Optic fiber LED light source

• US 7,217,022 B2
• Filed: 08/31/2004
• Issued: 05/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Excelitas Canada, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Opto Technology, Inc. (Revvity, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ruffin, Marvin
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar; Stephen F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Neils; Peggy A.
• Application Number:
  US10/930,283
• Publication Number:
  US 20060044820A1
• Time in Patent Office: 987 Days
• Field of Search: 362/555, 362/554, 362/582, 362/96, 362/267, 362/101, 362/562, 362/581, 385/78, 385/88, 385/93
• US Class Current: 362/554
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0006 Coupling light into the fibre in general G02B6/4298
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4204 the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms encapsulated active devices H01S5/02208, H01L33/52

Abstract

An exterior lighting device based on a light emitting diode in conjunction with an optic fiber is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical housing having a closed end and an open end. The light emitting diode is placed on the interior of the on the closed end of the cylindrical housing. A clear lens having one end in proximity with the light emitting diode and an opposite end with a flat surface is provided. A top cap is installed over the open end of the cylindrical housing. The top cap forms a water tight seal with the cylindrical housing using O-rings. A retaining plate is held in place between the top cap and the cylindrical housing. The retaining plate is locked with the flat surface of the lens thus holding the lens in place over the light emitting diode. An optic fiber has a receiving end held by the retaining plate in proximity to the light emitting diode and an opposite emitting end extending from a socket in the top cap. A coupling assembly sits in the socket in the top cap and holds the optic fiber in relation to the top cap.

Claims

1. An exterior lighting device comprising:

a cylindrical housing having a closed end and an open end;

a light emitting diode placed on the interior of the on the closed end of the cylindrical housing;

a lens having one end in proximity with the light emitting diode and an opposite end with a flat surface;

a top cap installed over the open end of the cylindrical housing, the top cap forming a water tight seal with the cylindrical housing, the top cap having a socket;

a retaining plate held in place between the top cap and the cylindrical housing, the retaining plate being locked with the flat surface of the lens;

a optic fiber having a receiving end held by the retaining plate in proximity to the light emitting diode and an opposite emitting end extending from the top cap; and

a coupling assembly which sits in the socket in the top cap and holds the optic fiber in relation to the top cap.

2. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical housing has exterior threading, and the top cap has interior threads which mesh with the exterior threading of the cylindrical housing.

3. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical housing has a shoulder on the open end, and the top cap has a surface which overlaps the shoulder, and wherein the top cap is attached to the cylindrical housing using bolts.

4. The lighting device of claim 1 further comprising:

a first O-ring compressed between the retaining plate and a notch formed on the open end of the cylindrical housing; and

a second O-ring compressed between the top cap and the retaining plate.

5. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the optic fiber includes a cladding and a core, the cladding having a lower refractive index then the core.

6. The lighting device of claim 5 wherein the optic fiber is fabricated from polymethacrylate.

7. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the coupler assembly includes:

a guiding sleeve which is inserted through the aperture in the top cap;

an inner retaining collar mounted on the guide sleeve on the interior of the top cap;

an outer retaining collar mounted on the guide sleeve on the exterior of the top cap; and

a locking screw holding the optic fiber and mounted on the guide sleeve.