EP0372885A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible guides for light energy
Assignee: Heriot-Watt University
•
Filing: 1989-12-04
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2009-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A waveguide (10) comprises first and second light guides (12, 18) which transmit light at different wavelengths. The second light guide (18) is disposed in a tortuous path on the exterior of the first light guide (12) and preferably the tortuous path is a helix. The second light guide (18) emits light at an angle to the light emitted from the first light guide (12) and typically the light from the first light guide is emitted axially. The light from the first light guide is emitted at an angle by means of an angled refracting face (42) on the end of the second light guide (18) or by securing the end of the second light guide (18) to a conical end portion (28) of the first light guide (12).
Inventors
- 👤 Michael John Colles
- 👤 Anthony O'hara
- 👤 John Macleod
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 00:19
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/04; G02B6/24; G02B6/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A waveguide (10) comprising first and second light guides (18, 12) for transmitting light at first and second wavelengths respectively from respective sources of light to a remote location, and wherein the first wavelength is substantially invisible; the ends of the light guides (18, 12) at the remote location being arranged so that the light beam emitted from the second light guide (18) defines the position of impingement of the light beam emitted from the first light guide (12) on a surface spaced from the remote location.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A waveguide (10) comprising first and second light guides (18, 12) for transmitting light at first and second wavelengths respectively from respective sources of light to a remote location, and wherein the first wavelength is substantially invisible; the ends of the light guides (18, 12) at the remote location being arranged so that the light beam emitted from the second light guide (18) defines the position of impingement of the light beam emitted from the first light guide (12) on a surface spaced from the remote location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A waveguide according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the second light guide (18) is on the exterior of the first light guide (12).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A waveguide according to Claim 3, wherein the second light guide (18) is disposed in a tortuous path on the exterior of the first light guide (12).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A waveguide according to Claim 4, wherein the tortuous path is substantially a helix.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A waveguide according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the second light guide (18) comprises an optical fibre.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A waveguide according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the first light guide (12) is flexible.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A waveguide according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the second wavelength is visible light.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A waveguide according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the light beams emitted from the first and second light guides (12, 18) are emitted at an angle to each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A waveguide according to Claim 8, wherein the light from the second light guide (18) is emitted at the angle by provision of an angled refracting face (42) on the end of the second light guide (18).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A waveguide according to Claim 8, wherein the light from the second light guide (18) is emitted at the angle by securing the end of the second light guide to a tapered end portion (28) of the first light guide (12).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A waveguide according to any of the preceding Claims, further comprising means (48; 50) for causing the light from the second light guide (18) to be emitted as a diverging ring (44) of light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A waveguide according to Claim 11, wherein the means comprises means (48) for directing the light for the second light guide (18) from the source into the second light guide (18) at an angle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A waveguide according to Claim 11, wherein the means comprises an annulus of optically transmissive material (50) positioned around the exit of the second light guide (18).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.