Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
253 words
A compact optical coupling member for use in coupling non-coherent light from a source of light to a light distribution harness, in combination with the light distribution harness; said coupling member comprising: (a) an elongated light transmissive body having a central longitudinal axis, an inlet end, non-coincident with the light source, and disposed at one end of said axis for receiving light from the light source, and an outlet end at another end of said axis for providing light to a leading end of a light distribution harness; (b) said elongated body having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape along said axis for providing increased light mixing of said non-coherent light; (c) said inlet end having first and second adjacent, peripheral dimensions; and said outlet end having respectively corresponding first and second adjacent, peripheral dimensions which are both greater than the corresponding dimensions of said inlet end; and said trapezoidal shape of said elongated body increasing in size from a first cross-sectional area at said inlet end to an enlarged cross-sectional area at said outlet end; for reducing, with respect to said longitudinal axis, the maximum angle of light passed through said outlet end relative to the maximum angle of light received through said inlet end; and (d) said light distribution harness comprises a plano-convex lens having a convex surface through which light is received from said coupling member, and a mirrored, planar surface confronting said coupling member and being for reflecting light at an angle that causes said light to substantially miss said coupler.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
253 words
A compact optical coupling member for use in coupling non-coherent light from a source of light to a light distribution harness, in combination with the light distribution harness; said coupling member comprising: (a) an elongated light transmissive body having a central longitudinal axis, an inlet end, non-coincident with the light source, and disposed at one end of said axis for receiving light from the light source, and an outlet end at another end of said axis for providing light to a leading end of a light distribution harness; (b) said elongated body having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape along said axis for providing increased light mixing of said non-coherent light; (c) said inlet end having first and second adjacent, peripheral dimensions; and said outlet end having respectively corresponding first and second adjacent, peripheral dimensions which are both greater than the corresponding dimensions of said inlet end; and said trapezoidal shape of said elongated body increasing in size from a first cross-sectional area at said inlet end to an enlarged cross-sectional area at said outlet end; for reducing, with respect to said longitudinal axis, the maximum angle of light passed through said outlet end relative to the maximum angle of light received through said inlet end; and (d) said light distribution harness comprises a plano-convex lens having a convex surface through which light is received from said coupling member, and a mirrored, planar surface confronting said coupling member and being for reflecting light at an angle that causes said light to substantially miss said coupler.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The coupling member of claim 1, wherein said polygonal shape of said elongated body increases from said inlet end to said outlet end in a substantially uniform manner.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The coupling member of claim 1, wherein: (a) said elongated light transmissive body is hollow; and (b) a length of said elongated body along said longitudinal axis is no more than about the mathematical product of six times the ratio of the sine of said maximum angle of light passed through said outlet end to the sine of said maximum angle of light received through said inlet end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The coupling member of claim 1, wherein: (a) said elongated light transmissive body is solid; and (b) a length of said elongated body along said longitudinal axis is no more than about the mathematical product of nine times the ratio of the sine of said maximum angle of light passed through said outlet end to the sine of said maximum angle of light received through said inlet end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The coupling member of claim 1, in combination with the light source.