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Nonimaging light source

  • US 5,001,609 A
  • Filed: 10/05/1988
  • Issued: 03/19/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A flux extractor cup for supporting a light source centered on an optical axis within a virtual positioning envelope and for directing light emitted by the source within a solid cup angle of the optical axis, the cup being rotationally symmetric about the optical axis and comprising in cross-section:

  • a flat section, located at the bottom of the cup and normal to the optical axis, for attachment of the light source, the flat section having a diameter equal to a diameter of the positioning envelope;

    a circular section, extending from the flat section to a lower point located at an intersection with a projection of the cup angle through a nearest edge point of a top surface of the positioning envelope, the circular section having a constant radius and a center at the nearest edge point;

    a lower parabolic section, extending from the lower point to an upper point located at an intersection with a projection of the top surface of the positioning envelope, the lower parabolic section having a vertex at the lower point, an axis projecting through the nearest edge point and the lower point, and a focus at the nearest edge point; and

    an upper parabolic section, extending from the upper point to a top point located at an intersection with a projection of the cup angle through a farthest edge point of the top surface of the positioning envelope, the upper parabolic section having a vertex at the top point, an axis extending through the farthest edge point and parallel to the axis of the lower parabolic section, and a focus located at the farthest edge point;

    wherein the cup has an interior surface that is specularly reflective such that a substantial portion of the light emitted by the light source in any direction is directed within the solid cup angle.

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