Patent ID: 6418253
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A reflector for reflecting light emitted by an elongate light source into an input end of a light guide having a light guide diameter â€œDâ€ , said reflector comprising:(a) a collimating reflector having: (i) a narrow apertured end for insertable positioning of said light source within said collimating reflector; (ii) a wide apertured end for emitting light into said light guide, said wide apertured end of said collimating reflector having a diameter exceeding said light guide diameter â€œDâ€ ; (b) an output end annular reflector having: (i) a wide apertured end circumferentially surrounding said collimating reflector near said wide apertured end of said collimating reflector; (ii) a narrow apertured end circumferentially surrounding said input end of said light guide; wherein:(1) said reflectors are cylindrically symmetrical about a common longitudinal axis; (2) light rays emitted by said light source which pass to said collimating reflector are reflected by said collimating reflector and produce an output light beam having a beam width which varies as a function of distance along said axis; and, (3) said light guide input end is positioned at a selected distance along said axis at which said output light beam has a minimum beam width value.