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Illumination system employing an array of microprisms

  • US 5,555,109 A
  • Filed: 02/24/1995
  • Issued: 09/10/1996
  • 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) reflecting means for redirecting said light comprising an array of microprisms wherein each microprism comprises;

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

    (ii) a light output surface distal from and parallel to said light input surface and having a surface area at least equal to the surface area of said light input surface;

    (iii) a first pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls disposed between and continuous with said light input surface and said light output surface and intersecting said light transmitting means wherein the lines of intersection are substantially parallel to said first light accepting surface and at least one of said sidewalls forms a first tilt angle with respect to the normal of the surface of said light transmitting means;

    (iv) a second pair of oppositely disposed tilted sidewalls, disposed between and continuous with said light input surface and said light output surface and intersecting said light transmitting means wherein said lines of intersection are substantially perpendicular to said first light accepting surface and at least one of said sidewalls forms a second tilt angle with respect to the normal of the surface of said light transmitting means;

    wherein, said light reflecting through said light transmitting means enters said microprisms through said light input surfaces, is redirected by said sidewalls and emerges through said light output surfaces as a spatially directed light source.

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