to-be-destroyed portion is formed between the connecting portions. In addition, the fixing socket has at least one destructive structure for disconnecting the connecting portions from each other by destroying the to-be-destroyed portion. Therefore, the interference caused by the light wave passing through the connecting piece is avoided.

Abstract: A modular fiber optic light line unit has a housing in which distal portions of one or more fiber optic bundles fan out such that termini of the fibers are arrayed in a continuous fiber row. The proximal ends of the bundles are held in respective sleeves, and light source modules are removably attached over the sleeves to generate light that is incident on the proximal end of the bundle. The light source modules are removably installed by pushing on, without requiring tools. The light source modules have a canister housing containing a solid-state light source, e.g., five watts. Heat management is achieved using fins on the modular housing. Different color wavelength light sources can be employed, and the fibers from the various bundles can be interleaved.

Abstract: An optical module has plural optical units each having an optical communication device that performs conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal, and a socket that the optical communication device is fitted in. The optical units are aligned and detachably connected to each other by a part of the socket in contact with the socket of the adjacent optical unit.

Abstract: A fishing rod illumination system for fishing lures that utilize fiber-optics to attract fish. The fishing rod illumination system includes a fishing reel, a light source within the fishing reel, a control pad in communication with the light source to control the light source, and a length of fiber optic fishing line connected to the fishing reel.

Abstract: A hub arrangement for mounting light pipe to receive light includes a light pipe hub for mounting at least one light pipe, with a plug-and-socket arrangement. The plug-and-socket arrangement includes (i) a socket in the light pipe hub for receiving a plug, and (ii) a plug for mounting a light pipe end that is to receive light. A fore end of the plug is receivable within the socket. The plug has a channel for receiving the light pipe through an aft end of the plug. The hub arrangement may also include, if desired, a rod hub for mounting at least one thermally isolating, light-collection rod for receiving light from a light source. The hub arrangement allows easy and rapid coupling of light pipe to an illumination source, using a “plug-and-socket” feature. The hub arrangement may incorporate several safety features to prevent premature light pipe failure.

Abstract: A modular fiber optic light line unit has a housing in which distal portions of one or more fiber optic bundles fan out such that termini of the fibers are arrayed in a continuous fiber row. The proximal ends of the bundles are held in respective sleeves, and light source modules are removably attached over the sleeves to generate light that is incident on the proximal end of the bundle. The light source modules are removably installed by pushing on, without requiring tools. The light source modules have a canister housing containing a solid-state light source, e.g., five watts. Heat management is achieved using fins on the modular housing. Different color wavelength light sources can be employed, and the fibers from the various bundles can be interleaved.

Abstract: A multi-level optical device that includes a housing. Further, a multi-level lightpipe is placed in the housing and includes at least two paths for passing light. A lightpipe barrier can optionally be placed between the at least two paths in the multi-level lightpipe, to provide enhanced separation between the light passing through the two paths. Further, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided in the housing. Respective ones of the plurality of LEDs provide light input into a respective one of the paths of the multi-level lightpipe. The multi-level lightpipe can take the form of a bi-level prism, and the plurality of LEDs may be multi-color LEDs. A light-bleeding preventing device can be positioned between the at least two paths in the multi-level lightpipe. The multi-level lightpipe can also include plural multi-level lightpipes arranged in a row to create a matrix of output light signals.

Abstract: A lighting tube adapting device includes an insulating base having two through holes for receiving two tube pins of a lighting tube, and an adapting unit including two adapting seats, two adapting members, and two bridge members. The adapting seats are spaced in the insulating base and define two hollow spaces separately communicating with the through holes on the insulating base. The adapting members are electrically conducting and mounted in the hollow spaces of the adapting seats, and respectively include a first sleeve portion for receiving one tube pin and a second sleeve portion sidewardly communicating with the first sleeve portion. The bridge members are electrically conducting, and respectively have a first adapting pin for inserting into the second sleeve portions and a second adapting pin for inserting into two pin insertion holes on a socket. Therefore, the lighting tube is electrically connected to the socket via the adapting device.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) light engine (10) has a longitudinal axis (11) and comprises: a heatsink (12) having a base (14); an LED receiving pocket (16) formed with the base (14); at least one LED (18) mounted in the pocket (16); a light dispenser holder (22) positioned adjacent the pocket (16); and a light dispenser (24) fixed in the light dispenser holder (22) in a light gathering relationship with the at least one LED (18).

Abstract: A kit, or family, of interchangeable headlamp parts for a headlight system is provided that enables illuminated light spots of different sizes and/or different light distribution styles to be produced. The headlight system includes a headband, a headlamp mounted on the headband, a light source, and a fiber optic cable having one end connected to the light source and an opposite end tip connected to the headlamp. According to one embodiment, an upper assembly of the headlamp includes a cable mounting module that is moveable relative to a core module and that permits the distance between the end tip of the fiber optic cable and a convergent lens to be adjusted to permit spots with different light distributions to be produced. A method of adjusting the light projected by a headlight system is also provided.

Abstract: A backlight module and method of assembling the same. At least one fitting structure is formed on each of the top surface and side surface of an exterior frame of the backlight, and a fitting member is provided for each fitting structure. A plurality of fitting structures is formed on the fitting members to be engaged with the fitting structures of the top and side surfaces, such that the backlight films of the backlight module can be properly held between the exterior frame and the fitting members.

Abstract: A light coupling assembly that couples a light source to a light conducting system attached to a medical instrument so that light from the light source is transmitted to a surgical site. The light coupling assembly according to the present invention includes a member formed of a heat conducting material that receives and transfers heat from the light source to a light source housing. The light coupling assembly also includes an insulating member that receives a portion of the heat conducting member and prevents an attendant from being injured by the heat generated by the light source and carried by the heat conducting member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a housing having a front side and a bottom side adjacent the front side. The apparatus also includes a plurality of light generating devices each operable to generate light in response to operation of a particular component of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a plurality of light pipes each associated with a respective ones of the light generating devices and operable to display light generated by the respective light generating device such that the light is visible on the front side and on the bottom side of the housing. According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing having at least one heat sink disposed therein and overlying a component of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes at least one heat sink having a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base.

Abstract: A radiating member, an illuminating device, an electro-optical device, and an electronic device are provided which are capable of absorbing the heat generated from an LED, thereby increasing the amount of electric current flowable through the LED. More particularly, there are provided a point light source, a light guide plate for receiving the light radiated from the point light source, and a radiating plate including an adhesive layer formed to contact the point light source, and a metal layer formed over the adhesive layer and made of the material having a thermal conductivity (?) equal to or greater than 90 W/mK at room temperature.

Abstract: An LED system that simulates bare or exposed neon in appearance. The curvilinear LED light source comprises a rigid, formable light guide having a generally circular cross-section and a flexible LED light engine. The light guide is made of a material or materials that can be heated and formed into a desired shape. The light guide retains the desired shape upon cooling. The flexible light engine is inserted into a groove in the light engine.

Abstract: In a brake light (1) comprising at least one rod-shaped optical fiber (9) and at least one light source, wherein the light from the light source is coupled into the optical fiber (9) at its end face and is decoupled from the optical fiber (9) via a peripheral exit surface (11), in accordance with the invention, two rod-shaped optical fibers (9) are disposed one after another in the longitudinal direction of the brake light (1), wherein the at least one light source is disposed between the two optical fibers (9).

Abstract: A fiber display device (200) includes a light source (21), a fiber binding (27) for transmitting light beams from the light source and a brightness modulating system (29) for modulating the transmission of the light beams. The fiber binding includes a plurality of fibers (272), one terminal end of the fibers acting as a light incidence terminal for receiving light beams from the light source, the other terminal end of the fibers acting as a display terminal. The brightness modulating system is disposed between the light incidence terminal and the display terminal. This simplifies the structure and reduces the cost of the fiber display device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a self-aligned light guide screen. More specifically, in a particular embodiment, fabrication may commence by providing a first ribbon section of light guides with at least one self alignment feature. A second ribbon section of light guides is provided with at least one self alignment feature configured to mate with the at least one self alignment feature of the first ribbon section. The ribbon sections are then stacked, the alignment features aligning the first and second ribbon sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating shoes and fashion accessories includes a fiber optic cable, a clasp and a control circuit. The fiber optic cable has a first coupling point and a second coupling point. The clasp has a housing, a retention mechanism, a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to couple to the first coupling point and the second connector is configured to couple to the second coupling point of the fiber optic cable. The control circuit is disposed within the housing and has a power source and at least one illuminating device. The illuminating device is optically coupled to one or both of the first and second connectors in order to illuminate at least a portion of the fiber optic cable with light. At least one of the clasp and the illuminating device is removable to permit interchangeable selectivity of the color of the illuminating light.

Abstract: An optical module has plural optical units each having an optical communication device that performs conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal, and a socket that the optical communication device is fitted in. The optical units are aligned and detachably connected to each other by a part of the socket in contact with the socket of the adjacent optical unit.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An exterior lighting device based on a light emitting diode in conjunction with an optic fiber is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical housing having a closed end and an open end. The light emitting diode is placed on the interior of the on the closed end of the cylindrical housing. A clear lens having one end in proximity with the light emitting diode and an opposite end with a flat surface is provided. A top cap is installed over the open end of the cylindrical housing. The top cap forms a water tight seal with the cylindrical housing using O-rings. A retaining plate is held in place between the top cap and the cylindrical housing. The retaining plate is locked with the flat surface of the lens thus holding the lens in place over the light emitting diode. An optic fiber has a receiving end held by the retaining plate in proximity to the light emitting diode and an opposite emitting end extending from a socket in the top cap.

Abstract: A three-dimensional decorative lighting particularly structured to include a plurality of light emitting tubes enclosing bundles of optical fibers, and parallel arranged in a circle to form a cylindrical decorative lighting that can be transformationally shaped. The light emitting tubes can hang straight under their own weight, and each are fabricated from a transparent protective sleeve, within which a plurality of the plastic optical fibers are disposed. A plurality of light spot generating windows are distributed on a circumferential surface of each of the optical fibers. A manually manipulable binding connector affixes each of the light emitting tubes to a base plate, thereby enabling the light emitting tubes to hang down, and further facilitates manually transforming structural form of the decorative lighting. Ends of the light emitting tubes are prevented from being contaminated, thus avoiding influencing or obstructing light transmission, and realizing an integrated luminescent display.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a linear luminous body comprising: a light source; a light source accommodating portion in which the light source is accommodated; and a light guide held by the light source accommodating portion so as to extend from the light source accommodating portion; wherein a light emitted from the light source is introduced into said light guide through an end surface of said light guide.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A touch-activated purse illumination assembly having a base unit housing a circuit assembly, a power source and at least one elongated light emitting portion. Touch sensitive switching means are included in the circuit assembly, and feature a pair of partially exposed electrical contacts on the exterior of the base housing unit. After being activated by the touch sensitive switching means, the light emitting portion is energized by the power source for a preset amount of time.

Abstract: Self-illuminating fabricated solids: payers, driveway stones, building blocks, or statuary, having optical fibers positioned within a receptacle with one end of the fibers visually terminating at predetermined positions on the object's surface. Furthermore, the receptacle is adapted to reversibly receive, or alternatively to be operatively related to, a reversibly powered light source to provide for light that travels from the source through the fibers to the surface of the fabricated object providing for self-illuminating seasonal designs, informational text, or advertising. A plurality of designs in various colors may exist on a single object. These durable objects are long lasting as surface exposed fibers wear with the surface of the object and worn-out light sources are easily and rapidly replaced. For extensive displays, a fiber optic cable may be utilized to transmit light from a single or a plurality of remote light sources to one or a plurality of fabricated solid objects.

Abstract: An adjustable-aim light pipe fixture, comprising a generally spherical eyeball for receiving an end of a light pipe is disclosed. The eyeball has a longitudinal axis coincident with a longitudinal axis of that portion of the light pipe that is received in the eyeball. A socket holds the eyeball. The socket comprises a first retainer ring and a second retainer ring. Each retainer ring has an interior surface with contact points to an outer surface of the eyeball. The first and second retainer rings are oriented with respect to each other so as to hold the eyeball in a fixed position when the first and second rings are pressed towards each other. Clamping structure clamps the first and second rings against each other in such manner as to hold the eyeball in fixed relation to the first retainer ring.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light-conductive pipe is described comprising the steps of: forming a light pipe mold having an elongated cavity with two optical end faces and an opening for injecting molten material into the cavity distant from either optical end face; providing molten material from a supply of molten material; injecting the molten material through the opening; and cooling and solidifying the molten material to form a light-conductive pipe having an input optical face and an output optical face connected by an elongated body of light-conductive material. Also described are injection molded light-pipes formed by the method, and integrated linear arrays of injection molded light-conductive pipes formed by the method.

Abstract: A lighting element has a light emitting diode that is installed in a light carrier. The lighting element has a light guide element that is optically coupled to the light emitting diode and the light guide element has a smaller light exit surface than the light emitting diode. With a plurality of such lighting elements it is possible to embody an effect lighting configuration for example in an aircraft cabin.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A light source unit, for supplying light via a light guide to a remote location, comprises a support for supporting a light source and a light guide in a prescribed alignment relative to each other, the support comprising a first part for supporting the light source, a second part for supporting the light guide, and at least first and second light baffles between the first part and the second part, the first and second baffles each having an aperture for passing only a portion of light from the light source incident upon the baffle, the arrangement being such that light from the light source must pass through the apertures in both baffles to be incident upon the light guide.

Abstract: A light guide is configured to direct light from a light source. The light guide has an outer guide member and an inner guide member located in the outer guide member. A light passage is defined through the light guide between the inner and outer guide members. When a first end of the light guide is positioned adjacent a light source, light is permitted to pass from the light source through only the light passage in the light guide. The configuration of the light guide reduces passage of light off-angle to the length of the light passage through the guide, such that light is directed substantially parallel to the light passage. The light guide is thus effective in eliminating light dispersion and associated light banding and in focusing light upon a particular object or area.

Abstract: A candle light-diversifying device is mounted at a bottom side of a candle which includes a tunnel running through an imaginary central axis thereof, and a candlewick received in the tunnel. The candle light-diversifying device includes a housing having three through holes and an insertion hole; a light-emitting module mounted inside the housing and having a power source, a control circuit, three illuminants, and a photosensitive element, the three illuminants running through the through the three through holes to be exposed outside the housing for emitting red light, blue light, and green light respectively, the photosensitive element having a concavity formed at a top end thereof; and the optical fiber having a spherical portion formed at a bottom end thereof and fixedly mounted in the concavity to be received in the tunnel of the candle. Thus, the candle light-diversifying device enables the candle to emit colorful light.

Abstract: A laminate material component made of a foam or honeycomb core and at least two cover layers bonded to the core, lying on opposite sides of it. At least one illumination device is embedded in the laminate material component. According to the invention, the illumination device is formed by light wave guides that are connected with a light source.

Abstract: A light directing device for a connector includes a translucent tube having a slanted portion and a straight portion. The slanted portion has a perpendicular face adapted to be engaged with a side face of a light emitting diode. A reflection seat is adapted to be securely connected to the connector and having at least one pair of covering plates. Each pair of covering plates defines therebetween a gap for receiving therein the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A light bar includes an optical fiber, a mounting member, and a fiber supporting member. The fiber supporting member is connected to the mounting member. The optical fiber is supported by the fiber supporting member.

Abstract: A direct backlight module. The direct backlight module includes a diffuser, a reflecting plate, an illumination tube and a support. The reflecting plate is disposed under the diffuser. The illumination tube is disposed between the diffuser and the reflecting plate. The support is disposed on the reflecting plate and between the diffuser and the reflecting plate. In addition, the support has a fitting portion into which the illumination tube directly fits. The support supports the diffuser and the illumination tube simultaneously.

Abstract: A high-density LED array (10) capable of presenting a density of X LEDs/unit area has a first printed circuit board (12) having X/2 LEDs/area and X/2 apertures arrayed therewith. A second printed circuit board (22) is spaced from the first printed circuit board (12) and has X/2 LEDs 28/unit area. The LEDs (28) on the second printed circuit board are aligned with the apertures (20) in the first printed circuit board. Each of the LEDs (28) on the second printed circuit board (22) has an optical fiber (30) associated therewith and each of the light guides (30) extends through one of the apterures (20). Each of the mounted LEDs on the first printed circuit board can have an optical fiber associated therewith and the light guides can be bundled to direct light to a remote source.

Abstract: An improved illuminating unit for illuminating a target portion of an object to be illuminated is provided, including: a fiber holding portion having a fiber insert hole holding a light-emitting end portion of an optical fiber; and a lens holding portion located downstream of the fiber holding portion in a light traveling direction, light emitted from a light-emitting end of the optical fiber being directed to the target portion through a lens held by the lens holding portion, wherein: the fiber insert hole comprises an equal-diameter portion having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the optical fiber, and a larger-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the equal-diameter portion and opening at one end face of the fiber holding portion, the fiber insert hole holding the optical fiber extending through the equal-diameter portion; and the lens is abutted against the one end face of the fiber holding portion or a forward end face of a fusion-deformed portion of the optical fiber, the fusion-

Abstract: A light beam preparation arrangement includes a light tunnel, a rotatable unit, and a drive unit. In one aspect, a fixation rigidly attaches the light tunnel directly to the drive unit. In another aspect, temperature of the light tunnel in controlled. In another aspect, the rotatable unit is spaced a distance from the light tunnel, and the distance is controlled. In another aspect, alignment between the light tunnel and the rotatable unit is controlled. In another apsect, the light tunnel is hollow and a gas flows though the tunnel.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand has a base for supporting the stand above a ground level and a shell having a lateral surface. The shell is disposed atop the base so as to define an inner volume and the shell houses electrical components within the inner volume. The shell has a plurality of holes disposed on a top portion of the lateral surface that provide ventilation between the inner volume and an outside environment. Further, the shell has a flange overhanging the top portion of the lateral surface so as to shield the holes. A base may also be provided for the Christmas tree stand including an elevated surface and a support structure for supporting the elevated surface above the ground level. Finally, the elevated surface may define one surface of the inner volume. Other thermodynamically efficient configurations are provided. Certain safety mechanisms are provided in relation to modular electronics platforms.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of an illuminated rope include various principles of illuminating translucent objects and wrapping or enclosing the objects with a translucent rope or the like to create attractive illuminated displays. Some embodiments comprise one or more flexible or rigid strands or lengths of radially emitting solid fiberoptic material which is lighted at one or both ends, with a sleeve or wrap of translucent rope or the like surrounding the fiberoptic material. Other embodiments comprise flexible or rigid hollow translucent tubes containing a string of lights therein, with translucent rope material surrounding the hollow illuminated tube. A series of illumination and control modules allows the color output of the devices to be varied as desired, and a series of modular connectors enables two, three, or more of the illuminated ropes to be connected together. Further embodiments comprise hollow, translucent, internally lighted three-dimensional shells or sculptures wrapped with translucent rope.

Abstract: A support stand intended to support a terminus of fiber optic cable includes: a base member, a ferrule-receiving member, and a connector that connects the ferrule-receiving member to the base member. Kits including a light source, a lighting grade fiber optic cable harness, and one or more support stands of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable vehicle inspection system including a series of mats into which two lengths of flexible, polymeric side light transmitting optical fiber extend along channels placed near the edges of the mats, and at a distance to be within the tracks of wheels of a vehicle passing thereover, with the polymeric fiber optic including notches and a reflector directed to provide a steady, uniform flood of light up to the underside of a vehicle to be inspected, and between the inspection zone, and the light source, the polymeric optical fiber is covered by an opaque jacket to prevent light from radiating outward.

Abstract: The invention provides a rod integrator or the like having high efficiency for light utilization and suitable for a color-recapture system. The present invention can include a rod integrator having a reflective inner circumference (reflecting surface) for emitting light incident on an incident-end opening from a light source through an emerging-end opening. An end face on the outer periphery of the emerging-end opening can be a scattering surface for reflecting the incident light on the end face toward the optical axis that agrees with the central axis of the rod integrator.

Abstract: In a socket portion of an endoscopic light source connector, a rod end holder is mounted on a riser plate within a housing of a light source for holding and supporting a fore end portion of a light guide rod of a light source connector, which has a proximal end portion of a light guide encased in a rigid pipe. The rod end holder is constituted by a fixed tubular casing which is mounted on the riser plate in an aligned position relative to an optical axis of illumination light path from a source lamp of the light source, and a slide member which is axially slidably fitted in the fixed tubular casing and internally provided with a light guide passage for passing illumination light from the source lamp.