US5897201A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Architectural lighting distributed from contained radially collimated light
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-02-25
•
Granted: 1999-04-27
•
Expires: 2014-02-25
Abstract
Abstract From a quasi point source, light distribution means produce a selected one or ones of broadly distributed ambient light, non-shadowing task illumination, multibeam display lighting, projective lineal lighting and projective surface washing illumination lineally or radially distributed. Collimation optics shape light from a quasi point source into a disc of selected axial thickness. Containment optics contain divergence of and direct light from the collimation optics to distribution optics. The distribution optics modulates and redirects the radiant energy into a shape or shapes useful in illuminating architectural space. The distribution optics may reflect or refract light to direct and shape it for a particular architectural illumination requirement. The efficient combination of the optics provides for a system of minimized thickness, permitting maximum flexibility in integration with or within shelves, soffits and other structural members.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome H. Simon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 00:19
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0013; G02B6/0015; G02B6/002; G02B6/0021; F; F21; F21V; F21V13/00; F21V13/02; F21V13/04; F21V5/00; F21V5/04; F21V5/046; F21V7/00; G02B6/0005; G02B6/0006; G02B6/0023; G02B6/003; G02B6/0066; G02B6/0068; G02B6/0033; G02B6/0035; G02B6/0045; G02B6/0046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
Light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi point source comprising: radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from the source, containment means for controlling axial divergence of collimated light from said collimation optics with respect to radial distance from said source, distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial extent along the axis, said collimation optics directing light to said distribution optics, said containment means being formed to limit axial extent of said distribution optics required to intercept substantially all of the light delivered from said collimation optics, said distribution optics being shaped to provide a selected light distribution pattern.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
Light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi point source comprising: radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from the source, containment means for controlling axial divergence of collimated light from said collimation optics with respect to radial distance from said source, distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial extent along the axis, said collimation optics directing light to said distribution optics, said containment means being formed to limit axial extent of said distribution optics required to intercept substantially all of the light delivered from said collimation optics, said distribution optics being shaped to provide a selected light distribution pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises a first ring lens radially surrounding said quasi point source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means further comprises a second ring lens radially surrounding said first ring lens substantially axially coextensive with said first ring lens and radially spaced to capture a preselected amount of light comprising substantially all of the radiant flux from said first lens ring, whereby axial dispersion of light from said source is minimized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said collimation optics comprises said second lens ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
Light distribution means according to claim 3 comprising solid transmissive bridge means extending between said first and said second lens rings, whereby interface crossings of directly transmitted light are minimized.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
Light distribution means according to claim 5 wherein the containment optics comprises an entrance aperture at said first ring lens and a section unitary with and extending radially outwardly of said second ring lens and having an exit aperture comprising said distribution optics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
Light distribution means according to claim 6 wherein said radially extending section comprises a plurality of concentric prism rings for intercepting light from an exit aperture of said second ring lens and distributing light therefrom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said distribution optics is formed with an entrance aperture differing in axial dimension from said collimation optics and said containment means is formed as a physical bridge between the collimation optics and the distribution optics, said containment optics having an exit aperture for interfacing to an exit aperture of said distribution optics.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means is comprised by the interaction of said first and second ring lenses.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said first ring lens is mounted adjacent an architectural surface and the containment means comprises the architectural surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
Light distribution means according to claim 3 wherein the collimation optics is mounted to an architectural surface and wherein the outer ring lens has an exit aperture to direct light such that the distribution optics comprises the architectural surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
64 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises compound means including a ring lens radially surrounding said quasi point source and ring reflector means surrounding said quasi point source and axially bounding said ring lens, whereby substantially all of the radiant flux of said source is captured for distribution and the "f" number of said light distribution means is minimized.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
Light distribution means according to claim 12 wherein said collimation optics include an ellipsoidal section and a concentric section, said ellipsoidal section and concentric tapered section being formed to be unitary.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
Light distribution means according to claim 8 wherein said containment means divides radially directed light into a plurality of axially extending segments.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means comprises parallel axially spaced plate and there being exit optics which comprises reflective surfaces on said plates.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics is divided into segments each subtending a selected arc of a circle surrounding said quasi point source.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
Light distribution means according to claim 16 wherein at least a first selected segment provides radial collimation and at least another selected segments provides lineal collimation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
Light distribution means according to claim 17 wherein said containment means are shaped to contain the shape of light coming from each said collimator segment.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises a ring lens having at least one bore formed therein for transmitting light which is not radially collimated.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
Light distribution means according to claim 19 wherein a lens is placed in said bore.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein containment means comprise a reflective plate extending within the radial degree of freedom.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
Light distribution means according to claim 21 wherein said plate comprises a structural panel in a radial plane at one axial side of said collimation optics.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means comprises a refractive ring and said distribution optics comprises an internally reflective surface of said refractive ring.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein multiple distribution optics exit apertures are provided at differing radial distances from said collimation optics.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
Light distribution means according to claim 24 wherein segments of said containment means comprise linear segments.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein in said distribution optics is resolved into successive angularly displaced segments at varying angles to the radial plane.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
52 words
Light distribution means according to claim 21 wherein said distribution optics and said containment means are comprised of a combined member having a first axially disposed ellipsoidal reflective surface radially displaced from and facing said collimation optics and joined at an axial end thereof to a shallow cone surrounding said collimation optics.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
59 words
Light distribution means according to claim 27 comprising a plurality of said combined members spaced in axial succession in registration with a portion of the axial extent of said collimation optics and successively increasing diameter, each successive member having a central aperture therein receiving an opposite axial end of the reflective surface of a preceding member of smaller diameter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
Light distribution means according to claim 27 wherein said cone is resolved in to plurality of sectors including radially extending exit means being joined to the exit means an outer circumference of said cone.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics exit aperture comprises refractive means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
Light distribution means according to claim 30 wherein said distribution optics exit aperture comprises a lens.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means comprises concentric prism rings of differing diameter and successively increasing axial dimension, said prism rings having internally reflective surfaces of said prism rings comprising said distribution optics.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics comprises internally reflecting surfaces on concentric prism rings and said containment means comprises reflecting means distributing light to said rings.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means comprises concentric prisms varying in axial dimension and placed to intercept radially directed light form said collimation optics.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means is axially segmented to deliver portions of light to the distribution optics.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means defines a radial degree of freedom and is segmented within the radial degree of freedom.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics comprises a prism ring for providing a conical output pattern.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics comprises a prism ring for providing a conical output pattern.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 further comprising an additional light distribution member concentric with said distribution optics and having an entrance aperture in registration with an exit aperture of said distribution optics.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means is formed to be unitary with said collimation optics and said distribution optics.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises a plurality of discrete components radially surrounding said quasi point source.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
Light distribution means according to claim 41 wherein said distribution optics comprises discrete components each in radial registration with a component of said collimation optics.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
Light distribution means according to claim 42 wherein said containment means comprises a transmissive panel in a architectural member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
A lamp comprising light distribution means according to claim 1 mounted on support means to support said light distribution means on a floor, table or wall and thereby to comprise a lamp.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 comprising distribution optics having transmissive portions for providing ambient light and diffusing means for providing diffused light.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
A lamp comprising light distribution means according to claim 45 mounted on support means to support said light distribution means on a floor, table or wall and thereby to comprise a lamp.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
59 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics and said distribution optics are formed to contain substantially all light from the source in a segment of the radial plane and wherein the distribution optics comprise a first reflector which is parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabola.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
Light distribution means according to claim 47 wherein a second reflector is provided to intercept and redirect the radiant disc of light which has not been directed toward said first reflector.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
45 words
Light distribution means according to claim 48 wherein said collimation optics, distribution optics and containment means comprise a unitary body wherein the collimation optics are disposed at the focal shared focal point of first and second overlaid and oppositely directed parabolae comprising said distribution optics.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means comprises parallel surfaces of a structural form.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
30 words
Light distribution means according to claim 50 comprising a plurality of said collimation optics each associated with a source, all said collimation optics being housed in one said containment means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
Light distribution means according to claim 50 comprising a plurality of said distribution optics within said containment means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
Light distribution means according to claim 50 wherein a plurality of said collimation optics are associated with a common said distribution optics.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
45 words
Light distribution means according to claim 50 wherein the containment means has an axial degree of freedom, and the distribution optics are formed into a band having a selected extent in the axial degree of freedom and a radial cross section defining a selected polygon.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
65 words
A light distribution means comprising first and second collimation optics each containing a separate quasi point source, a containment optics for limiting axial dispersion of light from said first and second collimation optics, and distribution optics receiving light from both said first and second collimation optics, whereby light from both sources may be mixed and distributed in a distribution pattern of the light distribution optics.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
65 words
A light distribution means comprising first and second collimation optics each containing a separate quasi point source, a containment optics for limiting axial dispersion of light from said first and second collimation optics, and distribution optics receiving light from both said first and second collimation optics, whereby light from both sources may be mixed and distributed in a distribution pattern of the light distribution optics.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
Light distribution means according to claim 55 wherein said first and second collimation optics are mounted coaxially and have a combined axial dimension substantially corresponding to the axial dimension of said distribution optics.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
20 words
Light distribution means according to claim 56 wherein one said point source comprises an input from lineal light distribution means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
104 words
Light distribution means consisting of a downlight comprising segmented collimation optics having an axial extent in an axial degree of freedom, said collimation optics comprising means for providing radially collimated and lineally collimated light from a quasi point source , containment means for limiting axial dispersion of collimated light with respect to distance from the source, and distribution optics substantially contained within the axial extent of said collimation optics and receiving both the radially collimated and lineally collimated light and directing the beams to provide a combination of beams, whereby a preselected combination of light patterns for surface illumination and wall washing is provided.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
104 words
Light distribution means consisting of a downlight comprising segmented collimation optics having an axial extent in an axial degree of freedom, said collimation optics comprising means for providing radially collimated and lineally collimated light from a quasi point source , containment means for limiting axial dispersion of collimated light with respect to distance from the source, and distribution optics substantially contained within the axial extent of said collimation optics and receiving both the radially collimated and lineally collimated light and directing the beams to provide a combination of beams, whereby a preselected combination of light patterns for surface illumination and wall washing is provided.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
17 words
Light distribution means according to claim 58 wherein said distribution optics is axially segmented into concentric rings.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
105 words
In a light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi point source comprising: radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis, said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from said source and distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial degree of freedom, said distribution optics being shaped to provide a selected light distribution pattern, the improvement wherein said collimation optics is divided into segments each subtending a selected arc of a circle surrounding said quasi point source.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
105 words
In a light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi point source comprising: radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis, said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from said source and distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial degree of freedom, said distribution optics being shaped to provide a selected light distribution pattern, the improvement wherein said collimation optics is divided into segments each subtending a selected arc of a circle surrounding said quasi point source.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement according to claim 60 wherein at least a first selected segment provides radial collimation and at least another selected segments provides lineal collimation.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement according to claim 61 further comprising containment means shaped to contain the shape of light coming from each said collimator segment.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
Light distribution means according to claim 60 wherein said collimation optics comprises a ring lens having at least one bore formed therein for transmitting light which is not radially collimated.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
47 words
Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment optics comprise parallel upper and lower containment plates at opposite axial sides of said collimation optics and further comprising ribs each radially disposed and extending in the axial direction to connect said upper and lower containment plates.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
172 words
Light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi-point source comprising: radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis, said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from said source, and distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial degree of freedom, said collimation and said distribution optics being formed to contain substantially all light from the source in a segment of a radial plane and wherein the distribution optics comprising first reflector which is parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabola, said reflector having a dimension in an axial degree of freedom substantially corresponding to that of said collimation optics, and wherein said reflector is formed to capture substantially all radiating from said collimation means in an arc subtended by said reflector.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
172 words
Light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi-point source comprising: radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis, said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from said source, and distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial degree of freedom, said collimation and said distribution optics being formed to contain substantially all light from the source in a segment of a radial plane and wherein the distribution optics comprising first reflector which is parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabola, said reflector having a dimension in an axial degree of freedom substantially corresponding to that of said collimation optics, and wherein said reflector is formed to capture substantially all radiating from said collimation means in an arc subtended by said reflector.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
CA796169A
Cited
US1900436A
Cited
US1929020A
Cited
US2359151A
Cited
US2344221A
Cited
GB1012774A
Cited
US3739169A
Cited
US4159511A
Cited
US5043850A
Cited
US5057974A
Cited
US5046805A
Cited
US5130908A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-04-26 | 2002-10-26 | 2003-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-04-26 | 2006-10-26 | 2007-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-04-26 | 2010-10-26 | 2011-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |