U.S. patent application number 10/615433 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for method and apparatus for linear led lighting.
Invention is credited to Reed, David.
Application Number | 20040095780 10/615433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26947981 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040095780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reed, David |
May 20, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for linear led lighting
Abstract
A linear light emitting diode (LED) light including
electrical-to-optical converters (EOs) on circuit boards in end
housings to couple photons into ends of an acrylic rod. Photons
from the electrical-to-optical converters radiate from the acrylic
rod to light the space around the linear LED light.
Inventors: |
Reed, David; (Sebastopol,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SEVENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90025
US
|
Family ID: |
26947981 |
Appl. No.: |
10/615433 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10615433 |
Jul 7, 2003 |
|
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|
09798609 |
Feb 27, 2001 |
|
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6634779 |
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60260425 |
Jan 9, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/552 ;
362/231; 362/295 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/0073 20130101;
Y10S 362/80 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; G02B 6/001 20130101;
F21S 8/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/552 ;
362/231; 362/295 |
International
Class: |
F21V 023/02; F21V
007/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A light comprising: an acrylic rod having a first end and a
second end; a first circuit board including one or more
electrical-to-optical converters to generate photons; and a first
end housing having a first opening through which the first end of
the acrylic rod is inserted, the first end housing to house the
first circuit board and align the one or more electrical-to-optical
converters of the first circuit board with the first opening and
the first end of the acrylic rod.
2. The light of claim 1, wherein the acrylic rod is clear.
3. The light of claim 1, wherein the acrylic rod is
cylindrical.
4. The light of claim 1, further comprising: a second circuit board
including one or more electrical-to-optical converters to generate
photons; and a second end housing having a second opening through
which the second end of the acrylic rod is inserted, the second end
housing to house the second circuit board and align the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters of the second circuit board with
the second opening and the second end of the acrylic rod.
5. The light of claim 1, wherein the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters of the first circuit board are
light emitting diodes (LEDs).
6. The light of claim 5, wherein the one or more light emitting
diodes (LEDs) emit an incoherent light for dispersion out of the
acrylic rod.
7. The light of claim 1, wherein the length of the acrylic rod is
proportional to a desired wavelength and frequency of light.
8. The light of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the acrylic rod is
proportional to a desired wavelength and frequency of light.
9. The light of claim 1, further comprising: a first reflector
coupled to the first circuit board around the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters at a first end, a second end of
the first reflector aligned with the first opening and receiving
the first end of the acrylic rod, the first reflector to reflect
photons into the acrylic rod.
10. The light of claim 1, further comprising: a reflective strip
coupled down the length of the acrylic rod to reflect photons out
of the acrylic rod.
11. The light of claim 10, wherein the reflective strip encompasses
one hundred eight degrees of a diameter of a circular cylindrical
acrylic rod.
12. The light of claim 10, wherein the reflective strip encompasses
ninety degrees of a diameter of a circular cylindrical acrylic
rod.
13. The light of claim 10, wherein the reflective strip encompasses
forty five degrees of a diameter of a circular cylindrical acrylic
rod.
14. The light of claim 1, wherein the photons are coupled into the
acrylic rod and radiated outward therefrom without the use of a
fragile glass bulb or filament.
15. The light of claim 1, wherein the light is mounted to a rack to
light rack mounted equipment.
16. The light of claim 1, wherein the light is a light fixture to
mount to a surface to illuminate an area.
17. The light of claim 1, further comprising: an
electrical-to-optical controller coupled to the first circuit board
to control the one or more electrical-to-optical converters; and an
on/off switch to switch the generation of photons by the one or
more electrical-to-optical converters on and off.
18. The light of claim 17, further comprising: an intensity
selection switch to vary the brightness of the generated light.
19. The light of claim 17, further comprising: a color selection
switch to selectively choose the mixture of primary colors
generated by the one or more electrical-to-optical converters to
vary the color of the generated light.
20. The light of claim 1, further comprising: a transformer to
transform AC power to a safe efficient power to power the one or
more electrical-to-optical converters of the first circuit board in
an efficient manner.
21. A method of lighting without a light bulb, the method
comprising: generating first photons of a desired color; coupling
the first photons into a first end of an acrylic rod; and radiating
the first photons out of the acrylic rod as light.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: generating second
photons of the desired color; coupling the second photons into a
second end of the acrylic rod; and radiating the second photons out
of the acrylic rod as light.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: varying a mixture
of the first photons to change the color of the light.
24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: uniformly varying
the mixture of the first photons generated and coupled into the
acrylic rod to vary the intensity of the light.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein, the acrylic rod is
cylindrically shaped.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein, the acrylic rod is clear.
27. The ornamental design for a light, as shown and described.
28. The ornamental design for a transparent rod for a light, as
shown and described.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional United States (US) patent application
is a continuation application and claims the benefit of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/798,609, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
LINEAR LED LIGHTING", by David Reed, filed Feb. 27, 2001, now
allowed, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/260,425, filed by inventor David Reed on Jan. 9, 2001."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
lighting. Particularly, the present invention relates to optical
lighting by means of light emitting diodes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Equipment lighting in a rack has typically been performed by
fluorescent, incandescent or halogen lighting fixtures. This type
of lighting uses fluorescent, incandescent or halogen bulbs
respectively. These bulbs tend to be fragile and can break if not
carefully handled. Furthermore, these bulbs have a limited lifetime
and can burn out when filaments therein are depleted and break.
Once burned out, a new bulb needs to replace the burned out bulb
before the lighting functions again.
[0004] Additionally, incandescent and halogen lighting are
inefficient lighting technologies. The inefficiency results in the
generation of heat. The heat generated tends to make bulbs hot to
touch and may require shielding. Fluorescent fixtures are
oftentimes noisy due to the balances and they sometimes emit radio
frequency interference which can interfere with desirable radio
frequency signals.
[0005] Furthermore, fluorescent, incandescent and halogen lighting
generate an uneven source of light that needs to be reflected or
modified to illuminate a desired area.
[0006] It is desirable to overcome the limitations of the prior
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a front side view of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a top side view of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1A is a back side view of the present invention.
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2B are exploded views of circuit board and rod
housings of the present invention.
[0011] FIGS. 3A-3S illustrate exemplary shapes of the acrylic rod
of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 3T and 3U illustrate rotating the acrylic rod with the
reflective strip to change the light direction.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of an equipment rack in which the
present invention may be utilized to provide lighting.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a counter and cabinet in
which the present invention may be utilized to provide
under-counter lighting.
[0016] FIGS. 7A-7B are a bottom side view and a side view
respectively of a light fixture in which the present invention may
be utilized to provide lighting.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front view of a wall in which the present
invention may be utilized to provide wall lighting.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front view of an application in which the
present invention may be utilized to provide back lighting.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of our
new design for a light;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0022] FIG. 12A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of our
new design for a light;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a top plan view thereof;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0028] FIG. 17A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of our
new design for a light;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a top plan view thereof;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0034] FIG. 22A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image; and
[0036] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view thereof.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of our
new design of a transparent rod for a light;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0039] FIG. 26A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of our
new design of a transparent rod for a light;
[0041] FIG. 28 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0042] FIG. 28A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of our
new design of a transparent rod for a light;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0045] FIG. 30A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0046] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of our
new design of a transparent rod for a light;
[0047] FIG. 32 is a front side elevational view thereof, the back
side being a mirror image;
[0048] FIG. 32A is a cutaway cross section view thereof;
[0049] FIG. 33 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image;
[0050] FIG. 34 is a front side elevational view of a fifth
embodiment of our new design of a transparent rod for a light, the
back side being a mirror image;
[0051] FIG. 35 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image;
[0052] FIG. 36 is a front side elevational view of a sixth
embodiment of our new design of a transparent rod for a light, the
back side being a mirror image;
[0053] FIG. 37 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image;
[0054] FIG. 38 is a front side elevational view of a seventh
embodiment of our new design of a transparent rod for a light, the
back side being a mirror image;
[0055] FIG. 39 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image;
[0056] FIG. 40 is a front side elevational view of an eighth
embodiment of our new design of a transparent rod for a light, the
back side being a mirror image; and
[0057] FIG. 41 is a right side elevational view thereof, the left
side being a mirror image.
[0058] Like reference numbers and designations in the drawings
indicate like elements providing similar functionality.
[0059] The light is used to provide lighting.
[0060] The transparent rod allows light to disperse therefrom for a
light to provide lighting.
[0061] The broken lines shown in FIGS. 10-41 are for illustrative
purposes only and form no part of the embodiments of our new
designs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0062] In the following detailed description of the present
invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits
have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily
obscure aspects of the present invention.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 1A through 1C, a linear light
emitting diode (LED) light 100 is illustrated. The linear LED light
100 utilizes an acrylic rod 104 to radiate light to provide
lighting. The linear LED light 100 uses no light bulb that can burn
out and thus no fragile bulb will ever need replacing. The lighting
provided by the linear LED light 100 is a cool light because it is
efficient and uses no light-bulbs. The color of the light can be
factory programmed or user selectable and includes the color
settings or red, amber, green, blue, and white. The linear LED
light 100 utilizes sold-state technology in order to provide energy
efficiency.
[0064] The linear LED light 100 includes a mounting plate 101, a
first circuit board and rod housing 102A, a second circuit board
and rod housing 102B, and the acrylic rod 104. Each of the circuit
board and rod housings 102A-102B includes a printed circuit board
with one or more electrical-to-optical converters (EOs) to generate
light or photons and an opening to hold the acrylic rod 104 in
place. The electrical-to-optical converters are transducers which
convert electrons of an electrical signal into light or photons of
an optical signal. The linear LED light 100 functions by having the
electrical-to-optical converters generate photons and couple them
into one or both ends of the acrylic rod 104. The photons coupled
into the acrylic rod 104 travel down a portion of its length,
disperse and radiate outward. A reflector coupled to the acrylic
rod 104 can reflect photons radiating outward in one direction to
radiate out a different direction.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 1B, the circuit board and rod housing
102A includes an on/off switch 108 and an optional selection switch
110. To provide power to the linear LED light 100, a power cable
106 is provide which couples through an opening in a backside
housing 112. The backside housing 112 allows an interconnect cable
114, including signal and power wires, to propagate from the first
circuit board and rod housing 102A to the second circuit board and
rod housing 102B.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 1C, a plurality of screws 116 hold the
backside housing 112 coupled to the mounting plate 101. The
mounting plate 101 includes one of more mounting through-holes 120
into which screws or bolts may be inserted in order to mount the
linear LED light 100 to a surface or structure. The power cable 106
protrudes through an opening 122 in the backside housing 112.
[0067] The on/off switch 108 powers the linear LED light 100 on and
off. The on/off switch 108 can be a push button switch, a turn-able
knob or a sliding switch. The optional selection switch 110 in one
embodiment functions so that a user can select the color, hint or
hue of the light that is desired. In another embodiment, the
optional selection switch 110 functions so that a user can select
the intensity or brightness of light that is desired. In another
yet embodiment, the optional selection switch 110 is not provided
and the linear LED lighting has the light color and light intensity
factory programmed.
[0068] In one embodiment, the color of lighting provided by the
linear LED light can be selected by varying the mixture of light
generated by red, green, and blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) into
a clear acrylic rod. The current to each of the red, green, and
blue LEDs can be individually varied to select a mixture of primary
colors to generate the color of light injected into the rod 104. In
another case, the rod 104 itself can be colored or pigmented.
Phosphors can also be included into the acrylic rod and excited by
a blue light from blue LEDs to radiate a white light for example.
Thus, various colors of light generated by the linear LED light can
also be formed by combining a mixture of LED colors and a rod
color.
[0069] In an alternate embodiment, the intensity or brightness of
the light can also be smoothly varied by varying the current to the
light emitting diodes over a range. The current can be varied by
proportional amounts to maintain the same color. In yet another
alternate embodiment, the intensity or brightness of the light can
also be varied at set levels by completely turning on or off one or
more light emitting diodes of a same color.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 2A, an exploded view of the circuit
board and rod housing 102A is illustrated. The circuit board and
rod housing 102A includes a printed circuit board 200A, an outer
shell 201A, and a reflector 202. The printed circuit board 200A
includes the on/off switch 108, the optional selection switch 110,
an electrical-to-optical controller 203A and one or more
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C. In one embodiment, the
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C are light emitting
diodes to emit an incoherent light. An incoherent light when
coupled into the rod 104 disperses and radiates outward. In another
embodiment where a dispersing reflector is provided at each end of
the rod, the electrical-to-optical converters (EOs) 204A-204C can
be semi-conductor laser diodes which emit a coherent light into the
rod. In any case, the electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C
emit photons of a desired color (i.e. frequency) which are coupled
into the acrylic rod 104. The power cable 106 couples to the
printed circuit board 200A and the EO controller 203A. Control
signals from the EO controller 203A couple into the interconnect
cable 114 as well as power lines from the power cable 106. The EO
controller 203A couples to the on/off switch 108, the optical
selection switch 110, and the one or more electrical-to-optical
converters 204A-204C.
[0071] The outer shell 201A of the circuit board and rod housing
102A includes an on/off switch opening 208, an optional selector
switch opening 210, a rod opening 212, and circuit board support
rails 214. The on/off switch opening 208 allows a knob, a slider or
a push button of the on/off switch 108 to protrude through the
outer shell 201A. The optional selector switch opening 210
similarly allows a rotary or push button selector switch or knob of
the optional selection switch 110 to protrude through. The rod
opening 212 allows the acrylic rod 104 to protrude through the
outer shell 102A so that its end can receive photons from the one
or more electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C.
[0072] The reflector 202 mounts to the printed circuit board 200A
and also slides into the outer shell 201A. The reflector 202 has a
first opening at one end through which the light of the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C can shine and a second
opening at an opposite end to mate with the rod opening 212 in the
outer shell 201A. An end of the rod 104 is inserted into the rod
opening 212 and the second opening of the reflector 202 down near
the first opening of the reflector and the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C. The reflector 202 acts
similar to a reflector in a flashlight and includes an inner
reflective surface to reflect dispersing light towards the rod
opening 212. The inner reflective surface of the reflector 202 may
be a silver dip coated surface or alternatively can be another type
of surface to reflect or diffract light into the rod 104. The shape
of the reflector 202 in one embodiment is concave. In another
embodiment the reflector 202 may have a conical shape or some other
shape to focus light towards the rod 104. In any case, the
reflector more efficiently launch the light from the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C into an end of the rod
104.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 2B, an exploded view of the circuit
board and rod housing 102B is illustrated. The circuit board and
rod housing 102B includes a printed circuit board 200B, an outer
shell 201B, and a reflector 202'. The printed circuit board 200B
includes an electrical-to-optical (EO) controller 203B, and one or
more electrical-to-optical converters 204A'-204C'. The printed
circuit board 200B also receives the interconnect cable 142 from
the circuit board and rod housing 102A in order to receive power
and control signals therefrom relating to power and color selection
and/or intensity. The outer shell 201B includes rod opening 212'
and the printed circuit board support rails 214'. The printed
circuit board 200B is inserted into the outer shell 201B such that
the PCB support rails 214' therein provide support and alignment.
When the circuit board 200B is fully inserted into the outer shell
201B, the one or more electrical-to-optical converters 204A'-204C'
are in alignment with the rod opening 212' so that photons can
couple into an end of an acrylic rod 104. The reflector 202' may be
the same as reflector 202 having the same functionality to reflect
light towards rod opening 212' to more efficiently launch the light
from the one or more electrical-to-optical converters 204A'-204C'
into an end of the rod 104.
[0074] The outer shells 201A and 201B depicted in the embodiment in
FIGS. 2A and 2B are cylindrically shaped with a semi-spherical cap.
In the embodiments of the linear LED light 100 in FIGS. 1A-1C, the
outer shells 201A and 201B are rectangularly shaped.
[0075] The acrylic rod 104 in one embodiment is a clear acrylic
rod. In another embodiment, the acrylic rod may be colored. In the
case of a clear acrylic rod, the electrical-to-optical converters
can be controlled to obtain a desired color of lighting. Three
optical-to-electric converters can be provided in order to provide
proper color mixing of primary colors red, green and blue. To
maximize the efficiency of radiation by the acrylic rod, the length
of the rod and its diameter or width are proportionate to the
wavelength of the light or photons that are to be emitted. The
diameter or width of the rod determines how far a light wave will
travel down the length of the rod before it escapes or radiates out
of the rod. The dimension between wavelength and diameter may be
important to uniformly light a rod from one end to another down its
length by either a dual point source at opposite ends or a single
point source at one end. If uniformity is not a concern, then the
ratio between wavelength and diameter or width is of lesser
significance. The diameter or width of the rod also varies the
focus of the light that is radiated. In one embodiment, a clear
acrylic rod 104 is approximately 15.275 inches in length and in the
case of a circular cylinder, approximately one-half inch in
diameter.
[0076] The acrylic rod 104 in some embodiments is cylindrically
shaped while in other embodiments it is not. A cylindrically shaped
acrylic rod 104 can be a circular cylinder, a rectangular cylinder
or other well know cylindrical shape. The shape of the acrylic rod
104 can change the efficiency and somewhat the directionality of
the radiation of light. A reflector can also be coupled or formed
into the acrylic rod 104 so that the radiation of light therefrom
is made more directional and has greater intensity or
brightness.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 3A-FIG. 3E, exemplary cylindrical
shapes for the acrylic rod 104 are illustrated. Each of the acrylic
rods 104 include a first end 301A and a second end 301B. FIG. 3A
illustrates a circular cylindrical acrylic rod 104A. The circular
cylindrical acrylic rod 104A can include a reflective strip 302
extending along its length. The reflective strip 302 can be glued
to the acrylic rod 104 using an adhesive, painted or printed on
using a reflective paint or ink, or modeled into the acrylic rod
during its formation. The width of the reflective strip 302 can be
varied to form differing light directionality in the rod.
[0078] FIG. 3B illustrates a square cylindrical acrylic rod 104B.
The square cylindrical acrylic rod 104B can include a reflective
strip 302 coupled to or as part of one of its surfaces as shown.
FIG. 3C illustrates an elliptical cylindrical acrylic rod 104C. The
elliptical cylindrical acrylic rod 104C can include a reflective
strip 302 coupled to or as part of one of its surfaces as shown.
FIG. 3D illustrates a triangular cylindrical acrylic rod 104D. The
triangular cylindrical acrylic rod 104D can include a reflective
strip 302 coupled to or as part of one of its surfaces as shown.
FIG. 3E illustrates a rectangular cylindrical acrylic rod 104E. The
rectangular cylindrical acrylic rod 104E can include a reflective
strip 302 coupled to or as part of one of its surfaces as shown.
Other cylindrical shapes for the acrylic rod 104 are possible and
will exhibit somewhat different radiating patterns for photons of
different wavelengths. The diameter or cross-sectional dimension of
the acrylic rod 104 can also effect radiation efficiency and the
directionality of the light radiating from the rod. The dimensions
of the reflective strip 302 coupled to or molded into the acrylic
rod can effect the radiation efficiency and the directionality of
the light radiating from the rod.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 3F-3I, various dimensions of a
reflective strip are illustrated coupled to a circular cylindrical
acrylic rod 104A. In FIG. 3F, a reflective strip 302A couples
around one hundred eight degrees of circumference of the circular
cylindrical acrylic rod 104A down its length as illustrated. The
reflective strip 302A reflects one hundred eighty degrees of the
light in the rod. Through the portion of the rod not covered by the
reflective strip 302A, light radiates out. In FIG. 3F, the strip
portion 304A of the rod 104A which is not covered by the reflective
strip, light can radiate out therefrom. In the circular cylindrical
rod 104A with strip portion 304A, the angle .theta..sub.1 over
which light can radiate is one hundred eighty degrees.
[0080] In FIG. 3G, a reflective strip 302B couples around two
hundred seventy degrees of circumference of the circular
cylindrical acrylic rod 104A down its length as illustrated. The
reflective strip 302B reflects two hundred seventy degrees of the
light in the rod. Through the portion of the rod not covered by the
reflective strip 302B, light radiates out. In FIG. 3G, the strip
portion 304B of the rod 104A which is not covered by the reflective
strip, light can radiate out therefrom. In the circular cylindrical
rod 104A with strip portion 304B, the angle .theta..sub.2 over
which light can radiate is ninety degrees.
[0081] In FIG. 3H, a reflective strip 302C couples around three
hundred fifteen degrees of circumference of the circular
cylindrical acrylic rod 104A down its length as illustrated. The
reflective strip 302C reflects three hundred fifteen degrees of the
light in the rod. Through the portion of the rod not covered by the
reflective strip 302C, light radiates out. In FIG. 3H, the strip
portion 304C of the rod 104A which is not covered by the reflective
strip, light can radiate out therefrom. In the circular cylindrical
rod 104A with strip portion 304C, the angle .theta..sub.3 over
which light can radiate is forty-five degrees.
[0082] In FIG. 3I, a reflective strip 302D couples around ninety
degrees of circumference of the circular cylindrical acrylic rod
104A down its length as illustrated. The reflective strip 302D
reflects light in the rod through ninety degrees of the circular
surface area. Through the surface area portion of the rod not
covered by the reflective strip 302D, light radiates out. In FIG.
3I, the strip portion 304D of the surface of the rod 104A which is
not covered by the reflective strip, light can radiate out
therefrom. In the circular cylindrical rod 104A with strip portion
304D, the angle .theta..sub.4 over which light can radiate is two
hundred seventy degrees.
[0083] While FIGS. 3F-3I illustrate certain size reflective strips
304 providing certain angles of reflection and certain circular
surface area for outward radiation, it is to be understood that
other shapes and sizes of reflective strips can be utilized to get
different angles circumference for reflection, including
approximately twenty degrees of reflection with three-hundred forty
degrees of the circumference over which light can radiate. Other
embodiments of the reflective strip 304 coupled to an acrylic rod
104 can be used to generate different light intensities and
different radiating patterns.
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 3J-3L, acrylic rods 104J', 104K' and
104L' having non-cylindrical shapes are illustrated. With a short
length for an acrylic rod 104, a single point light source provided
by the circuit board and housing 102A can be used to couple photons
into a single end 301A. In this case, the circuit board and rod
housing 102B is not used and the interconnect cable 114 is not
needed. The acrylic rods 104J', 104K' and 104L' in FIGS. 3J-3L
respectively, also have a shorter length for use with a single
point light source.
[0085] In FIG. 3J, the acrylic rod 104J' begins with a circle at
one end 310A and expands outward to an oval at an opposite end. The
acrylic rod 104J' can also include a reflective strip portion 302J'
to reflect light over one surface area and radiate it out from a
different surface area. In FIG. 3K, acrylic rod 104K' begins with a
small circle at one end, expands outward towards a larger circle in
the middle, and then contracts to a smaller circle at an opposite
end. The acrylic rod 104K' mimics the shape of a candle flame. The
acrylic rod 104K' can also include one or more reflective strip
portions 302K' and 302K" to reflect light over one surface area and
radiate it out from a different surface area. In FIG. 3L, the
acrylic rod 104L' is substantially planer being very thin at one
end 310A and expanding to a much thicker rod at an opposite end.
The acrylic rod 104L' can also include a reflective strip portion
302L' to reflect light over one surface area and radiate it out
from a different surface area.
[0086] In all cases, the acrylic rod 104 has an index of refraction
that allows photons or light to propagate therein and radiate
outward into free space or air. Uniformity or homogenization of the
light in the rod is desirable so that light radiates equally down
the length of the rod and is directed by the means of the
reflective strip. As previously mentioned, the length and diameter
of the acrylic rod 104 in proportion to the frequency or wavelength
of the light or photons can be important for the homogenization of
light. The shape of the acrylic rod 104 can also vary how the
photons disperse and radiate outward in a uniform or non-uniform
fashion.
[0087] In one embodiment, the first end 301A and second end 301B of
the acrylic rod 104 are perpendicular planes to the center axis of
the cylinder and parallel to each other in order to launch photons
into the acrylic rod 104. In other embodiments, the planes of the
first end 301A and second end 301B are not perpendicular to the
center axis of the acrylic rod 104 but of differing angles to
launch photons into the acrylic rod 104 differently or so that they
reflect back into the rod differently.
[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 3M-3S, various embodiments for the
shape of the first end 301A and the second end 301B of acrylic rods
are illustrated.
[0089] In FIG. 3M, the first end 301A and second end 301B of the
acrylic rod 104A are perpendicular planes to the center axis of the
acrylic rod 104A and parallel to each other.
[0090] In FIG. 3N, the first end 301A' and second end 301B' of the
acrylic rod 104N are formed on an angle with the center axis of the
acrylic rod 104N. The first end 301A' and second end 301B' are
illustrated as being parallel to each other but need not be.
[0091] In FIG. 3O, the first end 301A" and second end 301B" of the
acrylic rod 104N are also formed on an angle with the center axis
of the acrylic rod 104O. However, the first end 301A' and second
end 301B' are not parallel to each other and are formed using
different angles with the center axis of the acrylic rod 104O.
[0092] FIGS. 3M-3N illustrate planar first and second ends for the
acrylic rod. However, the shape of the first end and second end of
the acrylic rod can be blended into an anamorphic or free-form
shape to achieve optimal injection or launching of light into the
acrylic rod for given electrical-to-optical converters.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 3P-3S, exemplary first and second
ends of acrylic rods are illustrated having a shape other than
planar. The first end and/or second end can be an outward
protrusion from the rod or an inward recess into the rod.
[0094] In FIG. 3P, first end 301A'" and second end 301B'" of the
acrylic rod 104P are formed into a convex shape. The convex shape
can act like a lens to focus light at each end towards the center
axis of the acrylic rod 104P.
[0095] In FIG. 3Q, first end 301A"" and second end 301B"" of the
acrylic rod 104Q are formed into a concave shape. The concave shape
can act like a lens to focus light at each end away from the center
axis of the acrylic rod 104Q.
[0096] In FIG. 3R, first end 301A""' and second end 301B""' of the
acrylic rod 104R are formed into a outward conical or outward
nipple shape. The outward conical or nipple shape can avoid initial
dispersion of light at the end and focus the light like a lens into
the center axis of the acrylic rod 104R. The outward conical or
nipple shape may provide a more efficient injection of light from
the one or more electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C and
204A'-240C'.
[0097] In FIG. 3S, first end 301A""' and second end 301B""' of the
acrylic rod 104S are formed into a inward conical or inward nipple
shape. The inward conical or nipple shape can avoid initial
dispersion of light at the end and focus the light like a lens into
the center axis of the acrylic rod 104S. The inward shape may also
allow the ends of the rod 104S to encompass the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C and 204A'-240C'.
[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 3T and 3U, illustrations of how the
acrylic rod 104 of the linear LED light 100 may be spun or rotated
to change the directionality of light are provided. In FIG. 3T, the
acrylic rod 104 is positioned so that the light injected into it is
reflected by the reflective strip 302 out the strip portion 304 of
the rod 104 in general direction indicated by arrow LD.sub.1. The
acrylic rod 104 can be rotated around simply by turning it to
change the general direction of the light. FIG. 3U illustrates the
acrylic rod 104 being rotated so that the reflective strip 302
reflects light into a different direction and the strip portion 304
of the acrylic rod allows light to radiate out in the general
direction indicated by arrow LD.sub.2. Portions of the acrylic rod
104 near the first end 301A and the second end 301B are inserted
into the openings 212 and 212' of the housings 102A and 102B
respectively. The housings 102A and 102B allow the acrylic rod 104
to rotate around its axis in the openings 212 and 212' in order to
allow the directionality of the light to change. In another
embodiment, the acrylic rod 104 may be in a fixed position within
the housings 102A and 102B so that the directionality can not
change.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 4, a functional diagram of an
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The linear LED
light 100 further includes a transformer 400 for converting the AC
power supply into desired power supply voltages on the power cable
106 for the electrical-to-optical controllers 203A and 203B. The
power provided by the transformer 400 is a low voltage power supply
for the solid state circuitry of the EO controllers 203A and 203B.
The EO controller 203A is coupled to the on/off switch 108 to turn
on and off the generation of photons by the one or more
electrical-to-optical (EO) converters 204A-204C. The
electrical-to-optical (EO) controller 203A is also coupled to the
optional power intensity/selection switch 110 to receive a signal
selecting the intensity of the light or the selection of a color.
In the case of a color selection switch, the EO controller receives
a selection signal for the frequency of light that is to be
generated. The EO controller varies the frequency of photons
generated by each of the electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C
so that their combination generates the desired color. In another
case, the EO controller receives an intensity signal for the
brightness of the light that is to be generated by the
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C. The EO controller then
varies the number of electrical-to-optical converters (EOs) that
are turned on in order to change the light intensity.
[0100] The one or more electrical-to-optical converts 204A-204C
emit photons into the first end 301A of the acrylic rod 104 as
illustrated by the incident light ray 410. In the acrylic rod 104,
the incident light ray 410 is dispersed. Light rays dispersed
outwards towards the reflective strip 302 of the rod 104 are
reflected back in. The light rays dispersed away from the
reflective strip 302 and the light rays reflected by the reflective
strip radiate outward from the acrylic rod 104 as illustrated by
the outward radiating rays 412. In order to efficiently couple
photons into the acrylic rod 104, the one or more
electrical-to-optical converters (EOs) 204A-204C are aligned with
the end of the acrylic rod 104. Preferably they are aligned nearer
the central optical axis of acrylic rod. The rod openings 212 and
212' in the respective housings 102A and 102B align the acrylic rod
104 to the one or more electrical-to-optical converters (EOs)
204A-204C. Control signals from the EO controller 203A combine with
power signals from the power cable 106 to form the interconnect
cable 114 which is routed to the printed circuit board 200B and the
respective EO controller 203B. The circuit board 200B is similar to
circuit board 200A but may not include the on/off control switch
108 and the optional selection switch 110 if central control of
each side is desired.
[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, exemplary applications of the
linear LED light 100 are illustrated. In FIG. 5, linear LED lights
100A and 100B are installed in an equipment rack 500. Each of the
linear LED lights 100A and 100B fit into a single rack space. The
linear LED lights 100A and 100B provided lighting for the rack
mounted equipment 502A, 502B and 502C. The light generated by the
linear LED lights 100A and 100B illuminate buttons, knobs and other
controls of the rack mounted equipment. The rack mounted equipment
502A, 502B, and 502C may be audio equipment utilized in musical
productions such as concerts or theatrical productions. In this
case the linear LED lights 100 may provide a low intensity light or
a color of light appropriate for the venue. In another case, the
rack mounted equipment 502A-502C maybe networking equipment in
which case the linear LED lights 100 provide a low power and a low
heat lighting source to illuminate network control buttons or
knobs.
[0102] In FIG. 6, the linear LED light 100 provides under-counter
lighting. In this case, the linear LED light 100 is mounted to
cabinetry 602 or other support surface in order to provide lighting
for the counter 600.
[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the linear LED light 100
may also be utilized in lighting fixtures 700. In this case, one or
more linear LED lights 100A-100N are mounted to a fixture housing
701. The power cable 106 can be shared by the multiple LED lights
100 utilizing a single transformer 400. FIG. 7B illustrates a side
view of the light fixture 700. A lens or diffuser 702 can be
coupled to the fixture housing 701 in order to diffuse or focus the
light from the linear LED lights 100A-100N. The light fixture 700
can further include a support chain/bracket 704 or fixture mount
openings 706 to mount or support the light fixture 700 from a
surface. If white lighting is desired to be provided by the linear
LED lights 100A-100N, it can be generated in one embodiment by
combining red, green and blue together from at least three
electrical-to-optical converters 204A-204C.
[0104] The linear LED lights 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7B are dual
point source lights. That is, photons can be generated and coupled
into both ends of the acrylic rod 104. Dual point source lights can
add brightness to a longer rod. The linear LED lights can also be
configured as single point source lights as previously discussed
with reference to the acrylic rods illustrated in FIGS. 3F-3H.
Single point source lights can effectively light a shorter rod at
one end.
[0105] Referring now to FIG. 8, a single point source application
of a linear LED light is illustrated. In FIG. 8 the wall 800
includes a hanged painting 802 and a pair of single point source
linear LED lights 100A' and 100B' affixed thereto. In this case,
the linear LED lights 100A' and 100B' act similar to sconces
affixed to a wall. The linear LED lights 100A' and 100B' need only
one circuit board and rod housing 102A to couple photons into an
acrylic rod. In an embodiment, the linear LED light can project a
single wavelength of light without harmful ultraviolet wavelengths
that otherwise might damage a painting.
[0106] Referring now to FIG. 9, another single point source
application of the linear LED light is illustrated. In this case,
the signal point source linear LED light 100' provides a back
lighting for objects 900A, 900B, and 900C. This can provide
in-cabinet lighting behind nick knacks within a cabinet or back
lighting for gauges that may be in a gauge-cluster, for
example.
[0107] Linear LED light 100 utilizes solid-state technology and an
acrylic rod. As a result of not using glass bulbs, the linear LED
light 100 can withstand harsh treatment from transporting the
equipment from one place to another. The illumination provided by
the linear LED light is functionally similar to that provided by
halogen bulbs. The linear LED light does not have a bulb that will
burn out nor does it generate any significant level of heat such
that the acrylic rod becomes warm. Furthermore, the linear LED
light 100 can provide an even distribution of light. The linear LED
light can be illuminated in one embodiment to one of any six colors
allowing a performer to choose the color to match the aura of a
performance or the stage or atmosphere of a club.
[0108] The present invention has many advantages over the prior
art. One advantage of the present invention is that uniform
lighting is provided. Another advantage of the present invention is
that power is conserved. Still another advantage of the present
invention is that the light remains cool. Still another advantage
of the present invention is that the lighting has a longer
lifetime.
[0109] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on
the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since
various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled
in the art. Rather, the invention should be construed according to
the claims that follow below.
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