US5207498A — Vacuum cleaner headlight

Claim 1

Independent Claim 144 words

A vacuum cleaner assembly, comprising: a housing having a front wall; a light pipe chamber within said housing communicating with a headlight aperture in said front wall; a light source within said housing remote from said headlight aperture; and a substantially planar light pipe within said light pipe chamber, said light pipe having: a first index of refraction; a rear face adjacent said light source for receiving light from said light source, a front face disposed substantially in said headlight aperture through which light is emitted, and an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one of said upper and lower surfaces having primary reflex optical elements thereon for distributing light entering said rear face in a desired distribution to said front face, said reflex optical elements being optical elements that direct light transmitted therethrough by substantially total internal reflection of said light.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 144 words

A vacuum cleaner assembly, comprising: a housing having a front wall; a light pipe chamber within said housing communicating with a headlight aperture in said front wall; a light source within said housing remote from said headlight aperture; and a substantially planar light pipe within said light pipe chamber, said light pipe having: a first index of refraction; a rear face adjacent said light source for receiving light from said light source, a front face disposed substantially in said headlight aperture through which light is emitted, and an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one of said upper and lower surfaces having primary reflex optical elements thereon for distributing light entering said rear face in a desired distribution to said front face, said reflex optical elements being optical elements that direct light transmitted therethrough by substantially total internal reflection of said light.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 22 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 wherein both of said upper and lower surfaces have said primary reflex optical elements thereon.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 68 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 wherein said light pipe comprises a substantially planar upper half-pipe and a substantially planar lower half-pipe, each of said half-pipes having upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface of said upper half-pipe being complementary, and at least one of the upper surface of said upper half-pipe and the lower surface of said lower half-pipe having said primary reflex optical elements thereon.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 27 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 3 wherein said lower surface of said upper half-pipe and said upper surface of said lower half-pipe are both substantially smooth.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 31 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 3 wherein both said upper surface of said upper half-pipe and said lower surface of said lower half-pipe have said primary reflex optical elements thereon.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 54 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 3 wherein both of said upper and lower half-pipes have lateral edges, at least one lateral edge of at least one of said upper and lower half-pipes having supplemental reflex optical elements for directing back into said half-pipe any light rays that would otherwise exit said lateral edge.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 6 wherein both lateral edges of both said half-pipes have said supplemental reflex optical elements.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 15 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 6 wherein said supplemental reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 8 wherein each of said prismatic supplemental reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 38 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 9 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays attempting to exit said lateral edges.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 10 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 29 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 3 wherein said primary reflex optical elements extend substantially along lines diverging substantially radially from a point substantially centered on said light source.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 32 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 12 wherein each of said primary reflex optical elements has a cross section that increases as said primary reflex optical element extends away from said point.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 15 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 12 wherein said primary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 14 wherein each of said prismatic primary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 45 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 15 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 16 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 24 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 16 further comprising secondary reflex optical elements disposed in gaps formed as said primary reflex optical elements diverge.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 15 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 18 wherein said secondary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 19 wherein each of said prismatic secondary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 45 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 20 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said secondary reflex optical elements.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 21 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 40 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 2 wherein said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements is substantially identical to said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 26 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 20 wherein the cross section of each of said secondary reflex optical elements increases with increasing distance from said point.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 44 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim wherein said light pipe has lateral edges, at least one lateral edge of said light pipe having supplemental reflex optical elements for directing back into said light pipe any light rays that would otherwise exit said lateral edge.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 25 wherein both lateral edges of said light pipe has said supplemental reflex optical elements.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 15 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 25 wherein said supplemental reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 27 wherein each of said prismatic supplemental reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 38 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 28 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays attempting to exit said lateral edges.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 29 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 wherein said primary reflex optical elements extend substantially along lines diverging substantially radially from point substantially centered on said light source.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 32 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 31 wherein each of said primary reflex optical elements has a cross section that increases as said primary reflex optical element extends away from said point.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 15 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 31 wherein said primary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 33 wherein each of said prismatic primary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 45 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 34 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 35 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 24 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 35 further comprising secondary reflex optical elements disposed in gaps formed as said primary reflex optical elements diverge.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 15 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 37 wherein said secondary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 38 wherein each of said prismatic secondary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 45 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 39 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said secondary reflex optical elements.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 40 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 40 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 40 wherein said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements is substantially identical to said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 26 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 39 wherein the cross section of each of said secondary reflex optical elements increases with increasing distance from said point.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 34 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 wherein said light pipe further comprises a plurality of prismatic shifting elements on said front face for changing direction of light rays transmitted through said front face.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 44 wherein said prismatic shifting elements shift light rays laterally relative to said light pipe.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 19 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 44 wherein said prismatic shifting elements vary in size across said front face.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 30 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 44 wherein each of said prismatic shifting elements has an apex angle, said prismatic shifting elements varying in apex angle across said front face.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 24 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 44 wherein the lateral extent of said front face is substantially completely occupied by said prismatic shifting elements.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 48 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 44 wherein said light pipe comprises a substantially planar upper half-pipe and a substantially planar lower half-pipe, each of said half-pipes having a respective half-pipe front face, said prismatic shifting elements being disposed on at least one of said half-pipe front faces.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 49 wherein said prismatic shifting elements are disposed on both of said half-pipe front faces.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 29 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 wherein said front face of said light pipe is inclined, being further back adjacent said top surface than adjacent said bottom surface.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 19 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 51 wherein said front face is inclined at an angle of about 17°.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 22 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 51 wherein portions of said front face are inclined at a greater angle than other portions.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 94 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing has an underside and a suction chamber communicating with a suction opening in said underside adjacent said front wall, said light pipe and said headlight aperture being situated above said suction chamber, whereby said light pipe allows said light source to be situated remote from said front wall, thereby imparting a low profile to said vacuum cleaner assembly at said front wall as compared to a vacuum cleaner assembly in which said light source is situated at said front wall above said suction chamber.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 101 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 1 further comprising a reflex optical reflector spaced from said light source in a direction away from said front wall, for reflecting light toward said rear face of said light pipe, said reflex optical reflector comprising: a substantially transparent part cylindrical element having: an axis substantially centered on said light source, a second index of refraction, a surface facing said light source, and a surface away from said light source; and a plurality of reflex optical elements on said surface away from said light source, said reflex optical elements extending substantially parallel to said axis.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 19 words

The vacuum cleaner system of claim 55 wherein said reflex optical elements of said reflex optical reflector are prismatic.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 20 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 56 wherein each of said prismatic reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 42 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 57 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section has an apex angle chosen based on said second index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays attempting to exit said surface away from said light source.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 16 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly at claim 58 wherein said apex angle is less than about 96.4°.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 18 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 59 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 26 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 55 wherein said surface away from said light source is substantially completely occupied by said plurality of reflex optical elements.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 117 words

For use in a vacuum cleaner assembly having a light source, a reflex optical reflector spaced from said light source in a first direction, for reflecting light in a second direction opposite said first direction, said reflex optical reflector comprising: a substantially transparent part-cylindrical element having: an axis substantially centered on said light source, an index of refraction, a surface facing said light source, and a surface away from said light source; and a plurality of reflex optical elements on said surface away from said light source, said reflex optical elements extending substantially parallel to said axis, said reflex optical elements being optical elements that direct light transmitted therethrough by substantially total internal reflection of said light.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 117 words

For use in a vacuum cleaner assembly having a light source, a reflex optical reflector spaced from said light source in a first direction, for reflecting light in a second direction opposite said first direction, said reflex optical reflector comprising: a substantially transparent part-cylindrical element having: an axis substantially centered on said light source, an index of refraction, a surface facing said light source, and a surface away from said light source; and a plurality of reflex optical elements on said surface away from said light source, said reflex optical elements extending substantially parallel to said axis, said reflex optical elements being optical elements that direct light transmitted therethrough by substantially total internal reflection of said light.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 14 words

The reflex optical reflector of claim 62 wherein said reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 20 words

The reflex optical reflector of clam 63 wherein each of said prismatic reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 20 words

The reflex optical reflector of clam 63 wherein each of said prismatic reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 41 words

The reflex optical reflector of claim 64 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section has an apex angle chosen based on said index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays attempting to exit said surface away from said light source.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 16 words

The reflex optical reflector of claim 65 wherein said apex angle is less than about 96.4°.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 18 words

The reflex optical reflector of claim 66 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 26 words

The reflex optical reflector of claim 62 wherein said surface away from said light source is substantially completely occupied by said plurality of reflex optical elements.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 146 words

For use in a vacuum cleaner assembly including a housing having a front wall, a headlight aperture in said front wall, and a light source within said housing remote from said headlight aperture, for disposition between said light source and said headlight aperture for propagating light therebetween, a substantially planar light pipe, said light pipe comprising: an index of refraction; a rear face adjacent said light source for receiving light from said light source, a front face disposed substantially in said headlight aperture through which light is emitted, and an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one of said upper and lower surfaces having primary reflex optical elements thereon for distributing light entering said rear face in a desired distribution to said front face, said reflex optical elements being optical elements that direct light transmitted therethrough by substantially total internal reflection of said light.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 146 words

For use in a vacuum cleaner assembly including a housing having a front wall, a headlight aperture in said front wall, and a light source within said housing remote from said headlight aperture, for disposition between said light source and said headlight aperture for propagating light therebetween, a substantially planar light pipe, said light pipe comprising: an index of refraction; a rear face adjacent said light source for receiving light from said light source, a front face disposed substantially in said headlight aperture through which light is emitted, and an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one of said upper and lower surfaces having primary reflex optical elements thereon for distributing light entering said rear face in a desired distribution to said front face, said reflex optical elements being optical elements that direct light transmitted therethrough by substantially total internal reflection of said light.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 21 words

The light pipe of claim 69 wherein both of said upper and lower surfaces have said primary reflex optical elements thereon.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 75 words

The light pipe of claim 69 wherein said light pipe comprises a substantially planar upper half-pipe and a substantially planar lower half-pipe, each of said half-pipes having upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface of said upper half-pipe and the upper surface of said lower half-pipe being complementary, and at least one of the upper surface of said upper half-pipe and the lower surface of said lower half-pipe having said primary reflex optical elements thereon.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 26 words

The light pipe of claim 71 wherein said lower surface of said upper half-pipe and said upper surface of said lower half-pipe are both substantially smooth.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 30 words

The light pipe of claim 71 wherein both said upper surface of said upper half-pipe and said lower surface of said lower half-pipe have said primary reflex optical elements thereon.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 53 words

The light pipe of claim 71 wherein both of said upper and lower half-pipes have lateral edges, at least one lateral edge of at least one of said upper and lower half-pipes having supplemental reflex optical elements for directing back into said half-pipe any light rays that would otherwise exit said lateral edge.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 74 wherein both lateral edges of both said half-pipes have said supplemental reflex optical elements.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 14 words

The light pipe of claim 74 wherein said supplemental reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 76 wherein each of said prismatic supplemental reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 37 words

The light pipe of claim 77 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays attempting to exit said lateral edges.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 17 words

The light pipe of claim 78 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 42 words

The light pipe of claim 71 wherein said primary reflex optical elements extend substantially along lines diverging substantially radially from a point off said light pipe, divergence of said primary reflex optical elements increasing from said rear face toward said front face.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 31 words

The light pipe of claim 80 wherein each of said primary reflex optical elements has a cross section that increases as said primary reflex optical element extends away from said point.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 14 words

The light pipe of claim 81 wherein said primary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 82 wherein each of said prismatic primary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 43 words

The light pipe of claim 83 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 17 words

The light pipe of claim 84 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 23 words

The light pipe of claim 84 further comprising secondary reflex optical elements disposed in gaps formed as said primary reflex optical elements diverge.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 14 words

The light pipe of claim 86 wherein said secondary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 87 wherein each of said prismatic secondary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 43 words

The light pipe of claim 88 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said secondary reflex optical elements.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 17 words

The light pipe of claim 89 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 39 words

The light pipe of claim 89 wherein said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements is substantially identical to said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 25 words

The light pipe of claim 88 wherein the cross section of each of said secondary reflex optical elements increases with increasing distance from rear face.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 44 words

The light pipe of claim 69 wherein said light pipe has lateral edges, at least one lateral edge of said light pipe having supplemental reflex optical elements for directing back into said light pipe any light rays that would otherwise exit said lateral edge.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 93 wherein both lateral edges of said light pipe has said supplemental reflex optical elements.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 14 words

The light pipe of claim 93 wherein said supplemental reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 95 wherein each of said prismatic supplemental reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 37 words

The light pipe of claim 96 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section has an apex angle chosen based on said first index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays attempting to exit said lateral edges.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 17 words

The light pipe of claim 97 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 42 words

The light pipe of claim 69 wherein said primary reflex optical elements extend substantially along lines diverging substantially radially from a point off said light pipe, divergence of said primary reflex optical elements increasing from said rear face toward said front face.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 31 words

The light pipe of claim 99 wherein each of said primary reflex optical elements has a cross section that increases as said primary reflex optical element extends away from said point.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 14 words

The light pipe of claim 100 wherein said primary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 101 wherein each of said prismatic primary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 43 words

The light pipe of claim 102 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 17 words

The light pipe of claim 103 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 23 words

The light pipe of claim 103 further comprising secondary reflex optical elements disposed in gaps formed as said primary reflex optical elements diverge.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 14 words

The light pipe of claim 105 wherein said secondary reflex optical elements are prismatic.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 106 wherein each of said prismatic secondary reflex optical elements has an isosceles-triangular cross section.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 43 words

The light pipe of claim 107 wherein said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements has an apex angle chosen based on said index of refraction to maximize total internal reflection of light rays propagating through said secondary reflex optical elements.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 17 words

The light pipe of claim 108 wherein said apex angle is between about 89.5° and about 90.5°.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 39 words

The light pipe of claim 108 wherein said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said secondary reflex optical elements is substantially identical to said apex angle of said isosceles-triangular cross section of said primary reflex optical elements.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 26 words

The light pipe of claim 107 wherein the cross section of each of said secondary reflex optical elements increases with increasing distance from said rear face.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 29 words

The light pipe of claim 69 further comprising a plurality of prismatic shifting elements on said front face for changing direction of light rays transmitted through said front face.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 20 words

The light pipe of claim 112 wherein said prismatic shifting elements shift light rays laterally relative to said light pipe.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 18 words

The light pipe of claim 112 wherein said prismatic shifting elements vary in size across said front face.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 29 words

The light pipe of claim 112 wherein each of said prismatic shifting elements has an apex angle, said prismatic shifting elements varying in apex angle across said front face.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 23 words

The light pipe of claim 112 wherein the lateral extent of said front face is substantially completely occupied by said prismatic shifting elements.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 43 words

The light pipe of claim 112 comprising a substantially planar upper half-pipe and a substantially planar lower half-pipe, each of said half-pipes having a respective half-pipe front face, said prismatic shifting elements being disposed on at least one of said half-pipe front faces.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vacuum cleaner assembly of claim 117 wherein said prismatic shifting elements are disposed on both of said half-pipe front faces.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 24 words

The light pipe of claim 69 wherein said front face is inclined, being further back adjacent said top surface than adjacent said bottom surface.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 18 words

The light pipe of claim 119 wherein said front face is inclined at an angle of about 17°.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 21 words

The light pipe of claim 119 wherein portions of said front face are inclined at a greater angle than other portions.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 116 words

The light pipe of claim 69 wherein: when: said light pipe is used in a housing having a front wall, an underside, a headlight aperture in said front wall, a light source for emitting light through said headlight aperture, and a suction chamber communicating with a suction opening in said underside adjacent said front wall, and said light pipe and said headlight aperture are situated above said suction chamber: said light pipe allows said light source to be situated remote from said front wall, thereby imparting a low profile to said housing at said front wall as compared to a housing in which said light source is situated at said front wall above said suction chamber.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1996-05-03	1996-11-02	1997-05-04	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2000-05-03	2000-11-02	2001-05-04	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2004-05-03	2004-11-02	2005-05-04	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Vacuum cleaner headlight

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