Beam optics and color modifier system

• US 7,736,021 B2
• Filed: 01/19/2006
• Issued: 06/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dennis Solomon
• Original Assignee: Dennis Solomon
• Inventors: Solomon, Dennis J
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea; Sandra L
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dunwiddie; Meghan K
• Application Number:
  US11/335,435
• Publication Number:
  US 20060126336A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,608 Days
• Field of Search: 362/257, 362/277, 362/317, 362269-271, 359/227, 359/234, 359/236
• US Class Current: 362/277
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/007 using rotating transparent or colored disks, e.g. gobo wheels
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/14 the elements being filters or photoluminescent elements, reflectors and refractors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/02 by movement of light sources in vehicle head lamps F21S41/657
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/06 by movement of refractors in vehicle head lamps F21S41/635
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/08 by movement of the screens or filters
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/30 Pivoted housings or frames
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/002 using microoptical elements for redirecting or diffusing light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/02 of prismatic shape F21V5/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/09 with a combination of different curvatures
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/40 with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/406 for theatres, stages or film studios
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0543 comprising light concentrating means of the refractive type, e.g. lenses
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0547 comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/52 PV systems with concentrators

Abstract

A high performance, efficiency compact optical light beam and modifier system with reduced artifacts is presented. The design may incorporate a spiral entrance aperture with corresponding spiral masks where modification is accomplished by rotating the masks about the central axis relative to the entrance aperture. Light recapture or complex, continuous optics may be employed to increase the optical efficiency, reduce the physical dimensions, integrate condensing, or image projection functions in a reduced number of optical components.

Claims

1. A light-modifying apparatus for lighting including but not limited to entertainment, and architectural applications, comprising:

a. A light source means conforming a light beam to a prescribed form where said form is an offset rectangle;

b. At least one optical modifier means which modifies the qualities of the light beam; and

,

c. At least one actuator means which modifies said optical modifier means in a direction parallel to the long axis of the rectangular form.

2. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising second actuator means which modifies said optical modifier means in a direction perpendicular to said first actuator.

3. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one optical modifier means to modify the spectral distribution of the modified beam.

4. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one optical modifier means to modify the spatial distribution of the modified beam.

5. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one optical modifier means constructed of refractive optical materials.

6. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one optical modifier means constructed of holographic optical materials.

7. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a light source conforming means having a reflective surface which reflects said beam in a direction away from the principal exit aperture and subsequently redirects the light through the conforming optics.

8. A light-modifying apparatus for lighting including but not limited to entertainment, and architectural applications, comprising:

a. A light source means conforming a light beam to a prescribed form where said form is a regular, constant pitch spiral about a principal optical axis having a conformed area of less than 50% of the source aperture;

b. At least one optical modifier means having an initial and active modifier regions which modifies the qualities of the light beam; and

c. At least one actuator means which modifies said optical modifier means rotationally about the principal optical axis.

9. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 8, further comprising at least one optical modifier means to modify the spectral distribution of the modified beam.

10. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 8, further comprising at least one optical modifier means to modify the spatial distribution of the modified beam.

11. A light-modifying apparatus in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a light source conforming means having a reflective surface which reflects said beam in a direction away from the principal exit aperture and subsequently redirects the light through the conforming optics.