Abstract: An optical waveguide plate comprises joining layers (adhesive layers) formed on both surfaces of a main optical waveguide plate body, and rigid transparent plates thinner than the main optical waveguide plate body joined (glued) onto the joining layers. The main optical waveguide plate body is composed of, for example, a transparent material such as an acrylic resin. For example, a white glass plate or an inexpensive colored glass plate may be used for the rigid transparent plate. The optical refractive index m of the joining layer is approximately the same as the optical refractive index n.sub.1 of the main optical waveguide plate body, which is in a range of 0.8n.sub.1 .ltoreq.m.ltoreq.1.2n.sub.1. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the optical waveguide plate, reduce the warpage or the like, and easily and inexpensively respond to a large-sized display screen of the display.

Abstract: A modular, high-intensity fiber optic color backlight for color displays wherein light is distributed to the display through side-emitting optical fibers. The optical fibers are ordered into an array of channels, wherein each channel contains a number of optical fibers. Each of the individual channels are separated by reflective channel isolators and each channel preferably carries light of a single color. Light detecting fibers are optionally installed in the module so that intensity data may be collected. Each module includes a mechanical and electrical interconnect so that individual modules may be combined, thereby producing displays of arbitrary size.

Abstract: A backlight device having a light source, a waveguide provided close to the light source, this waveguide being a wedge-shaped waveguide so constructed that the incident light from the light source can be greatly changed in its direction and made to exit therefrom, a polarizing beam splitter provided on the light-exiting side of the wedge-shaped waveguide, and a light converter disposed on the light-exiting side of the polarizing beam splitter. This backlight device is used for liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: An improved night vision goggle (NVG) compatible backlight for a liquid crystal display (LCD) and active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) and other types of backlit displays is disclosed. The backlight includes a ridged prismatic TIR with an embedded diffuser layer doped with an infrared (IR) absorbing dye (57), a ridged prismatic TIR without diffuser layer (59) an infrared rejecting filter layer (63), and either a holographic diffuser layer or a lenticular lens array layer (65), or a fresnel wedge layer (67).

Abstract: A light transmitting strip or light pipe 2 is used to illuminate an elongate area along which the light pipe 2 extends. The illumination is provided by light emanating laterally relative to the axis of the light pipe, and the light intensity is substantially uniform, at least to an observer, along the length of the light pipe 2. The light pipe 2 has a clear light guide section 4 and an opaque section 10 that is separated from the light guide section 4 by an air gap 8. The clear section 4 and the opaque section 10 are joined by top and bottom couplings 12 and 14, and the two sections are formed by coextruding an acrylic resin through a single coextrusion die. Light emitted laterally from the light guide 4 toward the arcuate opaque section 10 is reflected laterally through the clear light guide 4 transverse to the axis of the light pipe 2, so that all light extends through the front surface 6 of the light guide 4.

Abstract: In a transparent and spread illuminating apparatus closely disposed to cover a surface of a reflection type liquid-crystal display device, a transparent substrate 2 which covers an observation face F of a reflection type liquid crystal display element L is disposed, a light reflection pattern 11 is formed on a top surface 6 of the transparent substrate 2, the light reflection pattern 11 is formed of a plurality of recesses 12 formed at given intervals P1 in parallel with the axial direction of the light source lamp 4 disposed along one side end surface 3, in which assuming that intervals between stripes which are in parallel with the recesses 12 in the arrangement of liquid cells of the reflection type liquid-crystal display device L are P2, the intervals P1 are set to satisfy a relation between P1 and P2:Pl:P2=1:(N+1.3) to 1:(N+1.6)orP1:P2=1:1/(N+1.6) to 1:1/(N+1.3)where N is an integer: 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . .

Abstract: A flat panel display is based on a new switching technology for routing laser light among a set of optical waveguides and coupling that light toward the viewer. The switching technology is based on poled electro-optical structures. The display technology is versatile enough to cover application areas spanning the range from miniature high resolution computer displays to large screen displays for high definition television formats. The invention combines the high brightness and power efficiency inherent in visible semiconductor diode laser sources with a new waveguide electro-optical switching technology to form a dense two-dimensional addressable array of high brightness light emissive pixels.

Abstract: A fiber optic light source module (FOLSM) of a hybrid fiber optic lighting distribution system for distributing light from the FOLSM to various lighting features. The FOLSM includes a base, a lamp holder connected to a forward portion of the base and an access cover connected to a rearward portion of the base independent of the lamp holder. The base has a lamp cavity, a communicating lower rod support and an electrical lead port. The lamp holder has a front cover for covering the lamp cavity, an upper rod support and an annular lamp support member for interfacing with a lamp having a concave mirror. The upper and lower rod supports collectively form a rod support, wherein a square cross-sectioned light transmission connecting rod is seated therein via a resilient grommet. Accordingly, because the lamp support member is integral with the upper rod support, when the concave mirror is seated at the lamp support member the lamp is automatically aligned with respect to the light transmission connecting rod.

Abstract: A display device and method in which electrophoresis and/or dual prismatic surfaces are used to controllably frustrate total internal reflection at an interface between materials having different refractive indices. In one embodiment, an array of solid dielectric light fibers is surrounded by an electrophoretic medium such as acetonitrile. In the absence of electrophoretic activity, the fibers totally internally reflect light which passes into the fibers, and a reflector returns the light for diffuse emission through the fibers ends. If the fibers are subjected to electrophoretic activity their TIR capability is frustrated. A second embodiment redirects light through two prismatic surfaces in a manner which permits the TIR phenomenon to occur and to be controlled at a flat surface. A third embodiment uses both electrophoresis and dual prismatic surfaces to achieve gapless control of the TIR phenomenon at a flat surface.

Abstract: A light source comprises an array of contiguous transparent blocks, each of which contains a light emitter such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube. The blocks have a transparent front surface which may be optically diffusing, the other surfaces being coated with a thin optically reflective layer so that each block acts as a light guide. The tubes are independently controllable, for instance so as to simulate a moving light source which may be controlled so as to track the position of an observer of a 3D display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber optic light fixture which can generate a thin sheet of incoherent light with sharply defined surfaces that, when projected on the face of an object, produces a line or band of light with sharp, crisp edges. The light fixture elongates the light in the direction of the thin sheet and condenses the light in a direction normal to the thin sheet. One characteristic of the fixture is that objects placed within the beam of light near the fixture do not cast shadows on objects off in the distance.

Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.

Abstract: An optical guide inserted between a liquid crystal display panel and a diffusion plate is formed by using a large number of optical fibers each obtained by coating a core with a cladding layer, and its exit surface is inclined with respect to an incident surface by a predetermined angle .theta.1. Accordingly, in assembly, it suffices to incorporate this optical guide, thus facilitating the assembling operation. In this case, image light emerging from the exit surface of the optical guide obliquely upward to the left is refracted by a refractor in a direction perpendicular to the exit surface of the refractor.

Abstract: A simulated laser light system includes a light source which emits substantially parallel light rays and a prismatic element having a plurality of prismatic surfaces. The prismatic surfaces define a curved surface either on the inside or the outside of the prismatic element. The prismatic surfaces redirect the light rays emitted from the prismatic element in a plurality of planes which are perpendicular to a tangent to said curved surface. The simulated laser light system appears to emit light from a centerline of the prismatic element when the light is actually emitted from an exterior surface of the prismatic element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising an optical waveguide plate for introducing light thereinto, and a driving section provided opposingly to the back surface of the optical waveguide plate and including a number of actuator elements arranged corresponding to a large number of picture elements, for displaying, on the optical waveguide plate, a picture image corresponding to an image signal by controlling leakage light at a predetermined portion of the optical waveguide plate by controlling displacement action of each of the actuator elements in a direction to make contact or separation with respect to the optical waveguide plate in accordance with an attribute of the image signal to be inputted; the display device further comprising a displacement-transmitting section for transmitting the displacement action of the actuator element to the optical waveguide plate, wherein a plate member of the displacement-transmitting section is constructed by a white scattering element, and a color filter is formed at a

Abstract: An all-optical flat panel display system is based on the generation of photoluminescence within a doped, optical waveguide display matrix. Color photoluminescence is produced through an infrared, two-step photonic upconversion process and the subsequent radiative emission process. Established principles of solid-state laser design and electronic upconversion in a host glass substrate are applied. The present photoluminescent display technology provides for flat-panel display systems having luminous output efficiencies approaching 67 lumens/Watt. That efficiency increase results from employing efficient, innovative photoluminescent phosphors and from an optical cavity architecture which enhances the three physical process (row excitation, column excitation and spontaneous output emission) operating inside the pixel. The present system is thinner, lighter weight, more power efficient and more cost competitive to produce than existing technologies.

Abstract: A device for planar light-guiding layers arranged one above the other and having an infeed end face for coupling a respective light beam in the layer and an outfeed end face for coupling light from each of the layers, each of the layers being provided with an arrangement for deflecting light coupled in one of the end faces toward the other end faces so that a plurality of individual light beams can be converted into a more compact arrangement of a light beam or a light beam of a larger cross section can be converted into a plurality of smaller sub-beams having a smaller cross section.

Abstract: A device for tapping into and removing a fraction of the light transmitted by a homogeneous sheathed light conducting and transmitting and conveying light pipe. The device is a transparent probe having a conical point for penetrating the sheath of the light pipe and embedding in the core and an external portion which resides outside the sheath for dissipating of transmitting the light abstracted from the core.

Abstract: A light conductor and restore spring assembly is made of molded light translucent material which exhibits a significant degree of deflectability and the further ability to rebound or restore to its original shape when released. The framework of the spring forms a light conductor. If the light path needs to be deviated from a straight path the framework of the spring may have reflective surfaces formed into the body of the assembly to reflect the light rays from the input end to the diffusing end of the light path. The external surfaces of the spring/light conductor assembly constrain the light loss by reflecting the light back into the assembly and redirecting it along its path and toward the reflective surfaces or the diffusing end of the light pipe.

Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.

Abstract: A fiber optic lighting system with a light bar configuration includes a plurality of individual spot lights selectively spaced along the light bar housing. The light bar is hollow and houses a plurality of coiled fiber optic bundles. Individual spot lights are formed by a bundle of fibers collected in a casing fitted with a rotatable ball. A locking cage surrounds the rotating ball. To position a spot light, the locking cage is loosened and the light is rotated into position. Then, the locking cage is tightened so as to securely grip the rotating ball. The locking cage prevents unintended movement of the spot light from a preferred direction. In a preferred embodiment, the locking cage includes a cap which has a threaded fitting arrangement with a base affixed to the light bar housing, and the cap is freely translatable on the base simply by screwing and unscrewing. Wash lighting might be provided additional fibers which project through openings and are cut flush with the housing.

Abstract: A light guide plate is provided including a first lens portion comprising a plurality of recessed or projected lenticular unit lenses formed of the same resin as that of the light guide plate on a light emission surface. The plurality of lenticular unit lenses in the first lens portion are triangular prism portions whose respective vertexes have an angle of 125.degree. to 165.degree. and are so arranged that their respective ridge lines are nearly parallel to each other. Such construction makes it possible to set the number of lenticular lens sheets used to one or to further eliminate the necessity of the lenticular lens sheets, so that the cost of parts and the fabrication cost of the light guide plate can be reduced.

Abstract: A surface light source device of side light type includes a primary light source, a reflection sheet, a light scattering guide plate, and a prism sheet. The primary light source comprises a fluorescent lamp and a reflector to supply illumination light toward an incidence surface of the light scattering guide plate. The light scattering guide plate has an emission surface and a back surface, with the prism sheet being disposed along the emission surface. On the emission surface and/or the back surface, a great number of grooves running generally perpendicular to the incidence surface within a range of distance W1 and/or W2 from an upper edge EU and/or a lower edge EL. These grooves provide a corrugate shape in a cross section parallel to the incidence surface. Depth of corrugate shape gradually becomes shallower as getting away from the incidence surface.

Abstract: In order to enhance the light output from a side illuminating optical structure comprising a plurality of elongate optical fibers, means is provided for ensuring a permanent compressive stress in the optical structure, for example a permanent compressive stress in the radial direction and/or in the axial direction. A variety of means are disclosed, for example a transparent tape member wound with tension helically around the optical structure, an elongate heat-shrinkable sleeve surrounding the structure, a plurality of rings provided along the structure to keep it under permanent compressive stress. Embodiments using braids are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with lightpipes and lightpipe arrays designed to redirect light from a mounted light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), or from an array of mounted light sources. The lightpipe and lightpipe array are advantageously designed to be mounted to a surface not directly in contact with the light source(s) or the surface on which the light source(s) is (are) attached and to redirect light such that light exits the lightpipe at an elevation between the elevation of the light-emitting end of the light source and the elevation of the surface mounting such light source after a plurality of light reflections within a lightpipe(s). Several methods for attachment of the lightpipes to a mounting panel are described. A preferred embodiment of the invention features attachment of the lightpipe or lightpipe array to a mounting panel using a bezel or bezels which substantially prevent interference from stray light sources and prevent light from mixing between lightpipes of an array.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a display device includes a mold frame and a light guide panel. The mold frame includes a groove having at least one rounded corner. The light guide panel is on the mold frame and includes a light guide projection in the groove, having at least one rounded corner corresponding to the at least one rounded corner of the mold frame groove.

Abstract: In an optical transmission tube comprising a tubular cladding and a core within the cladding having a higher index of refraction than the cladding, a strip-shaped reflecting layer is longitudinally extended between the cladding and the core. Light passing through the core is reflected and scattered by the reflecting layer to emerge from the tube through an area of the outer surface of the cladding opposed to the reflecting layer. The optical transmission tube is prepared by dispersing scattering particles in a monomer solution; filling a tubular cladding with the monomer solution; resting the cladding horizontally for allowing the scattering particles to settle on a lower inner surface of the cladding; and thereafter, causing the monomer solution to polymerize and solidify within the cladding.

Abstract: Light is supplied into a light incident surface 2 from a fluorescent lamp L enclosed by a silver foil sheet R, and parallelized illuminating light flux is taken out from a light exit surface 3. On a back surface 4 side of a light flux parallelizer 1, across or without a thin air layer 5, a polarization converter .EPSILON. is disposed. The polarization converter .EPSILON. reinforces the polarization function of the surface light source device through polarization conversion action accompanying reflection in the prism. At a position confronting the light exit surface 3 across an air layer 7, a polarization separating plate 8 is disposed. At a further outside, across an air layer 9, an exit light direction modifier 10 is disposed. A bright polarized illuminating light flux is emitted from a light exit surface 11. When applied to a backlight of a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal display panel is disposed at a further outside of the exit light direction modifier 10.

Abstract: A fiber optics illumination system for plastic fiber bundle light guides which have pliable cores with one or more cladding sleeves. The proximal light receiving end of the light guides are stripped of all cladding to expose their pliable bundled cores pressed against a mirror mask plate which has a central transparent portion to transmit light from the light source therethrough to the fiber ends for transmission. A vice mechanism is provided to adjust the pressure of the pliable fiber core ends against the mirror mask. Surfaces of the mirror mask which do not transmit light directly to the proximal fiber ends are provided with a light reflecting or mirrored surface to reflect all unused light and heat away from the interface of the mirror mask and the fiber ends.

Abstract: A releasable light adjustment mechanism is used in combination with a fiberoptic illuminator and a fiberoptic conductor that is communicably attached to the illuminator. The conductor transmits light from the illuminator to a distal second end portion of the conductor from which the light is emitted. The adjustment mechanism includes a housing having an inlet that is communicably and releasably interengaged by the distal end portion of the conductor, an outlet and an interior passageway communicably connecting the inlet and the outlet. A color wheel or an intensity wheel is mounted rotatably in the housing and extends across the passageway. By rotating the wheel, the light transmitted through the passageway is adjusted.

Abstract: A flat panel display is based on a new switching technology for routing laser light among a set of optical waveguides and coupling that light toward the viewer. The switching technology is based on poled electro-optical structures. The display technology is versatile enough to cover application areas spanning the range from miniature high resolution computer displays to large screen displays for high definition television formats. The invention combines the high brightness and power efficiency inherent in visible semiconductor diode laser sources with a new waveguide electro-optical switching technology to form a dense two-dimensional addressable array of high brightness light emissive pixels.

Abstract: There is provided a very thin light guide plate for a surface light source device and a method of manufacturing it without the use of high-precision molding machine. A surface light source device using this light guide plate generates outgoing light having high uniformity. According to the manufacturing method, a light guide plate free from a weld line or warp can be manufactured with good transferring characteristics. The light guide plate is thick on an incident surface 1 side and thin on a lower surface 4 side. At the central portion of an incident surface 1 in a longitudinal direction, a projecting portion obtained by cutting an overhang portion 7 at a position a distance D apart from the incident surface 1 is formed. The cut surface of the projecting portion is not made specular and is kept rough. In molding of the light guide plate, a molten material is supplied from the position of a gate mark 9.

Abstract: This invention applies to the field of light projectors for graphics media, such as movie film, projection slides, liquid crystal cells and fiber optic arrays. High light levels have not been possible with prior art projectors due to plastic media aging and melting in the heat of concentrated light; due to optical inefficiencies in converting circular lamp beams to a rectangular medium format; and due to mismatches between the numerical aperture of the lamp to the graphics media. The present invention solves the heating problem by providing a projector having an elongated, heat absorbing glass coupler between the light source and the graphics medium; it solves the optical inefficiency problem by providing the coupler with a circular light entrance end and a rectangular exit end; and it solves the numerical aperture problem by providing the coupler with a generally parabolic shape that collimates extreme off-axis light rays.

Abstract: An optical element comprises zones of different refraction power or curvature in order to achieve a desired pattern of brightness distribution. In Particular, a darker spot in a central illumination region of an illuminating arrangement including a cold light reflector lamp the light of which is supplied over a fiber optic light guide should be avoided. The optical element has a rotational symmetric annular zone of low or no curvature the outer ring diameter of which being larger and the inner ring diameter being smaller than the diameter of the light exit surface of the fiber optic light guide. A second rotational symmetric zone has a stronger curvature than the first zone. This second zone is situated within the inner ring diameter of the first zone. Both zones face the light exit surface of the light guide. A third zone has a curvature different to the curvatures of the first and second zones, and is situated at the light exit side of the optical element.

Abstract: The invention includes in a unitary piece a circuit board guide and a light conduit. This unitary piece includes a guide surface defining a longitudinal channel operable to receive an edge of a circuit board which is easily guided to a connector on a backplane or motherboard. Concurrently, the light conduit is operable to transmit light from a light source to a display area. Relevant information about the system is hence transmitted from the backplane to a viewing area accessible to a user. The unitary piece is typically made of optically transmissive plastics such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: A variably reflective display device amenable to multiple pixel display applications. Each pixel has at least one element having a reflective state in which incident light undergoes total internal reflection, and having a non-reflective state in which total internal reflection is prevented. Such prevention is achieved by interfering with (scattering and/or absorbing) the evanescent wave adjacent the surface of the element. For example, a member can be positioned adjacent the element and deformed between first and second positions. In the first position a gap remains between the member and the element to allow the evanescent wave to behave normally. In the second position the member is in optical (but not atomic) contact with the element, such that the member interferes with the evanescent wave and thereby prevents total internal reflection. In one embodiment, each pixel is a grouping of retro-reflective elements, such as corner reflectors. An elastomeric material is provided adjacent each grouping.

Abstract: The fiber optic device in accordance with the present invention has a structure in which two fiber optic members are connected together, end faces thereof opposing each other. The input-side fiber optic member comprises cores extending in a predetermined direction and a light absorber surrounding the cores. The output-side fiber optic member comprises cores extending in a predetermined direction, and a cladding surrounding the cores. The input end face of the input-side member is inclined with respect to core axes therein. In this device, the angle of inclination of the input end face of the input-side member or the angle formed between the output end face of the output-side member and each core axis in the output-side member can be set to a value relatively near to 90.degree.. Accordingly, this device can be attached to a photodetector with relative ease. Also, a light receiving member formed by this attachment is relatively compact.

Abstract: A stoplight for a vehicle includes a light source, a core portion formed of a transparent material and an integral cladding portion formed of a material having a refractive index which is smaller than that of the core portion. The core portion includes a bundle portion which is connected to the light source and a plurality of branch portions which diverge from the bundle portion. The cladding portion covers the core portion.

Abstract: An assembly backlighting a liquid crystal flat panel display or other such arrangement requiring backlighting is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a plurality of light pipes and is capable of a multi-mode operation as well as achieving an enhanced dimming. This assembly is composed of two or more light pipes placed in a stacked configuration. Each light pipe has a set of specially configured microprisms which, cooperating with the light pipe, provides an efficient backlighting technique with a controllable degree of collimation. The disclosed assembly is particularly useful for displays which require a very bright backlighting, a wide dimming range and which must be capable of illuminating a given active area with light of different spectra.

Abstract: The present invention includes a structured optical film with variable pitch peaks and/or grooves to reduce the visibility of moire interference patterns and optical displays incorporating one or more layers of the film. The pitch variations can be over groups of adjacent peaks and/or valleys or between adjacent pairs of peaks and/or valleys.

Abstract: A transmitted illumination type meter comprises a transparent light transmitting board having both a light entering bore and a shaft passing bore formed therethrough; a translucent dial plate placed on a front surface of the board, the dial plate having a shaft passing opening mated with the shaft passing bore of the board; a movement positioned behind the board; a light source positioned within the light entering bore; a drive shaft extending from the movement to the outside of the dial plate through the shaft passing bore and the shaft passing opening; a transparent pointer connected to the drive shaft to move over a front surface of the dial plate; and an annular convex peripheral wall defining the light entering bore. The annular convex peripheral wall allows light beams from the light source to enter the board and travel in parallel in the same. A plurality of stepped annular light reflecting surfaces are formed on a rear surface of the board and arranged to be concentric with the light entering bore.

Abstract: A flat panel display is based on a new switching technology for routing laser light among a set of optical waveguides and coupling that light toward the viewer. The switching technology is based on poled electro-optical structures. The display technology is versatile enough to cover application areas spanning the range from miniature high resolution computer displays to large screen displays for high definition television formats. The invention combines the high brightness and power efficiency inherent in visible semiconductor diode laser sources with a new waveguide electro-optical switching technology to form a dense two-dimensional addressable array of high brightness light emissive pixels.

Abstract: The inventive system, which is used in transmitting illumination from a central source to a variety of remote locations, efficiently couples the light originating from a lamp, or similar source, into a multiplicity of flexible macroscopic fibers. The combination of the several elements of the inventive system results in a very efficient transfer of the energy of the light source to the fibers. Light from the lamp is fed to a ring-shaped configuration of ports, with each port having one or more flexible macroscopic fibers connected thereto.

Abstract: An aimable fiber-optic spotlight has a fiber-optic light guide with a first end receiving light from a remote light source and a second end emitting light at the focus of a beam-forming lens held in a fixed tubular housing having a lens on a central optical axis. The light-emitting end of the light guide is held in a tubular light guide retainer within the housing, and which is transversely adjustable off the central axis of the housing and lens. Light emitted from the light guide is off the central axis of the housing and lens, and is thus projected through the lens as an off-axis beam adjustable in elevation angle. Rotation of housing in azimuth can then aim the light beam anywhere within a cone inscribed by rotation of the off-axis beam angle, thus providing adjustment in both elevation and azimuth. In a preferred embodiment the light-emitting end of the light guide is axially adjustable with respect to the lens, whereby the angular diameter of the projected light beam is also adjustable.

Abstract: An optical fiber having continuous spot-illumination thereupon, wherein the continuous illumination spot are realized by cutting away a plurality of cladding from the fiber till exposes the core under the micro-windows and let the light wave guided within the core emit form those micro-windows, therefore, this fiber can provide uniform radial illumination in spot manner.

Abstract: An illumination waveguide that includes: a core having a cross-section in which the shortest dimension of the cross-section is at least one millimeter; and a cladding surrounding the core that includes a polymer having an optically smooth inner surface.

Abstract: A sheet-of-light projection system is projects a substantially uniform sheet of laser light (or other electromagnetic radiation) using a fiber-optic bundle. Incidence optics directs a laser beam to be incident to the fiber-optic bundle at a predetermined angle of incidence, resulting in the projection of a sheet of light. For the exemplary embodiment, the angle of incidence is substantially orthogonal to the fiber-optic bundle, resulting in the projection of a substantially planar sheet of light. Thus, the laser projection technique converts a beam of laser light (or other electromagnetic radiation such as UV, visible, IR or microwave radiation) into a radially extending sheet of light that in the exemplary embodiment is substantially planar. In one application, the laser projection technique can be used in the construction industry to project a uniform substantially planar sheet of light for use as a reference marker.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) has a light-transmitting portion (26) which is visible to a vehicle occupant. The buckle (12) includes a housing (60) containing a latch mechanism (20) which releasably locks a seat belt tongue (16) in the housing (60). The housing (60) further contains a light source (70) and optical fibers (72) for conducting light from the source (70) to the light-transmitting portion (26) of the buckle (12).

Abstract: The inventive system, which is used in transmitting illumination from a central source to a variety of remote locations, efficiently couples the light originating from a lamp, or similar source, into a multiplicity of flexible macroscopic fibers. The combination of the several elements of the inventive system results in a very efficient transfer of the energy of the light source to the fibers. Light from the lamp is fed to a spherical configuration of ports, with each port having one or more flexible macroscopic fibers connected thereto.

Abstract: A multi input fiber optic apparatus for cooperating with a plurality of sources, the apparatus having output ends of the individual fiber optics disposed in a random pattern, wherein a dimension of the linear array is broken into sub-lengths and each sub-length has a number of input bundles corresponding to the number of inputs for the apparatus. The input bundles are randomized at the output ends within each sub-length. The apparatus includes a housing for supporting a plurality of randomized sub lengths disposed adjacent each other within the housing, wherein each sub length includes a plurality of sub-bundles, the number of sub-bundles equaling or corresponding to the number of sources, and a plurality of inputs optical connected to the sub lengths, each of the inputs including a sub-bundle from each sub-length.