WO1999053239A1 - Coupling system for a light conduit - Google Patents
Coupling system for a light conduit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999053239A1 WO1999053239A1 PCT/US1998/017661 US9817661W WO9953239A1 WO 1999053239 A1 WO1999053239 A1 WO 1999053239A1 US 9817661 W US9817661 W US 9817661W WO 9953239 A1 WO9953239 A1 WO 9953239A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- collar
- light
- conduit
- collars
- opening
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 13
- 241001635598 Enicostema Species 0.000 description 10
- 206010027626 Milia Diseases 0.000 description 10
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 6
- -1 aluminum Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920005549 butyl rubber Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006397 acrylic thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012788 optical film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)OC(=O)C=C ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006750 UV protection Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- G02B6/0096—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the lights guides being of the hollow type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a coupling system for a light conduit that provides both structural and environmental integrity to a light distribution system, and to a light distribution system utilizing the coupling system.
- a centralized light source is easier to maintain and can be more cost effective than distributed light sources.
- Heat generated by a centralized light source can be vented from the lighted area, whereas heat from distributed light sources is not easily vented.
- a light distribution system radiates minimal or no heat at locations remote from the centralized light source.
- the centralized light source can be sunlight and/or artificial light.
- Light pipes or light conduits made of a transparent material having substantially planar inner surfaces and outer surfaces that are "in octature" have been utilized to transport light, as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,260,220 to Whitehead.
- These devices are typically constructed of an optical lighting film made of flexible polymeric sheets of a transparent material having a structured surface on one side and a smooth surface opposite the structured surface.
- the structured surface of the devices preferably include a linear array of miniature substantially right angles isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. Further, the perpendicular sides of the prisms make an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the smooth surface.
- This structure of the polymeric sheets, as well as the shape of the light conduit, enables light to be constrained to travel through the light conduit without escaping through its walls if the angle by which the light rays deviate from the longitudinal axis of the light conduit does not exceed a critical angle. Thus, light entering a light conduit at an angle less than the critical angle is totally internally reflected.
- the critical angle is defined as the arc sine of the ratio of the index of refraction of the surrounding medium (typically air) to that of the wall material.
- the critical angle typically is 1.493.
- incident light that enters light conduit outside the critical angle will not be totally internally reflected.
- a light conduit can be constructed using a multilayer optical film, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,661,839 (Whitehead).
- Light conduits have been constructed with various cross-sections, such as square cross-sections, as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,260,220, and circular cross-sections, as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,805,984.
- SCOTCHCAL ELECTROCUT brand film manufactured by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota
- the diffuse scatterer increases the rate of leakage by "scattering" light that hits it into non-total internal reflecting angular regions of the light conduit, thereby increasing the amount of light in those angles which allow light to be emitted from the light conduit.
- a strip of the highly reflective white polymeric tape is placed over the length of the light conduit to cause the scattering.
- Current light distribution systems utilize a plurality of segmented light conduits attached to a light source, such as the LPS 1010 Light Pipe System available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, MN.
- segmented light conduits can be joined to each other or to other components by a variety of techniques.
- U.S. Patent Nos. 5,475,785 and 5,483,119 disclose overlapping the ends of adjacent light conduits to form a connector. Adhesive tapes can also be used to augment the connection.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,805,984 discloses light conduits that are telescopically tapered so that one conduit may be inserted into another. Alternatively, a sleeve of the same material may be placed over the abutting ends of two light conduits.
- Hoop strength refers to the ability of an object to retain its shape in opposition to an external force.
- Optimum operation of a light distribution system depends on a variety of factors, such as accurate alignment of adjacent light conduits and preventing environmental contaminants, such as dust, moisture or insects, from entering the light conduits.
- Some prior methods of joining light conduits failed to provide the necessary structural support to maintain accurate alignment, especially in sections in excess of 20 meters in length. Additionally, maintaining rotational alignment is particularly important for light conduits that are designed to leak light along selected surfaces. Therefore, what is needed is a coupling system for light conduits that maintains both structural integrity and excludes environmental contaminants.
- the present invention relates to a coupling system for light conduits in a light distribution system.
- the present invention is also directed to a light distribution system utilizing the present coupling system.
- light conduit or “light pipe” both refer to a hollow structure for transmitting or conducting light.
- the coupling system includes first and second collars.
- the first collar has a first opening, a first side adapted to couple to an end of the first light conduit, and a second side adapted to operatively engage with a second collar.
- the second collar has a second opening, a first side adapted to couple to an end of the second light conduit, and a second side adapted to operatively engage with the second side of the first collar.
- Registration members maintain rotational and axial alignment of the first and second openings of the first and second collars at a conduit interface.
- At least one retaining mechanism maintains axial engagement of the first collar with the second collar.
- the retaining mechanism comprises a clamp.
- the retaining mechanism may extend peripherally along substantially the entire conduit interface.
- the registration members resist shear forces at the conduit interface.
- the registration members comprise pairs of complementary protrusions and slots located on the second sides of the first and second collars.
- the registration members may be integrally formed with the first and second collars.
- the registration members are curved to define a circle generally concentric with the first and second openings.
- the first side of the first collar comprises a plurality of alignment surfaces for aligning the first light conduit with the first opening.
- a plurality of recesses are positioned between the alignment surfaces for receiving an adhesive.
- the coupling system preferably includes a seal extending around the opening along the second side of at least one of the collars.
- the first and second openings are typically circular.
- the first and second collars are identical and each has a seal.
- the present invention is also directed to a light conduit system for transporting light.
- a first light conduit is attached to a first collar.
- a second light conduit is attached to a second collar adapted to operatively engage with the first collar.
- Registration members maintain rotational alignment of the first and second collars at a conduit interface.
- the retaining mechanism maintains axial engagement of the first collar with the second collar at the conduit interface.
- the collars are adhesively bonded to the light conduits.
- the collars can be integrally formed with the light conduit.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling system for light conduits in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coupling system of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a retaining mechanism for a coupling system in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of reinforcing members for a retaining mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a coupling system in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a side sectional view of an alternate coupling system in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a conduit interface of a light distribution system in accordance with the present invention.
- Light conduit 20 includes an outer wall 24 that is engaged with a plurality of alignment surfaces 26 along a first side 28 of a collar 30.
- the alignment surfaces 26 maintain concentric alignment of the outer wall 24 with an opening 29 in the collar 30.
- the alignment surfaces 26 are preferably intermittently spaced around a perimeter of the first side 28.
- Recesses 32 are located between the alignment surfaces 26 for receiving an adhesive to bind the outer wall 24 to the collar 30.
- the alignment surfaces 26 could be a continuous surface.
- Annular member 48 provide a positive stop for the outer wall 24.
- Second side 40 of the collar 30 includes a gasket slot 42 for receiving a gasket 44 (see Figure 5).
- the gasket 44 is preferably bonded or otherwise retained in the slot 42.
- the gasket 44 may be constructed from a variety of materials, such as silicone, silicone-type materials or butyl rubber.
- a plurality of registration members 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e, 46f, 46g, 46h are provided for engagement with collar 50.
- the registration members 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d comprise protrusions and the registration members 46e, 46f, 46g, 46h comprise slots.
- the registration members 46 are slightly curved to follow the contour of the collar 30.
- the protrusions 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d alternate with the slots 46e, 46f, 46g, 46h.
- Light conduit 22 includes an outer wall 56 that is engaged with a plurality of alignment surfaces 26 along a first side 49 of a collar 50. Alignment surfaces 26 position the light conduit 22 concentrically with the opening 59.
- the collar 50 includes a gasket slot 52 positioned so that the gasket 44 (see Figure 5) in the slots 42 and 52 engage with one another. Annular member 58 provide a positive stop for the outer wall 56.
- the collar 50 includes registration protrusions 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d positioned to engage with the registration slots 46e, 46f, 46g, 46h. Registration slots 54e, 54f, 54g, 54h are positioned to engage with registration protrusions 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d.
- the collars 30, 50 are identical, so as to be interchangeable and adapted for interengagement.
- the light conduits 20, 22 include apertures 21, 23, respectively, for selectively leaking light, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,661,839 (Whitehead) and 5,339,382 (Whitehead).
- the registration members 46, 54 on the respective collars 30, 50 maintain the rotational alignment of the light conduits 20, 22, and hence, the alignment of the apertures 21, 23 and extractor 45, if applicable. A smooth transition between the openings 29, 59 is required for optimum light transmission.
- the registration members 46, 54 axially align central axes 27, 57 of the light conduits 20, 22, respectively, to be co-linear.
- the registration members 46, 54 also resist shear forces (see Figure 7).
- the collars 30, 50 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including without limit metals such as aluminum, or polymeric materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), polyethylene, butyl rubber, and polycarbonate. Transparent materials are preferred for some applications. For some embodiments, it is desirable to use the same material for the collars 30, 50 as the outer walls 24, 56 to match rates of thermal expansion.
- the registration members 46, 54 are preferably integrally formed with the collars 30, 50, respectively.
- the collars 30, 50 are preferably rigid so as to increase the hoop strength and to reduce sagging of the light conduits 20, 22 after installation. In an alternate embodiment, the collars 30, 50 are constructed from an elastomeric material.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conduit interface 60 of the light conduits 20, 22 illustrated in Figure 1.
- the collars 30, 50 form a collar interface 62 in which the gasket slots 42, 52 are aligned.
- One or more gaskets 44 can be located in the gasket slots 42, 52.
- Optical light film 84 is either located against an inside surface of the outer walls 24, 56 or formed integrally therewith.
- the extractor 45 is tapered down or narrowed as it approaches the light source (not shown) so that light leakage from the conduits 20, 22 is generally uniform.
- the outer walls 24, 56 are formed from a clear polymeric materials, such as polycarbonate.
- the optical light film 84 is generally flexible and transparent, such as for example polymeric materials or glass.
- Useful polymeric materials for this purpose are commercially available grades of for example, acrylics or polycarbonates having a nominal indices of refraction of about 1.49 and 1.58, respectively.
- Other useful polymers are polypropylenes, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chlorides, and the like.
- the acrylics and polycarbonates are of particular interest because of their high indices of refraction and physical properties, i.e., weatherability, ultraviolet resistance, dimensional stability, and temperature tolerance.
- Commercially available optical light films are available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota under the product designation Optical Light Film. Other optical films are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
- FIG 3 is a perspective view of a retaining mechanism 70 for retaining the interengaged collars 30, 50 in the conduit interface 60 (see Figure 7).
- the retaining mechanism 70 is configured as a clamp that extends around the entire perimeter of the collars 30, 50, forming a secondary seal against contaminants.
- the retaining mechanism 70 can be constructed from a variety of polymeric materials, such as butyl rubber, silicone, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
- a portion of the retaining mechanism 70 includes an integrally molded hinge portion 76 constructed from an elastomeric material. Protrusions 78 and slots 79 are provided for retaining the collar 70 at the conduit interface 60.
- the retaining mechanism 70 typically provides a compressive force 72 on the collars 30, 50.
- Reinforcing members 74 such as illustrated in Figure 4, can optionally be molded into the retaining mechanism 70 to assist in maintaining the compressive force 72.
- the hinge portion 76 preferably does not include the reinforcing members 74.
- the reinforcing members 74 can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as metal or polymeric materials. In an alternate embodiment, the reinforcing members 74 can be attached directly to the collars 30, 50 at the conduit interface 60, without the retaining mechanism 70. Axial engagement of the collars 30, 50 can be maintained by a variety of other mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, ultrasonic or solvent welding of the collars 30, 50, and the like.
- FIGS 5 and 6 are sectional views of the coupling system 80 in accordance with the present invention.
- Collars 30, 50 are bonded to the outer walls 24, 56 by an adhesive 82 that flows into the recesses 32 between the alignment surfaces 26 (see Figure 1).
- Suitable adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, thermal setting or thermoplastic adhesives, radiation cured adhesives, adhesives activated by solvents, and blends thereof Jet-weldTM thermoset adhesive available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, MN under the product designations TE- 030 and TS-230 are suitable for this purpose.
- Annular members 48, 58 provide a positive stop for positioning the outer walls 24, 56 in the collars 30, 50, respectively.
- reinforcing members 74 are molded into the retaining mechanism 70 to maintain the axial force 72 on the collars 30, 50 to compress the seals 44.
- the collar may optionally include a flange 83, preferably constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, that compensates for variations in the diameter of the light pipes 20, 22.
- Figure 6 is a sectional view of the coupling system 80 without the reinforcing members. Although two seals 44 are illustrated, a single seal may be used.
- the collars 30, 50 have an undercut 81 for engagement with a corresponding tab 85 on the retaining mechanism 70.
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the present coupling system 80 joining light conduits 20, 22 in a light distribution system 100.
- the present coupling system 80 may be used for joining a light conduit to a variety of other components in the light distribution system 100, such as an end cap, a light source or a junction (not shown).
- the registration members 46, 54 resist shear forces 90 and maintain rotational alignment 92 relative to a center axis 94.
- the retaining mechanism 70 also provides an axial force 72 that resists a bending moment 96 along the central axis 94.
- the rigidity of the coupling system 80 compensates for some misalignment that occurs during mounting of the light conduits 20, 22.
- the combination of the gaskets 44 and retaining mechanism 70 provide a tight seal that will resist moisture, dust, insects and other contaminants that can degrade the performance of the optical light film.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
- Securing Globes, Refractors, Reflectors Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU90350/98A AU9035098A (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-08-26 | Coupling system for a light conduit |
EP98942250A EP1071907B1 (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-08-26 | Coupling system for a light conduit |
DE69805005T DE69805005T2 (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-08-26 | COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A TUBULAR WAVE GUIDE |
CA002327699A CA2327699C (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-08-26 | Coupling system for a light conduit |
JP2000543760A JP2002511595A (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-08-26 | Light duct connection device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/060,727 | 1998-04-15 | ||
US09/060,727 US6130976A (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-04-15 | Coupling system for a light conduit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999053239A1 true WO1999053239A1 (en) | 1999-10-21 |
Family
ID=22031377
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1998/017661 WO1999053239A1 (en) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-08-26 | Coupling system for a light conduit |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6130976A (en) |
EP (1) | EP1071907B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002511595A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1124502C (en) |
AU (1) | AU9035098A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2327699C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69805005T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999053239A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2932873A1 (en) * | 2008-06-23 | 2009-12-25 | Schneider Electric Ind Sas | Rigid light i.e. daylight, distribution device for multi-story building, has alignment and abutment units to permit alignment of device along longitudinal axis of another device and abutment of end face on end face of latter device |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6130976A (en) * | 1998-04-15 | 2000-10-10 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Coupling system for a light conduit |
CA2533195C (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2011-05-10 | Tir Systems Ltd. | System and method for the diffusion of illumination produced by discrete light sources |
TWI574066B (en) * | 2012-01-10 | 2017-03-11 | Hitachi Chemical Co Ltd | Optical waveguide with optical reflector, optical fiber connector and manufacturing method thereof |
CN107111222A (en) * | 2014-12-31 | 2017-08-29 | 杜比实验室特许公司 | Improved integration rod assembly for image projector |
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US4260220A (en) | 1979-06-15 | 1981-04-07 | Canadian Patents And Development Limited | Prism light guide having surfaces which are in octature |
EP0235447A2 (en) * | 1986-01-15 | 1987-09-09 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | A totally internally reflecting light conduit |
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US5483119A (en) | 1993-06-15 | 1996-01-09 | Johanson; Walter A. | Illumination devices and methods of forming same |
US5661839A (en) | 1996-03-22 | 1997-08-26 | The University Of British Columbia | Light guide employing multilayer optical film |
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JPS5887525A (en) | 1981-11-19 | 1983-05-25 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Illuminating optical system for endoscope |
US4615579A (en) * | 1983-08-29 | 1986-10-07 | Canadian Patents & Development Ltd. | Prism light guide luminaire |
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EP0446692A1 (en) | 1990-03-15 | 1991-09-18 | Eta Ingenieurgesellschaft Für Energietechnik Und Energieanwendung Mbh | Lighting device using lightguides, especially for cold rooms and explosion-proof rooms |
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DE19640325A1 (en) * | 1996-09-19 | 1998-03-26 | Semperlux Gmbh | High power hollow light conductor arrangement |
DE19640324A1 (en) * | 1996-09-19 | 1998-03-26 | Semperlux Gmbh | Prismatic light conductor channel |
US6130976A (en) * | 1998-04-15 | 2000-10-10 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Coupling system for a light conduit |
-
1998
- 1998-04-15 US US09/060,727 patent/US6130976A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-08-26 CN CN98813970.7A patent/CN1124502C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-08-26 JP JP2000543760A patent/JP2002511595A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-08-26 WO PCT/US1998/017661 patent/WO1999053239A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-08-26 EP EP98942250A patent/EP1071907B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-08-26 CA CA002327699A patent/CA2327699C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-08-26 DE DE69805005T patent/DE69805005T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-08-26 AU AU90350/98A patent/AU9035098A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1999
- 1999-02-12 US US09/248,807 patent/US6398421B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4260220A (en) | 1979-06-15 | 1981-04-07 | Canadian Patents And Development Limited | Prism light guide having surfaces which are in octature |
US4805984A (en) | 1985-11-21 | 1989-02-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Totally internally reflecting light conduit |
US4906070A (en) | 1985-11-21 | 1990-03-06 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Totally internally reflecting thin, flexible film |
US5056892A (en) | 1985-11-21 | 1991-10-15 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Totally internally reflecting thin, flexible film |
EP0235447A2 (en) * | 1986-01-15 | 1987-09-09 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | A totally internally reflecting light conduit |
US5339382A (en) | 1993-02-23 | 1994-08-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Prism light guide luminaire with efficient directional output |
US5475785A (en) | 1993-04-30 | 1995-12-12 | Johanson; Walter A. | Illumination devices and methods of forming same |
US5483119A (en) | 1993-06-15 | 1996-01-09 | Johanson; Walter A. | Illumination devices and methods of forming same |
US5363470A (en) | 1993-07-08 | 1994-11-08 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Displacing an optical lighting film's linear array of grooves to facilitate emission of light |
US5661839A (en) | 1996-03-22 | 1997-08-26 | The University Of British Columbia | Light guide employing multilayer optical film |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2932873A1 (en) * | 2008-06-23 | 2009-12-25 | Schneider Electric Ind Sas | Rigid light i.e. daylight, distribution device for multi-story building, has alignment and abutment units to permit alignment of device along longitudinal axis of another device and abutment of end face on end face of latter device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1071907B1 (en) | 2002-04-17 |
AU9035098A (en) | 1999-11-01 |
CA2327699A1 (en) | 1999-10-21 |
CA2327699C (en) | 2006-03-14 |
CN1124502C (en) | 2003-10-15 |
CN1291270A (en) | 2001-04-11 |
US6398421B1 (en) | 2002-06-04 |
DE69805005T2 (en) | 2002-11-28 |
US6130976A (en) | 2000-10-10 |
DE69805005D1 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
EP1071907A1 (en) | 2001-01-31 |
JP2002511595A (en) | 2002-04-16 |
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