Illumination – Light fiber – rod – or pipe – With optical fiber bundle
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-28
2001-09-18
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light fiber, rod, or pipe
With optical fiber bundle
C362S558000, C362S576000, C362S375000, C362S365000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290381
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to optical fiber illumination systems, and more particularly to optical fiber light fixtures for such systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Large diameter fiber optics, often referred to as “flexible light guides”, are well known in the art, and typically comprise a single, solid core fiber which is surrounded by a cladding layer and a sheath of shielding layer. The core is a portion of a light guide which transmits light, and typically has a diameter of about 2 to 12 mm. It is formed of a very soft, semi-liquid plastic material, such as OPTIFLEX®, which is manufactured by Rohm & Haas Corporation, of Philadelphia, Pa. The cladding layer typically comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or TEFLON®), or the like, while the outer sheath is fabricated of a material such as polyvinyochloride (PVC). Unlike small diameter light guides, which are typically used to transmit information in relatively complex communications systems, these large diameter “light guides” are typically employed in a variety of illumination systems where direct lighting is difficult to maintain, dangerous, or subject to vandalism. Examples include architectural lighting, display cases, pools, and spas (to eliminate electrical connections near water), hazardous material zones (to eliminate the need for sealed lighting), or jail cells. Large diameter light guides are particularly advantageous in that only a single centralized illumination system must be maintained, rather than a plurality of individual lights.
There are problems, however, in implementing state of the art light guide illumination systems because of the difficulty of illuminating a plurality of light guides from a single illumination source. Many of these problems are resolved by innovative systems developed by Remote Source Lighting International, of Durham, N.C., as disclosed in related U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,911, herein expressly incorporated by reference. However, another problem is the availability of suitable optical fiber fixtures for creating attractive and practical installations in finished spaces, such as conference rooms, offices, showrooms, and the like.
It would be advantageous, therefore, to have an output optical fiber fixture which was inexpensive to manufacture, capable of delivering safe, cool light, easy to install in ceilings, walls, or the like, adaptable to the installation of various optical accessories, sealable for use in “clean” or hazardous environments, and capable of accommodating optical fibers of various diameters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a unique fiber optic light fixture with a unique right angle design for ease of installation. The light fixture includes a molded housing which is lightweight, durable and compact. The light fixture is particularly attractive for lighting applications where space is at a premium and weight is an important consideration, such as the typical suspended ceiling in an office environment. The inventive lighting fixture provides “safe” and “cold” light as opposed to conventional heat generating lamps and ballasts, and may be mounted into walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and any other space where exterior or interior lighting would normally be placed.
The inventive lighting fixture comprises four basis components. These include a housing, wherein the interior has been coated with a metallic finish for reflectivity, a bezel for holding a variety of lenses and other optical accessories, retaining springs, and a brass nut bracket.
More particularly, there is provided a fiber optic illumination system which comprises a light source, an optical fiber for transmitting light from the light source, and a light fixture which is optically connected to the optical fiber. Preferably, a plurality of optical fibers and a corresponding number of light fixtures are provided. The light fixture includes a housing, an inlet port disposed in a sidewall of the housing, an internal reflector for changing the direction of light entering the housing through the inlet port, and an outlet port disposed on one end of the housing for delivering light to the desired region to be illuminated.
Preferably the housing comprises two engageable or mating portions and retaining hardware, preferably a retaining spring, for mounting the housing to suitable supporting structure, such as a ceiling or wall.
In another aspect of the invention, a light fixture is provided which comprises a housing having a sidewall, an inlet port disposed on the housing sidewall, an internal reflector for changing the direction of light entering the housing through the inlet port, and an outlet port disposed on one end of the housing for delivering light to the desired region to be illuminated.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling a light fixture for a fiber optic illumination system. The light fixture comprises two mateable housing portions, wherein the first housing portion comprises an outlet port and the second housing portion comprises an inlet port. The method preferably comprises the steps of inserting an optical accessory comprising one of a diffuser, a lens, a color filter, a shutter, or decorative trim into the first housing portion and mating the first and second housing portions. A particularly advantageous feature of the invention is that the housing portions may later be disassembled so that the optical accessory may be removed. Then, a different optical accessory may be installed and the housing portions reassembled.
The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5325271 (1994-06-01), Hutchisson
patent: 5690408 (1997-11-01), De La Pena et al.
patent: 6082884 (2000-07-01), McDonalds et al.
Ljungberg Susan L.
Mangum Scott
Sember Thomas M.
Stout Donald E.
Stout, Uxa Buyan & Mullins, LLP
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