Patent ID: 6966685

Claim:
An illumination system comprising: an encapsulated light source which produces divergent light rays when energized; and an optically transmissive light distribution cylinder having a first end at a first diameter and an exterior surface in the form of a sequence of progressively smaller diameter cylindrical steps axially extending from said first end, each said step having an outside surface including a plurality of axially spaced generally V-shaped grooves, each said groove including at least one generally frusto-conical reflecting surface extending radially inwardly from said outside surface at an angle α, wherein said light source is arranged to deliver said divergent light rays into the first end of said light distribution cylinder for axial transmission therein, at least a portion of said divergent light rays being incident upon said reflecting surface said angle α being calculated to cause internal reflection of said divergent light rays, whereby the internally reflected light rays emerge from said exterior surface.