US5363470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Displacing an optical lighting film's linear array of grooves to facilitate emission of light
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1993-07-08
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Granted: 1994-11-08
•
Expires: 2013-07-08
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides an apparatus for transporting and distributing light. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal, hollow light conduit with a linear array of prisms arranged side-by-side to form grooves, the grooves disposed in a non-parallel orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the light conduit. The non-parallel orientation of the grooves causes some, or all, light which would otherwise be totally internally reflected within the light conduit to be emitted from the light conduit.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Wortman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:22
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/02; G02B6/032; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0096; G02B6/10; G09; G09F; G09F9/00; G09F9/30; G09F9/305; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S385/00; Y10S385/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A longitudinal, hollow light conduit having a longitudinal axis, said light conduit for transporting light there along and distributing light therefrom, comprising a wall member of a transparent material, said wall member including a structured surface on one side and a smooth surface opposite said structured surface, said structured surface having a linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side, said linear array of substantially fight angled isosceles prisms disposed in a non-parallel orientation and at an angle of greater than zero and less than or equal to ten degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A longitudinal, hollow light conduit having a longitudinal axis, said light conduit for transporting light there along and distributing light therefrom, comprising a wall member of a transparent material, said wall member including a structured surface on one side and a smooth surface opposite said structured surface, said structured surface having a linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side, said linear array of substantially fight angled isosceles prisms disposed in a non-parallel orientation and at an angle of greater than zero and less than or equal to ten degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The light conduit according to claim 1, wherein said hollow light conduit is in tubular form and at least a portion of said wall member lies in a smooth arcuate curve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The light conduit according to claim 2, wherein said linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms are disposed in a substantially helical orientation with respect to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light conduit according to claim 1, wherein said transparent material is a polymeric material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The light conduit according to claim 1, further comprising light extraction means for increasing the portion of light which is extracted from said light conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The light conduit according to claim 5, wherein said light extraction means comprises a diffuse scatterer placed on said smooth surface of said wall member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
105 words
A hollow, tubular light conduit having a longitudinal axis, said light conduit for transporting light there along and distributing light therefrom, comprising a wall member of a transparent material, said wall member substantially circular in a cross-section and including a structured surface on one side and a smooth surface opposite said structured surface, said structured surface having a linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side, said linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms disposed in a substantially helical orientation and at an angle of greater than zero and less than or equal to ten degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
105 words
A hollow, tubular light conduit having a longitudinal axis, said light conduit for transporting light there along and distributing light therefrom, comprising a wall member of a transparent material, said wall member substantially circular in a cross-section and including a structured surface on one side and a smooth surface opposite said structured surface, said structured surface having a linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side, said linear array of substantially right angled isosceles prisms disposed in a substantially helical orientation and at an angle of greater than zero and less than or equal to ten degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-07 | 1998-05-09 | 1998-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-07 | 2002-05-09 | 2002-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-07 | 2006-05-09 | 2006-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |