US3497981A - Sign formed of light conducting and emitting members - Google Patents

Sign formed of light conducting and emitting members Download PDF

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Publication number
US3497981A
US3497981A US690243A US3497981DA US3497981A US 3497981 A US3497981 A US 3497981A US 690243 A US690243 A US 690243A US 3497981D A US3497981D A US 3497981DA US 3497981 A US3497981 A US 3497981A
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Prior art keywords
light
rod
sign
light conducting
emitting members
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US690243A
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George Henry Tyne
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
    • G02B6/001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
    • G02B6/0006—Coupling light into the fibre
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/24—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising using tubes or the like filled with liquid, e.g. bubbling liquid
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/0061—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to provide homogeneous light output intensity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • G09F2013/1872—Casing
    • G09F2013/1877—Stand-like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • G09F2013/1886—Special effects
    • G09F2013/189—Three dimensional effects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • G09F2013/1886—Special effects
    • G09F2013/189—Three dimensional effects
    • G09F2013/1895—Imitating a neon tube
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S362/00—Illumination
    • Y10S362/812—Signs
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S385/00—Optical waveguides
    • Y10S385/901—Illuminating or display apparatus

Definitions

  • Patents 2,173,371 and 3,208,174 are illustrative of the type signs with which this invention is concerned.
  • light conducting rods are referred to hereinafter, it will be apparent that tubular bodies exhibiting light-pipe characteristics are suitable for the practice of the invention.
  • providiflg' a differential etching along at least the viewing surface of the rod which increases directly with the distance away from the light source; by providing a combination light source and focusing means that coacts with additional means in the form of lens attached to the ends of the rods or formed integrally therewith; by coating the surface of the rod, remote from the viewer, with a light reflecting material; by providing a support housing having knoclcout plugs positioned adjacent illuminating sources to permit the substitution of one character for another; and by providing an opaque paint or tape on those portions of the rods which are not to be viewed.
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, with parts broken away, depicting a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional elevation of one end of the light conducting rod shown in FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG- URE I One embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG- URE I wherein a rod 10 of methyl methacrylate, polystyrene or other material exhibiting light-pipe characteristics is formed to spell a script word.
  • the ends 12 of rod It) extend through openings 14 in housing 16 and have secured thereto concave lenses 13 which, together with incandescent sources 2% and ellipsoidal reflectors 22, provide a concentrated light source for the ends of rod 10.
  • the rear surface of rod 10, remote from the viewer, is coated with a light reflective substance 24 such as aluminum paint or foil.
  • Etching 26 is applied to rod It ⁇ throughout its length to provide the desired light emissive qualities as by chemical etching or sand blasting. Inasmuch as light emission is directly related to the degree of etching and the light intensity transmitted by rod It diminishes directly with increased distance from the light sources due to losses by absorption and emission, the degree of etching is maximal at those portions of the rod most remote from the light sources and diminishes toward the ends adjacent the sources. Because of the fact that the letters B and m in the script word shown in FIGURE 1 are more lightly etched than are the intermediate letters, the total light emission intensity can be made to appear fairly constant throughout the word.
  • the etching may be applied uniforrnly about the circumference of the rod prior to applying reflective coating 24 in which event that portion of the rod facing the viewer will not only emit light directly but will also emit light reflected from the etched portion remote from the viewer. Reflective coating 24 not only enhances the directivity of the light traversing rod 16 but also reflects back, toward the viewer, that light which may be reflected thereonto by the etched surface.
  • lenses 18 may be dispensed with and the ends of the rods formed with concave depressions to provide lenses integral with the rod ends.
  • the rear surface of the rod remote from the viewer, may be of parabolic cross-section and the front surface of the rod provided with a narrow etched line lying at the focus of the parabola.
  • FIGURE 4 is fragmentarily illustrated a sign housing 26 having apertures 28 to receive opposite ends 30 of a light conducting rod 32 in the form of a single sign character.
  • Conventional knock-out plugs 34 may be initially provided with housing 26 and it is contemplated that rubber plugs, not shown, may be used to plug the unused apertures after plugs 34 have been removed.
  • Conventional lamps 36 having concentrating lenses 38 are positioned adjacent each aperture to abut the downturned ends of a rod forming a given character when inserted through the appropriate apertures.
  • Rod 32 has been shown J .3 i J in the form of a block letter O which may easily be c0nverted into a C by applying an opaque covering throughout the bracketed portion of the rod indicated at il).
  • An illuminated sign comprising a rod defining a path References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,1 3 9/1939 Pcnoyer. 2,3 5/1944 Christensen. 2,360,603 10/1944 Eddy.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)

Description

March 3 359% s. H. TYNE SIGN FORMED OF LIGHT CONDUCTING AHD EMITTING MEMBERS Filed Dec. 15, 196'? INVENTOR GEORGE HENRY TYNE ATTORNEYS.
.1 7 4' Y stares Patent Orifice Edi-light Patented Mar. 3, 1976 3,497,981 SIGN FORMED OF LIGHT CONDUCTING AND Eh/EITIIIQG ME IBERS George Henry Tyne, 1152 Crater Hill Road, Nashviiie,Tenn. 37215 Filed Dec. 13, 1967, Ser. him-690,243 Int. Ci. 30% 13/00 US. Cl. 40-130 1 Claim ABSTRrrCT OF THE DISCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to that class of illuminated signs, that rely on the light-pipe phenomenon for illuminaiton of the various sign characters. US. Patents 2,173,371 and 3,208,174 are illustrative of the type signs with which this invention is concerned. British patent 523,706, published in 1940, discloses a method of varying the light diffusion properties of a transparent sign material that is related to that disclosed herein. Although light conducting rods are referred to hereinafter, it will be apparent that tubular bodies exhibiting light-pipe characteristics are suitable for the practice of the invention.
Previous attempts to produce commerically successful light-pipe signs have, in general, been unsuccessful because a great number of light sources were required to illuminate the ends of the rods which, each, formed a single small sign character. The requirement that each character be formed from a single rod and be individually illuminated is due to the substantial dissapation of light intensity that occurs due to emission along that portion of the character adjacent the light source. Accordingly,
' the light reaching portions of the rod remote from the source is greatly diminished and, if the rod forming the character is of any substantial length, the disparity in luminous intensity is quite apparent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of the invention to provide an illuminated sign wherein several characters may be formed from a single light conducting rod having a substantially constant luminous intensity which requires only two light sources to illuminate the same from opposite ends thereof.
It is among the further objects of the invention to provide a support for light conducting rods forming single sign characters that may be readily substituted for other sign characters formed from such rods; to provide a compact housing for signs of the type contemplated that enclose the incandescent luminous sources along with optical focusing equipment to direct the light into the ends of the rods; to provide a surface coating that improves the efiiciency of light rod conducting signs particularly as regards directitonality of emission; and to provide a method of masking that portion of the rod that is not to be viewed.
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by providiflg' a differential etching along at least the viewing surface of the rod which increases directly with the distance away from the light source; by providing a combination light source and focusing means that coacts with additional means in the form of lens attached to the ends of the rods or formed integrally therewith; by coating the surface of the rod, remote from the viewer, with a light reflecting material; by providing a support housing having knoclcout plugs positioned adjacent illuminating sources to permit the substitution of one character for another; and by providing an opaque paint or tape on those portions of the rods which are not to be viewed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, with parts broken away, depicting a first embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional elevation of one end of the light conducting rod shown in FIGURE 1; and
FIGURE 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG- URE I wherein a rod 10 of methyl methacrylate, polystyrene or other material exhibiting light-pipe characteristics is formed to spell a script word. The ends 12 of rod It) extend through openings 14 in housing 16 and have secured thereto concave lenses 13 which, together with incandescent sources 2% and ellipsoidal reflectors 22, provide a concentrated light source for the ends of rod 10.
The rear surface of rod 10, remote from the viewer, is coated with a light reflective substance 24 such as aluminum paint or foil.
Etching 26 is applied to rod It} throughout its length to provide the desired light emissive qualities as by chemical etching or sand blasting. Inasmuch as light emission is directly related to the degree of etching and the light intensity transmitted by rod It diminishes directly with increased distance from the light sources due to losses by absorption and emission, the degree of etching is maximal at those portions of the rod most remote from the light sources and diminishes toward the ends adjacent the sources. Because of the fact that the letters B and m in the script word shown in FIGURE 1 are more lightly etched than are the intermediate letters, the total light emission intensity can be made to appear fairly constant throughout the word. The etching may be applied uniforrnly about the circumference of the rod prior to applying reflective coating 24 in which event that portion of the rod facing the viewer will not only emit light directly but will also emit light reflected from the etched portion remote from the viewer. Reflective coating 24 not only enhances the directivity of the light traversing rod 16 but also reflects back, toward the viewer, that light which may be reflected thereonto by the etched surface.
If desired, lenses 18 may be dispensed with and the ends of the rods formed with concave depressions to provide lenses integral with the rod ends.
In some instances where greater emissive directivity is desired the rear surface of the rod, remote from the viewer, may be of parabolic cross-section and the front surface of the rod provided with a narrow etched line lying at the focus of the parabola.
In FIGURE 4 is fragmentarily illustrated a sign housing 26 having apertures 28 to receive opposite ends 30 of a light conducting rod 32 in the form of a single sign character. Conventional knock-out plugs 34 may be initially provided with housing 26 and it is contemplated that rubber plugs, not shown, may be used to plug the unused apertures after plugs 34 have been removed. Conventional lamps 36 having concentrating lenses 38 are positioned adjacent each aperture to abut the downturned ends of a rod forming a given character when inserted through the appropriate apertures. Rod 32 has been shown J .3 i J in the form of a block letter O which may easily be c0nverted into a C by applying an opaque covering throughout the bracketed portion of the rod indicated at il).
it will be apparent that the formation of various words and 57H bols may be readily accomplished by inserting the downwardly turned ends of previously formed characters into appropriate ones of the regularly arranged apertures Zl. Rubber plans may then be inserted in any apertures previously uncovered and the appropriate lamps turned on to produce an illininatcd sign.
.-\lthou::h in the ease of small letters the difl'crential etching; d ribed in connection with the embodiment 'cntial etching for characters of the type shown in FIGURE 4- Will normally be advantageous for the reasons previously discussed.
Although two preferred embodiments of the invention have been speciricn ly disclosed it is to be understood that many changes may be made in the size, shape, composition and arrangement of parts Without departing t'rom the spirit of the invention as defined by the accompanying claim.
What is claimed is:
1. An illuminated sign comprising a rod defining a path References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,1 3 9/1939 Pcnoyer. 2,3 5/1944 Christensen. 2,360,603 10/1944 Eddy.
OTI'l ER R lLFlZRENC Magazine Pic pages 27, 26 for Aug.
EUGENE R. CAPOZlO, Primary examiner WENCESLAO .l. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. KR. 2401
US690243A 1967-12-13 1967-12-13 Sign formed of light conducting and emitting members Expired - Lifetime US3497981A (en)

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Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4023903A (en) * 1975-08-11 1977-05-17 Bell & Howell Company Light composer for providing even field illumination and diffuse light
US4128332A (en) * 1975-03-24 1978-12-05 Xerox Corporation Illuminator
US4422719A (en) * 1981-05-07 1983-12-27 Space-Lyte International, Inc. Optical distribution system including light guide
WO1984000800A1 (en) * 1982-08-09 1984-03-01 Space Lyte Int Optical distribution system including light guide
US4559583A (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-12-17 Tradebest International Corporation Greeting card with blinking light apparatus
US4561043A (en) * 1984-09-27 1985-12-24 Thompson Gary J Decorative light display
EP0273311A2 (en) * 1987-01-02 1988-07-06 Fiberstars, Inc. Lighting apparatus and method
GB2211012A (en) * 1987-10-09 1989-06-21 Desmond Pilkington Edge-illuminated display aid
WO1991007641A1 (en) * 1989-11-09 1991-05-30 Universal Fiber Optics, Inc. Aquarium lighting system
US5027259A (en) * 1990-03-05 1991-06-25 Chujko Daniel A Flexible light pipe with improved performance coating
US5463706A (en) * 1994-02-16 1995-10-31 Thomas & Betts Corporation Light traceable transmission conduit assembly
US5537297A (en) * 1993-07-15 1996-07-16 Editha S. Shemke Image reflecting light guide
US5898810A (en) * 1997-04-04 1999-04-27 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Illumination waveguide and method for producing same
US6086235A (en) * 1997-10-24 2000-07-11 Chen; Lily Light spot generating ornaments
US6123442A (en) * 1997-10-24 2000-09-26 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Articles with diffuse reflection of light from light fibers
US6170969B1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-01-09 James F. Dumse Boat light
EP1104536A1 (en) * 1998-08-20 2001-06-06 Physical Optics Corporation Fiber optic luminaire
US6301418B1 (en) 1997-10-24 2001-10-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical waveguide with diffuse light extraction
WO2002050473A1 (en) 2000-12-21 2002-06-27 Lucite International Uk Limited Edge lit illumination devices
US20030174490A1 (en) * 2000-05-19 2003-09-18 Heather Allinson Edge lit illumination devices
US20040160756A1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2004-08-19 Yazaki Corporation Light correction member, light diffusion member, display member, and display using the same
US20040223691A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2004-11-11 Buelow Roger F. Light pipe with directional side-light extraction
US6863428B2 (en) 1997-10-24 2005-03-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide illumination device appearing uniform in brightness along its length
US20050231973A1 (en) * 2004-04-16 2005-10-20 Cassarly William J Efficient luminaire with directional side-light extraction
US20060008215A1 (en) * 2004-07-08 2006-01-12 Lodge Thomas R Jr Ribbon with fiber optics
US20060171632A1 (en) * 2005-01-28 2006-08-03 Intier Automotive Inc. Light pipe assembly
US20060232993A1 (en) * 2005-04-18 2006-10-19 Cassarly William J Efficient Luminaire with Directional Side-Light Extraction
WO2007038652A2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-04-05 Illumination Management Solutions, Inc. An led-fiber optic combination for simulating neon lit signage
US20070211488A1 (en) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-13 Cassarly William J Luminaire with improved lateral illuminance control
US20090003014A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2009-01-01 All Innovations Pty Ltd Light Guides, Illuminated Articles and Devices
WO2009117091A1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 Tyco Electronics Canada Ulc Light pipe assembly
WO2014049145A1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-04-03 Airbus Operations Gmbh Portable lighting system with flexible light tube
US9677721B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2017-06-13 Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, Llc Optical light pipe with uniform lit intensity
USD803319S1 (en) * 2015-11-25 2017-11-21 Edith R. Neely Neon sign
US12111488B1 (en) * 2023-07-07 2024-10-08 Hemanth Gundurao Kanekal Symbolic display elements utilizing side emitting fibers and light sources

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2173371A (en) * 1939-05-06 1939-09-19 Penoyer James Illuminated sign
US2347665A (en) * 1941-03-04 1944-05-02 Christensen Geneva Bandy Internal reflection lighting means
US2360663A (en) * 1941-02-28 1944-10-17 Rca Corp Electrical biasing means

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2173371A (en) * 1939-05-06 1939-09-19 Penoyer James Illuminated sign
US2360663A (en) * 1941-02-28 1944-10-17 Rca Corp Electrical biasing means
US2347665A (en) * 1941-03-04 1944-05-02 Christensen Geneva Bandy Internal reflection lighting means

Cited By (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4128332A (en) * 1975-03-24 1978-12-05 Xerox Corporation Illuminator
US4023903A (en) * 1975-08-11 1977-05-17 Bell & Howell Company Light composer for providing even field illumination and diffuse light
US4422719A (en) * 1981-05-07 1983-12-27 Space-Lyte International, Inc. Optical distribution system including light guide
WO1984000800A1 (en) * 1982-08-09 1984-03-01 Space Lyte Int Optical distribution system including light guide
US4559583A (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-12-17 Tradebest International Corporation Greeting card with blinking light apparatus
US4561043A (en) * 1984-09-27 1985-12-24 Thompson Gary J Decorative light display
EP0273311A2 (en) * 1987-01-02 1988-07-06 Fiberstars, Inc. Lighting apparatus and method
US4763984A (en) * 1987-01-02 1988-08-16 Awai George K Lighting apparatus and method
EP0273311A3 (en) * 1987-01-02 1989-10-25 Fiberstars, Inc. Lighting apparatus and method
GB2211012A (en) * 1987-10-09 1989-06-21 Desmond Pilkington Edge-illuminated display aid
WO1991007641A1 (en) * 1989-11-09 1991-05-30 Universal Fiber Optics, Inc. Aquarium lighting system
US5027259A (en) * 1990-03-05 1991-06-25 Chujko Daniel A Flexible light pipe with improved performance coating
US5537297A (en) * 1993-07-15 1996-07-16 Editha S. Shemke Image reflecting light guide
US5463706A (en) * 1994-02-16 1995-10-31 Thomas & Betts Corporation Light traceable transmission conduit assembly
US5898810A (en) * 1997-04-04 1999-04-27 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Illumination waveguide and method for producing same
US6123442A (en) * 1997-10-24 2000-09-26 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Articles with diffuse reflection of light from light fibers
US6301418B1 (en) 1997-10-24 2001-10-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical waveguide with diffuse light extraction
US6086235A (en) * 1997-10-24 2000-07-11 Chen; Lily Light spot generating ornaments
US6863428B2 (en) 1997-10-24 2005-03-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide illumination device appearing uniform in brightness along its length
EP1104536A4 (en) * 1998-08-20 2001-10-10 Physical Optics Corp Fiber optic luminaire
EP1104536A1 (en) * 1998-08-20 2001-06-06 Physical Optics Corporation Fiber optic luminaire
US6170969B1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-01-09 James F. Dumse Boat light
US20030174490A1 (en) * 2000-05-19 2003-09-18 Heather Allinson Edge lit illumination devices
BG64854B1 (en) * 2000-05-19 2006-06-30 Lucite International Uk Limited Edge lit illumination devices
WO2002050473A1 (en) 2000-12-21 2002-06-27 Lucite International Uk Limited Edge lit illumination devices
US20040196645A1 (en) * 2000-12-21 2004-10-07 Heather Allinson Edge lit illumination devices
US20040160756A1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2004-08-19 Yazaki Corporation Light correction member, light diffusion member, display member, and display using the same
US7517103B2 (en) 2002-11-25 2009-04-14 Yazaki Corporation Light correction member, light diffusion member, display member, and display using the same
US20070139906A1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2007-06-21 Yazaki Corporation Light correction member, light diffusion member, display member, and display using the same
US7213956B2 (en) * 2002-11-25 2007-05-08 Yazaki Corporation Light correction member, light diffusion member, display member, and display using the same
US20040223691A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2004-11-11 Buelow Roger F. Light pipe with directional side-light extraction
US20050231973A1 (en) * 2004-04-16 2005-10-20 Cassarly William J Efficient luminaire with directional side-light extraction
US7163326B2 (en) 2004-04-16 2007-01-16 Fiberstars, Inc. Efficient luminaire with directional side-light extraction
US20060008215A1 (en) * 2004-07-08 2006-01-12 Lodge Thomas R Jr Ribbon with fiber optics
US7020369B2 (en) * 2004-07-08 2006-03-28 Berwick Offray Llc Ribbon with fiber optics
US20060171632A1 (en) * 2005-01-28 2006-08-03 Intier Automotive Inc. Light pipe assembly
US7389020B2 (en) 2005-01-28 2008-06-17 Intier Automotive Inc. Light pipe assembly
US20060232993A1 (en) * 2005-04-18 2006-10-19 Cassarly William J Efficient Luminaire with Directional Side-Light Extraction
US7549783B2 (en) 2005-04-18 2009-06-23 Energy Focus, Inc. Efficient luminaire with directional side-light extraction
US7789547B2 (en) 2005-09-28 2010-09-07 Cooper Technologies Company LED-fiber optic combination for simulating neon lit signage
WO2007038652A3 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-05-24 Illumination Man Solutions Inc An led-fiber optic combination for simulating neon lit signage
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