Patent ID: 7229200
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: A61C,G02B

Abstract:
1. A light-conductive rod element comprising: a straight and solid rod body having a side surface extending along a longitudinal rod axis between a first light-input end and a second light-redirecting end between which the rod body is capable of propagating light by total internal reflection, the rod body being fabricated from a translucent first material characterized by a first refractive index greater than the refractive index of air, wherein (i) the light-redirecting end includes at least a first planar face extending along a first plane definable in part by a first normal that is pitched with respect to the rod axis, (ii) when the first planar face is in contact with air, there is defined by the first material and the air an optical interface at the first planar face, and (iii) the first normal defines with the rod axis an angle such that at least a portion of light caused to propagate along the rod axis by total internal reflection between the first and second ends, and impinge on the optical interface at the first planar face, is redirected by internal reflection at the optical interface and caused to exit the rod body through the side surface.