Sign illumination system

• US 20040212998A1
• Filed: 04/25/2003
• Published: 10/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Everbrite LLC
• Original Assignee: Everbrite LLC
• Inventors: Mohacsi, Ferenc
• Granted Patent: US 6,964,507 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/294
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/04 the elements being reflectors and refractors for vehicle rear lights F21S43/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/70 characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0404 the light source being enclosed in a box forming the character of the sign
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/08 using both translucent and non-translucent layers
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/14 Arrangements of reflectors therein
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/22 electroluminescent electroluminescent light sources per se H05B33/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/145 curved reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/222 with LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

A radiation-emitting device comprising a side-emitting optoelectronic device having an upper surface and a heat sink in thermal conductivity with the side-emitting optoelectronic device. A reflector at least partially surrounds the side-emitting optoelectronic device. The reflector is positioned and shaped to reflect the emitted light substantially in an output direction. A reflective, non-transparent layer is disposed adjacent the upper surface of the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

Claims

1. A radiation-emitting device comprising:

a side-emitting optoelectronic device having an upper surface;

a heat sink in thermal conductivity with the side-emitting optoelectronic device;

a reflector at least partially surrounding the side-emitting optoelectronic device, the reflector positioned and shaped to reflect the emitted light substantially in an output direction; and

a non-transparent layer disposed adjacent the upper surface of the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

2. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the optoelectronic device is a side-emitting light-emitting diode.

3. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the optoelectronic device outputs a plurality of wavelengths which comprise white light.

4. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the optoelectronic device outputs a substantially monochromatic light.

5. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the heat sink at least partially supports the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

6. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the heat sink includes a circuit board having a metallic substrate.

7. The radiation-emitting device of claim 6, wherein the metallic substrate includes aluminum.

8. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflector is polygonal and includes at least one angled side.

9. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflector is formed by stamping a metal sheet.

10. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflector substantially collimates the emitted light.

11. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the reflector is substantially parabolic.

12. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the non-transparent layer is applied directly to the upper surface of the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

13. The radiation-emitting device of claim 12, wherein the non-transparent layer includes paint applied to the upper surface of the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

14. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the non-transparent layer includes a substantially reflective material.

15. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the side-emitting optoelectronic device further comprises a truncated substantially spherical portion and a frustoconical portion having a concave top, the frustoconical portion disposed adjacent the truncated substantially spherical portion.

16. The radiation-emitting device of claim 1, further comprising a current regulator operable to maintain a desired current through the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

17. The radiation-emitting device of claim 16, wherein the desired current is above 50 milliamps.

18. A light fixture comprising:

a housing;

a translucent output panel connected to the housing;

a light-emitter supported by the housing, the light-emitter including a side-emitting optoelectronic device having an upper surface; and

a non-transparent layer positioned between the translucent panel and the upper surface of the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

19. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the optoelectronic device includes a side-emitting light-emitting diode.

20. The light fixture of claim 18, further comprising a reflector at least partially surrounding the side-emitting optoelectronic device, the reflector positioned and shaped to reflect the emitted light substantially towards the output panel.

21. The light fixture of claim 20, wherein the reflector is polygonal and includes at least one angled side.

22. The light fixture of claim 20, wherein the reflector is substantially parabolic.

23. The light fixture of claim 20, wherein the reflector substantially collimates the emitted light.

24. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the translucent panel is spaced a distance from the side-emitting optoelectronic device, the distance being between about 3 inches and 6 inches.

25. The light fixture of claim 18, further comprising a heat sink positioned in thermal conduction with the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

26. The light fixture of claim 25, wherein the heat sink at least partially supports the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

27. The light fixture of claim 25, wherein the heat sink includes a circuit board having a metallic substrate.

28. The light fixture of claim 27, wherein the metallic substrate includes aluminum.

29. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the non-transparent layer is applied directly to the upper surface of the side-emitting optoclectronic device.

30. The light fixture of claim 29, wherein the non-transparent layer includes paint applied to the upper surface of the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

31. The light fixture of claim 18, further comprising a current regulator operable to maintain a desired current through the side-emitting optoelectronic device.

32. The light fixture of claim 31, wherein the desired current is above 50 milliamps.

33. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the side-emitting optoelectronic device further comprises a truncated substantially spherical portion and a frustoconical portion having a concave top, the frustoconical portion disposed adjacent the truncated substantially spherical portion.

34. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the optoelectronic device outputs a plurality of wavelengths which comprise white light.

35. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the optoelectronic device outputs substantially monochromatic light.

36. The light fixture of claim 18, wherein the output panel contains a fluorescent material, and wherein the optoelectronic device outputs ultraviolet radiation that excites the fluorescent material.