초록 ▼

An optical fiber manifold is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a plurality of spaced, large diameter output fibers, or "light pipes", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications wher

An optical fiber manifold is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a plurality of spaced, large diameter output fibers, or "light pipes", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The manifold comprises a light converging element, which may be either a lens or a reflector, for converging light separately on each of the spaced optical fibers. The light converging element is segmented, with each segment corresponding to one of the optical fibers, and is precise enough that substantially all of the convergent light is received by the respective cores of each of the spaced output fibers, thereby minimizing light loss.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An optical fiber manifold for coupling light from an illumination source to a plurality of spaced output optical fibers, each of which has a proximal end for receiving said light, and a core having a diameter of at least about 1 mm for transmitting light from the proximal

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An optical fiber manifold for coupling light from an illumination source to a plurality of spaced output optical fibers, each of which has a proximal end for receiving said light, and a core having a diameter of at least about 1 mm for transmitting light from the proximal end to a distal output end, said manifold comprising a lens for converging said light separately on the core of each of the optical fibers, light exiting from the output end of each of said optical fibers to illuminate a space remote from said illumination source, said lens comprising a plurality of segments, each having a first surface receptive of light from said illumination source and also having a second surface, each of said lens segments further being adapted to transmit light from the second surface and focus said light on the proximal end of a corresponding one of said optical fibers.