U.S. patent number 3,638,008 [Application Number 04/858,549] was granted by the patent office on 1972-01-25 for multiple light transmission from a single light source.
This patent grant is currently assigned to AMP Incorporated. Invention is credited to Joseph Richard Keller, James Pritulsky.
United States Patent |
3,638,008 |
Keller , et al. |
January 25, 1972 |
MULTIPLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION FROM A SINGLE LIGHT SOURCE
Abstract
A device for effecting multiple light transmission from a single
light source. The light source is a light bulb located at the focal
point of a reflector which bulb emits light rays which are
reflected from the reflector at an oblique angle to its
transmission axis. Light-transmitting members are spaced in front
of the bulb and arranged concentrically around, and at oblique
angles to the transmission of axis of the reflector. In this manner
the light-transmitting member will receive and transmit the maximum
amount of light from the reflector.
Inventors: |
Keller; Joseph Richard
(Harrisburg, PA), Pritulsky; James (Harrisburg, PA) |
Assignee: |
AMP Incorporated (Harrisburg,
PA)
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Family
ID: |
25328568 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/858,549 |
Filed: |
April 29, 1969 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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591254 |
Nov 1, 1966 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/572; 385/31;
362/580 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/4298 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
6/42 (20060101); G02b 005/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;240/1EI,47,8.4,8.41
;248/27 ;350/96 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Horan; John M.
Assistant Examiner: Greiner; Robert P.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 591,254,
filed Nov. 1, 1966, and now abandoned.
Claims
We claim:
1. A multiple light-transmission device comprising a single unitary
light reflecting means reflecting rays at an oblique angle to its
principal axis and having a light-bulb-receiving means for
receiving a light bulb therein, mounting means on the reflecting
means, and light-transmitting members having ends secured in the
mounting means and each said transmitting member positioned at the
same oblique angle therein relative to the principal axis of said
reflecting means to receive the maximum amount of light reflected
from the reflecting means.
2. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 1
wherein means are provided on said reflecting member and said
mounting means to removably secure said reflecting member and said
mounting means together.
3. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 1
wherein means are provided on said mounting means and the ends of
said light-transmitting members to removably secure the ends of
said light-transmitting members in said mounting means.
4. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 1
wherein said reflecting member has an ellipsoidal reflecting
surface.
5. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 1
wherein said mounting means is provided with openings to prevent
high heat.
6. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 1
wherein light-filtering means is disposed between said light bulb
and the ends of said light-transmitting members to filter out
unwanted spectra.
7. A light system comprising a socket member for receiving a light
bulb therein, a single unitary light-reflecting means extending
outwardly from said socket member for reflecting light rays
emanating from said light bulb at an acute angle relative to its
principal axis, a series of light-transmitting members, mounting
means on said light-reflecting means to mount ends of said
light-transmitting members to receive the reflected light from said
light-reflecting means, means securing ends of the
light-transmitting members on said mounting means with ends of said
light-transmitting members being disposed to receive a maximum
amount of light rays, said light-transmitting members being
positioned at the same acute angle with respect to the transmission
axis of said light-reflecting means and means mounting other ends
of the light-transmitting members adjacent areas to utilize the
light therefrom.
8. A multiple light-transmission device comprising a
light-reflecting surface in the form of a hollow figure of
revolution about a principal axis and having a focal point
substantially at which a light source may be positioned; said
light-reflecting surface being so shaped as to transmit
substantially all the light rays to a second focal point, a
plurality of light-transmission rods each having an end surface
spaced from the second focal point, the respective end surfaces
being positioned at such an angle to the light rays which they
intercept, as to transmit the maximum amount of light reflected
from the reflecting surface.
9. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 8
including a mounting member provided with means for supporting said
rods with their end surfaces in confronting relation to the light
rays.
10. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 9
further including means for supporting the mounting member on the
reflector.
11. A multiple light-transmission device according to claim 8
wherein the light-reflecting surface is elliptical in shape.
Description
This invention relates to light transmission and more particularly
to multiple light transmission from a single light source.
In applications in which light is used as a medium to transmit
intelligence, to provide illumination, to provide sensing,
signalling and monitoring, or the like the general practice is to
provide complex systems of electric light bulbs, electric wiring,
and, in some cases, relay or electronic components to complete the
intended function. Such systems are expensive, their reliability is
dependent upon all parts functioning properly and their flexibility
is limited.
An object of the invention is to provide a light-transmission
device wherein a number of light-transmission members transmits
light from a single light source.
Another object is the provision of a multiple light-transmission
device having a reflection means to utilize in an optimum manner
the light from a single light bulb.
A further object is to provide a multiple light-transmission device
including a mounting means in which the ends of light-transmitting
members are removably mounted in an optimum angular disposition
relative to light-reflecting means to receive the greatest
intensity of light emanating from the light bulb.
An additional object is the provision of means on the reflecting
means or between the light source and the ends of the
light-transmitting members to absorb unwanted spectra of the light
emanating from the light bulb.
A still further object is to provide means on the multiple
light-transmitting device to prevent heat buildup by the light
bulb.
Other objects and attainments of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
drawings in which there are shown and described an illustrative
embodiment of the invention; it is to be understood, however, that
this embodiment is not intended to be exhaustive nor limiting of
the invention but is given for purposes of illustration in order
that others skilled in the art may fully understand the invention
and the principles thereof and the manner of applying it in
practical use so that they may modify it in various forms, each as
may be best suited to the conditions of a particular use.
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by a preferred
embodiment of a multiple light-transmission device which comprises
a reflecting member having a light-bulb-receiving means for
receiving a light bulb therein, mounting means on the reflecting
member, and light-transmitting members having ends secured in the
mounting means and angularly positioned therein to receive light
reflected from the reflecting member.
IN THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a light-transmission
device;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 in an assembled condition;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting member for mounting
ends of light-transmitting members with one of the
light-transmitting members in position and another one exploded
therefrom;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmission device
of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective and exploded view of a terminal member and
a light-transmitting member prior to being applied to the end of
the light-transmitting member; and
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but in an assembled
condition.
Turning now to the drawings, a light-transmission device LTD is
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The light transmission device
includes a bulb socket 1, a light bulb 2, light bulb filament 2', a
reflector 3, a mounting member 4, light-transmitting members 5 and
terminal members 6 and 7 secured on the ends of light-transmitting
members 5.
Bulb socket 1 receives metallic base 8 of light bulb 2 and bayonet
openings 9 (only one being shown) receive lugs 10 (only one being
shown) in order to maintain light bulb 2 in position within socket
1 and to define an outer electrical contact for light bulb 2.
Socket 1 also includes a tab 11 electrically connected to
electrical terminal 12 crimped onto electrical lead 13. Another
electrical lead 14 is crimped onto electrical button terminal 15
secured in insulator 16. A coil spring 17 is disposed between lugs
18 at the end of socket 1 and insulator 16 to bias terminal 15 into
engagement with the center contact of light bulb 2. When light bulb
2 is not disposed in socket 1, insulator 16 rests against inwardly
directed projections 20 in socket 1.
Reflector 3 is made from any suitable material and includes a
socket-receiving section 21 in which socket 1 frictionally fits and
a reflection surface 22 defining an ellipsoidal reflection surface.
The socket may be so positioned within the reflector that a light
source; i.e., light bulb filament 2' held by the socket is
substantially at the focal point FP.sub.1 of the reflector. In such
case, as well known, substantially all of the reflected light rays
LR would then be directed toward a second focal point FP.sub.2
spaced from the reflector. Reflector 3 also includes a flange 23
having bayonet openings 24 equally spaced therearound.
Mounting member 4 comprises an annular member 25 having lugs 26
extending outwardly from one surface thereof which are mateable
with bayonet openings 24 and these lugs include lips 27 for
engagement with flange 23 of reflector 3 in order to secure
reflector 3 and mounting member 4 together. A housing 24 is spaced
from annular member 25 and is connected thereto by legs 29.
Openings 30 extend through housing 28 and are equally spaced around
a longitudinal axis LA of mounting member 4.
Each opening 30 is angularly disposed with respect to the
longitudinal axis of mounting member 4 and includes a round section
31 provided with a locking depression 32. A flat surface 33 extends
from the entrance of opening 30 inwardly and intersects with
section 31 and continues on the other side of round section 31 to
the inner end of opening 30, this surface being substantially
parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of mounting member
4. Thus, the outer part of opening 30 from its entrance to round
section 31 is in the shape of an arched window having decreasing
dimensions and the same configuration results from the inner end of
opening 30 to round section 31. A conically shaped opening 34
extends through housing 28. The open spaces between legs 29 and
opening 34 provide ventilation to minimize the heat generated by
the light bulb.
Terminal member 6 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 and
includes first and second sections 35 and 36, securing sections 37
and 38 and an insulation-engaging section 39. Sections 35, 36 and
39 in their flat positions prior to being formed into their
presently U-shaped configurations have a substantially rectangular
configuration. Securing section 37 includes lenses 40 and securing
section 38 has beveled surfaces 38a. Insulation support section 39
includes openings 41 having inwardly beveled sections 42 located on
the inner surface of section 39 which are generally of a
frustoconical configuration. Section 42 may, however, be serrated
or take any other suitable form to perform the intended
function.
Termination members 6 are susceptible to mass production by
automatic machinery and are conveniently formed by shaping a sheet
metal blank or strip of a suitable material such as brass or the
like in successive forming steps. The metal is sufficiently hard
and resilient and has springlike characteristics, yet it is
sufficiently malleable to permit crimping of the termination
members onto light-transmitting members 5 to effect an excellent
mechanical connection therewith.
Light-transmitting members 5 comprise a covering member 43 of
compressible and resilient plastic surrounding light-transmitting
elements 44 made from any suitable light-transmitting material and
the number of light-transmitting elements depends upon the amount
of light to be transmitted. Each of the light-transmitting elements
is surrounded with a coating of material having reflecting
characteristics so as to transmit the light therealong. The
light-transmitting members are preferably of the type manufactured
by E. I. duPont DeNemours and Company under the trademark
Crofon.
The light-transmitting members are flexible so that in bending the
light-transmitting elements to accommodate a desired situation, the
light-transmitting elements move relative to each other, and, if
the ends of the light-transmitting members are not properly
terminated, the ends of the light-transmitting elements extend
outwardly from the ends of the covering member in an irregular
manner thereby resulting in an improper alignment for the ends of
the light-transmitting elements. The light-transmitting members are
therefore most effective when the ends of all of the
light-transmitting elements are located in the same or
substantially the same plane.
As can be discerned from FIG. 5, the light-transmitting member has
been stripped to bear a portion of the ends of the
light-transmitting elements and the stripped light-transmitting
member is placed within the termination member with the
light-transmitting elements disposed within section 35 through 38
while covering member 43 is disposed within section 39. The
U-shaped configuration of the terminal member makes it easy for the
stripped light-transmitting member to be placed within the terminal
member; however, the terminal member may be formed in any other
desirable manner so long as the light-transmitting member can be
inserted therewithin.
With the light-transmitting member in position within the terminal
member, the terminal member is subjected to a crimping operation by
crimping dies (not shown) to crimp the terminal member onto the
light-transmitting member. The terminal member is crimped onto the
light-transmitting member in accordance with the disclosure of U.S.
Pat. application Ser. No. 557,797, filed June 15, 1966 and now U.S.
Pat. No. 3,416,030, so as not to restrict the transmission
characteristics of the light-transmitting member.
The crimping dies preferably form sections 35 through 37 and 39
into a circular configuration onto the light-transmitting elements
and covering member. It is to be understood, however, that these
sections can be formed into other geometrical configurations as
desired to accommodate a desired purpose. Thus, the
light-transmitting elements are collected in a dense and
substantially uniform manner of desired geometrical configuration.
The crimping dies engage all of sections 35, 36 and 39 and parts 45
of section 37 thereby not engaging section 38 and lances 40. As
section 39 is being crimped onto covering member 43, inwardly
beveled sections 42 penetrate the covering members so as to
securely position the terminal member on the light-transmitting
member. Thus, section 39 defines a strain relief means for the
terminal member. In the event that the light-transmitting member is
not to be subjected to undue strains, sections 35 through 37 can be
used to terminate the stripped light-transmitting member and
section 39 can be eliminated. Terminal member 7 is of the type
disclosed in U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 583,372, filed Sept.
30, 1966.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, terminated terminal members 6 are
disposed in openings 30 in accordance with the angular disposition
of openings 30 relative to the longitudinal axis LA of mounting
member 4. Lances 40 are disposed in locking depressions 32 to
prevent the terminal members from being withdrawn from housing 28
and beveled edges 38a engage flat surface 33 in order to limit the
inner movement of the terminal members within openings 30 so that
the ends of terminal members 6 are disposed at the inner ends of
openings 30 to receive reflected light from reflecting surface 22.
Beveled edges 38a also maintain the terminal members against the
arcuate surfaces of the openings. Lances 40 can be depressed to
permit removal of the terminal members from openings 30.
The angular disposition of terminal members 6 within openings 30
permits the greatest intensity of light reflected from reflecting
surface 22 to be received by the light-transmitting members because
the ellipsoidal reflecting surface accomplishes this important
feature. Thus, the proper angular disposition of the
light-transmitting members relative to the major or principal axis
PA (which coincides with the longitudinal axis LA of mounting
member 4) of the ellipsoidal reflecting surface determines the
intensity of the light to be received by the light-transmitting
members. In effect, a bundle of light rods with their end surfaces
normal to the median angle .alpha..sub.n of the light falling on
the apertured plate 28 matches the acceptance angle of the rods to
the light source. If desired, more than one annular row of
light-transmitting members may be provided in housing 28, but for
each row of light-transmitting members, a filament is necessary in
the light bulb or light source for maximum light intensity;
however, a filament of sufficient length along the major axis may
be used if maximum light intensity is not essential.
Filters may be placed between the light source and the plane of the
ends of the light-transmitting members to filter out or absorb an
unnecessary part of the light spectrum. In this respect the glass
of the light bulb will filter out infrared light. The reflector may
also be used in a slightly defocused manner by adjusting the
position of the light source relative to the focal point of the
reflector. Also, instead of filters, the reflecting surface may be
coated with the light-absorbing substance to absorb the unnecessary
part of the light spectrum. Any heat-dissipating means may be
applied to the exterior surface of the reflector to dissipate heat
therefrom. If desired, means may be provided to adjust the light
bulb along the major axis and relative to the reflecting
surface.
A U-shaped mounting bracket 46 has Y-shaped openings 47 in each leg
thereof to receive section 21 of reflector 3 and housing 28 of
mounting member 4 to mount the light-transmission device.
While the terminal member has been disclosed as being applied to a
stripped end of a light-transmitting member it is obvious that the
terminal member can be applied to a nonstripped end of a
light-transmitting member with sections 35 and 36 being provided
with openings 41 and inwardly beveled sections 42 thereby
eliminating section 39.
As can be discerned, a light-transmission device has been disclosed
to transmit via light-transmitting members multiple light
transmission from a single light source.
It will, therefore, be appreciated that the aforementioned and
other desirable objects have been achieved; however, it should be
emphasized that the particular embodiment of the invention, which
is shown and described herein, is intended as merely illustrative
and not as restrictive of the invention.
* * * * *