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Illumination system employing an array of microprisms

  • US 5,521,725 A
  • Filed: 01/03/1995
  • Issued: 05/28/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An illumination assembly for providing a spatially-directed light source comprising:

  • (a) a light transmitting means having a first light accepting surface in close proximity to a first diffuse light source, wherein said light transmitting means transports light emanating from said first diffuse light source;

    (b) an array of microprisms wherein each microprism comprises;

    (i) a light input surface optically coupled to said light transmitting means;

    (ii) a first pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls wherein at least one of said sidewalls forms a first tilt angle with respect to the normal of the surface of said light transmitting means; and

    (iii) a second pair of oppositely disposed tilted sidewalls wherein at least one of said sidewalls forms a second tilt angle with respect to the normal of the surface of said light transmitting means; and

    (c) a low index of refraction layer disposed between said light transmitting means and said light input surfaces;

    wherein, a first portion of said light reflecting through said light transmitting means enters said array of microprisms through said light input surfaces, is redirected by said sidewalls and emerges from said microprisms as a spatially-directed light source and a second portion of said light reflecting through said light transmitting means is prevented from entering said light input surfaces by said low index of refraction layer.

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