(12) United States Patent
`Belfer
`
`US006234640B1
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 6,234,640 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`May 22, 2001
`
`(54) FIBER OPTIC REPLICANT LAMP
`
`5,873,644 * 2/1999 Roessner et al. .................. .. 362/551
`
`(76) Inventor: Bruce D. Belfer, 1703 Valley Rd.,
`Ocean, NJ (US) 07712
`
`( * ) NOIiCeI
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U-S-C- 154(k)) by 0 days-
`
`(21) Appl, No; 09/083,316
`_
`May 22’ 1998
`(22) Flled:
`(51) Int. Cl.7 ...................................................... .. F21V 7/00
`(52) US‘ Cl‘ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "
`362/32; 362/308; 362/347
`,
`(58) Fleld of Search
`
`350776’ 350881’
`
`62/3
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`*
`
`.
`
`.
`
`cued by exammer
`Primary Examiner—Darren Schuberg
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—EZra Sutton
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A ?ber optic lamp includes a lamp housing having a stem
`section With a passageway therein and a re?ector section
`having a re?ective surface. The lamp housing also has ?rst
`and second circular ledges for receiving and holding in place
`at least one lens Within the lamp housing. A?ber optic cable
`is provided having a ?rst end for insertion into the passage‘
`Way of the lamp housing for transmitting light. The second
`end of the ?ber optic cable is connected to a light pump
`having a light source therein for generating and transmitting
`light through the ?ber optic cable. The ?ber optic cable is
`connected to a socket member of a ?Xture housing for
`mounting the stem section of the lamp housing in the ?Xture
`housmg'
`
`5,278,731 * 1/1994 Davenport et al. ................ .. 362/551
`
`42 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`62
`
`60
`56
`
`52
`
`24
`
`22
`
`36
`
`36
`38
`
`
`
`Page 1 of 17
`
`PHILIPS EXHIBIT 2008
`WAC v. PHILIPS
`IPR2016-01455
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22,2001
`
`Sheet 1 0f 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`102
`
`2Q
`LO \ 22
`
`mg
`
`) 104
`I
`w 106
`
`2b
`
`I
`
`24
`
`52
`
`>F§v 58
`
`56
`
`36
`
`I
`
`139
`
`102
`
`[
`
`1_0.Q
`
`(PRIOR ART)
`FIG. 1 a
`
`7-108
`
`106
`
`104
`
`1
`
`J
`
`(PRIOR ART) K112
`
`102
`
`112
`
`104
`
`(PRIOR ART)
`FIG. 10
`
`
`
`Page 2 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 0f 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`FIG’ 6b FRESNEL LENS
`
`
`
`Page 3 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 0f 10
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`40
`40
`
`FIG. 4
`FIG. 4
`
`Page 4 of 17
`
`
`
`Page 4 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 0f 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`38
`
`740W 44S
`
`38
`
`7b
`
`8b
`
`72b 8b
`
`405
`
`FIG. 7a
`
`FIG. 8a
`
`10
`-—
`
`60
`
`62\ [r56
`
`42
`
`32
`22
`
`54
`12
`R‘ 42
`34
`1121s
`
`700
`72c
`
`20
`
`34
`70b
`72b
`
`60
`
`623 [F56
`
`54
`42
`
`42
`
`34
`
`38
`40S
`FIG. 7b
`
`22
`
`36
`
`2°
`
`32
`
`36
`
`Jk '
`
`36
`
`‘
`
`1
`
`L_
`
`3/ 740A MLLSS 36
`12
`68 66
`12
`FIG. 8b
`
`
`
`Page 5 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 0f 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`22
`
`32
`36
`
`FIG. 9a
`
`FIG. 10a
`
`FIG. 9b
`
`FIG. 10b
`
`
`
`Page 6 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 6f 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`36
`
`38
`
`\12 L136
`
`FIG. 11b
`
`
`
`Page 7 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`36
`
`32
`
`Page 8 of 17
`
`
`
`Page 8 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 8 0f 10
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`V"
`O’!
`
`:n_%m
`
`$38
`
`Page 9 of 17
`
`m. N 6E
`
`
`
`Page 9 of 17
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 9 0f 10
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Page 10 of 17
`
`
`
`Page 10 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 22, 2001
`
`Sheet 10 0f 10
`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`80 CONNECTED TO
`LIGHT PUMP
`
`, 60
`
`r62
`
`I
`
`/
`
`/ /
`
`126 \
`
`/
`
`/\'\
`
`/
`\
`/ /- 124
`/
`24
`\‘/ j
`310 LENS (7/128
`124 \ j W 445
`
`/
`
`1 O
`
`/
`
`l
`
`/
`
`/
`
`\‘> 126 ——/
`/
`
`/
`
`130 /“
`
`'32
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/ 2_O
`
`/
`
`22 /
`
`34
`
`38
`
`36
`
`s10 LENS
`40s
`
`130
`
`/
`
`1‘ 132
`
`/
`
`FIG. 15
`
`
`
`Page 11 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`1
`FIBER OPTIC REPLICANT LAMP
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to a ?ber optic replicant lamp as a
`replacement for standard incandescent light bulbs or re?ec
`tor lamps (e.g. MR11, MR16 etc.). More particularly, the
`replicant lamps each include a ?ber optic cable attached to
`a light pump having a single light source for the lighting of
`a plurality of lighting ?xtures from that single light source
`via the light pump.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is Well knoWn in the art that incandescent light bulbs,
`?uorescent lamps, halogen re?ector lamps and the like have
`a ?nite life-span of about 2,000 hours of operation, such that
`these bulbs and lamps have to be replaced on an ongoing
`basis. This becomes a very tedious, time-consuming and
`expensive process When changing bulbs and lamps in thou
`sands of lighting ?xtures in a department store, theater,
`disco, museum, etc.
`There remains a need for a ?ber optic replicant lamp that
`Would replace standard incandescent light bulbs, ?uorescent
`lamps, halogen re?ector lamps, and the like in order to
`eliminate the need and expense of changing the aforemen
`tioned bulbs and lamps. In addition, the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp Would generate no heat. Further, the users of ?ber optic
`replicant lamps Would save on energy and maintenance, as
`Well as have more ?exibility in arranging the plurality of
`lighting ?xtures having the ?ber optic replicant lamps
`therein.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`Lighting ?xture housings, lamps, and luminaires having
`various designs, structures, con?gurations and materials of
`construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For
`example, US. Pat. No. 5,268,977 shoWs a ?ber optic lumi
`naire in Which the housing has a ?ber optic light source.
`US. Pat. No. 5,384,881 shoWs a ?ber optic luminaire
`having 5 ?ber optic lighting units mounted therein, Which
`are each independently adjustable to control the emitted
`light beam.
`US. Pat. No. 4,953,549 shoWs a ?ber optic lighting
`?xture Wherein the light source is solar light supplied to the
`?ber optic element.
`US. Pat. No. 5,303,125 shoWs a plurality of ?ber optic
`luminaires ganged together, all receiving light from the same
`light source.
`These prior art patents do not teach or disclose the
`recon?guration of conventional lamps (e.g. MR11, MR16
`and the like) into a ?ber optic replicant lamp Which can then
`be mounted in the same locations of lighting ?xtures having
`the conventional lamps. In addition, the prior art patents do
`not teach or disclose a plurality of ?ber optic replicant lamps
`each having a ?ber optic cable contained therein connected
`to a common light pump having a single light source.
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
`provide a ?ber optic replicant lamp as a replacement for
`standard incandescent light bulbs or re?ector lamps, such as
`a MR11, MR16 or PAR lamps and the like.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`?ber optic replicant lamp having a ?ber optic cable/bundle
`attached to the stem section therein for providing light
`Within the replicant lamp.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`?ber optic replicant lamp Wherein the ?ber optic cable/
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`bundle is attached at the other end to a light pump having at
`least one light source.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`?ber optic replicant lamp that does not generate internal heat
`Within the replicant lamp.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`light pump having a plurality of ?ber optic cables/bundles
`attached to a plurality of ?ber optic replicant lamps for
`producing light from a single light source (such as an
`incandescent light bulb) via the light pump. Additionally, the
`single light source can be located at a remote location and
`changed every 2000 hours and thereby avoid the need for
`access to the light ?xtures having the replicant lamp therein.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`?ber optic replicant lamp that saves on energy and mainte
`nance costs, as Well as having more ?exibility by the user in
`arranging the plurality of lighting ?xtures having the ?ber
`optic replicant lamps therein.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`?ber optic replicant lamp that can be used Within any type
`of lighting ?xture housing.
`A still further object of the present invention is to provide
`a ?ber optic replicant lamp that can be mass produced in an
`automated and economical manner and is readily affordable
`by the user.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance With the present invention, there is pro
`vided a ?ber optic lamp, as a replacement for conventional
`vacuum lamps, gas ?lled lamps or halogen lamps. The ?ber
`optic lamp includes a lamp housing having a stem section
`With a passageWay therein and a re?ector section having a
`re?ective surface. The lamp housing may also have ?rst
`and/or second circular ledges for receiving and holding in
`place at least one lens Within the lamp housing. A ?ber optic
`cable is provided having a ?rst end for insertion into the
`passageWay of the lamp housing for transmitting light. The
`second end of the ?ber optic cable is connected to a light
`pump having a light source therein for generating and
`transmitting light through the ?ber optic cable. The ?ber
`optic cable is connected to a socket member of a ?xture
`housing for mounting the stem section of the lamp housing
`in the ?xture housing.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
`invention Will become apparent upon the consideration of
`the folloWing detailed description of the presently-preferred
`embodiment When taken in conjunction With the accompa
`nying draWings, Wherein:
`FIG. 1a is a rear plan vieW of a conventional lamp of the
`prior art shoWing the lamp housing having a re?ector section
`and a stem section With metal connector prongs for con
`necting to a lighting ?xture socket (not shoWn) therein;
`FIG. 1b is a side elevational vieW of a conventional lamp
`of the prior art shoWing the lamp housing having a re?ector
`section With a lens cover and a stem section With metal
`connector prongs;
`FIG. 1c is a front plan vieW of a conventional lamp of the
`prior art shoWing the lamp housing having a re?ector section
`With a ?lament component and a lens cover;
`FIG. 2a is a rear plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant lamp
`of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shoW
`ing the lamp housing having a re?ector section and a stem
`section With an interior passageWay for receiving the ?ber
`optic cable therein;
`
`
`
`Page 12 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`3
`FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the preferred embodiment of the present
`invention taken along lines 2b—2b of FIG. 2a showing the
`lamp housing having a re?ector section With a re?ective
`surface thereon and a stem section With an interior passage
`Way therein for receiving the ?ber optic cable therein;
`FIG. 2c is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the preferred embodiment of the present invention
`shoWing the lamp housing having a re?ector section With a
`re?ective surface thereon and a stem section With an interior
`passageWay therein for receiving the ?ber optic cable
`therein;
`FIG. 3 is a front perspective vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp
`housing having a re?ector section With a cover lens thereon
`and a stem section With an interior passageWay therein for
`receiving the ?ber optic cable therein;
`FIG. 4 is a front exploded perspective vieW of the ?ber
`optic replicant lamp of the present invention shoWing the
`lamp housing, the ?rst cover lens, the re?ector section
`having a retaining ledge for holding the ?rst cover lens
`thereon, the stem section having a retaining ledge for
`holding the second cover lens thereon and having an interior
`passageWay for holding in place the ?ber optic cable
`housing, and the ?ber optic housing With a ?ber optic cable
`therein;
`FIG. 5a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a conventional conveX lens
`mounted therein;
`FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`5b—5b of FIG. 5a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With a ?rst conveX lens mounted therein;
`and a stem section With a second conveX lens mounted
`therein and With an interior passageWay for holding in place
`the ?ber optic cable housing having the ?ber optic cable
`therein;
`FIG. 6a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a Fresnel-type lens mounted
`therein;
`FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`6b—6b of FIG. 6a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With a ?rst Fresnel-type lens mounted
`therein; and a stem section With a second Fresnel-type lens
`mounted therein and With an interior passageWay for holding
`in place the ?ber optic cable housing therein;
`FIG. 7a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a conventional conveX lens
`mounted therein;
`FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`7b—7b of FIG. 7a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With a single conveX lens mounted therein,
`and a stem section With an interior passageWay for holding
`in place the ?ber optic cable housing having the ?ber optic
`cable therein;
`FIG. 8a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a re?ective surface thereon,
`and a single smaller conveX lens mounted into the retaining
`ledge of the stem section (not shown);
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`8b—8b of FIG. 8a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With a re?ective surface thereon, a stem
`section having a retaining ledge for holding a single smaller
`conveX lens thereon, and a ?ber optic cable housing having
`a ?ber optic cable therein being received Within interior
`passageWay of the stem section;
`FIG. 9a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a Fresnel-type lens mounted
`therein;
`FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`9b—9b of FIG. 9a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With a single Fresnel-type lens mounted
`therein, and a stem section With an interior passageWay for
`holding in place the ?ber optic cable housing having the
`?ber optic cable therein;
`FIG. 10a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a re?ective surface thereon,
`and a single smaller Fresnel-type mounted into the retaining
`ledge of the stem section (not shoWn);
`FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`10b—10b of FIG. 10a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With re?ective surface thereon, a stem
`section having a retaining ledge for holding a single smaller
`Fresnel-type lens thereon, and a ?ber optic cable housing
`having a ?ber optic cable therein being received Within the
`interior passageWay of the stem section;
`FIG. 11a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a spherical lens mounted
`therein;
`FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`11b—11b of FIG. 11a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section With a spherical lens mounted therein; and
`a stem section With an interior passageWay for holding in
`place the ?ber optic cable housing therein;
`FIG. 12a is a front plan vieW of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing the lamp housing
`having a re?ector section With a prism or mirror lens
`mounted therein;
`FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`12b—12b of FIG. 12a shoWing the lamp housing having a
`re?ector section, and an L-shaped stem section With a ?rst
`interior passageWay for holding in place the ?ber optic cable
`housing having the ?ber optic cable therein, and a second
`interior passageWay for holding in place a prism or mirror
`lens therein;
`FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the ?ber optic replicant
`lamp of the present invention shoWing a plurality of repli
`cant lamps connected to a common light pump by a plurality
`of ?ber optic cables, the light pump having a light source
`connected to a poWer supply by an electrical connection
`Wire;
`FIG. 14 is a front perspective vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention shoWing the replicant
`lamp mounted Within a socket member of a ?Xture housing
`of the lighting ?Xture assembly; and
`FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional vieW of the ?ber optic
`replicant lamp of the present invention taken along lines
`
`
`
`Page 13 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`5
`13—13 of FIG. 12 showing the replicant lamp mounted
`Within a socket member of a ?xture housing of the lighting
`?xture assembly.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`The ?ber optic replicant lamp 10 and its component parts
`of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present
`invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 2a to 15. Prior
`art conventional lamps are represented in detail by FIGS. 1a,
`1b and 1c of the draWings.
`A conventional lamp 100, as shoWn in the prior art
`draWings of FIGS. 1a to 1c, includes a glass housing 102
`having a re?ector section 104 and a stem section 106 With
`metal prongs 108 for insertion into a socket member (not
`shoWn) of a lighting ?xture (not shoWn). The re?ector
`section 104 is under vacuum and includes a ?lament mem
`ber 110 for producing light Within the re?ector section 104,
`and a lens cover 112. The re?ector section 104 can heat up
`as high as 600° F.
`The ?ber optic replicant lamp 10 includes a lamp housing
`20 having a re?ector section 22 and a stem section 24 being
`integrally attached. Re?ector section 22 includes an outer
`conical Wall surface 32, an inner conical Wall surface 34 and
`a ?rst outer perimeter edge 36 having a ?rst horiZontal inner
`circular ledge 38 for holding in place a ?rst lens cover 40.
`Inner conical Wall surface 34 includes a second horiZontal
`inner circular ledge 42 for holding in place a second lens
`cover 44. Lens covers 40 and 44 may be standard convex
`lenses 40s and 44s or FresnelTM type lenses 40f and 44f as
`shoWn in FIGS. 5b and 6b, respectively. Inner conical Wall
`surface 34 also includes a re?ector/re?ective surface 46
`selected from the group consisting of metaliZed plastic,
`phosphorous coatings, polished metals and combinations
`thereof. The conical Wall surface 34 has an angle the range
`of 50 to 65° degrees With respect to the perimeter edge 36
`of lamp housing 20, as shoWn in FIG. 2b of the draWings.
`Alternatively, the second horiZontal inner circular ledge
`42 can hold in place a ball/spherical lens 48, as shoWn in
`FIGS. 11a and 11b of the draWings. Spherical lens 48 is used
`as a collimator device in Which to transmit parallel beams/
`rays of light 12 from the spherical lens 48 to a particular
`area, such that the path of light beams/rays 12 are nearly
`parallel as they emerge from the spherical lens 48, as
`depicted by FIG. 11b of the draWings.
`Re?ector section 22, as shoWn in FIGS. 8a and 8b of the
`draWings, may also include a re?ector member 66 having a
`re?ective surface 68 for re?ecting light beams 12 from the
`standard convex lens 44s off of the re?ective surface 68 of
`re?ective member 66 in order to reduce glare from the light
`beams 12 coming from the re?ective surface 46 of re?ector
`section 22. As shoWn in FIG. 8b, the light beams 12 are
`re?ected from the re?ector member 66 to the re?ective
`surface 46 of the inner conical Wall surface 34 of stem
`section 22 Where then light beams 12 are then re?ected off
`of re?ective surface 46 of Wall surface 34, such that these
`re?ected light beams 12 light-up a particular area With less
`glare. Re?ector member 66 is held in place by a pair of
`bridge structure members 70a and 70b. Bridge structure
`members 70a and 70b, as shoWn in FIG. 8b of the draWings,
`are attached at one end 72a and 72b to the inner conical Wall
`surface 35 (180° degrees apart in location), and at the other
`end 74a and 74b to the re?ector member 66. Additionally,
`re?ector section 22 may be formed into a spherical-shaped
`con?guration, an ovoidal-shaped con?guration or an
`ellipsoidal-shaped con?guration.
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`6
`Stem section 24 includes an outer cylindrical Wall surface
`52, an inner cylindrical Wall surface 54 and outer perimeter
`edge 56. Stem section 24 also includes an interior cylindrical
`passageWay 58 for receiving the cable housing 62 of the
`?ber optic cable/bundle 60 therethrough, as shoWn in FIG.
`4 of the draWings.
`In an alternate embodiment, as shoWn in FIGS. 12a and
`12b of the draWings, the cable housing 62 of ?ber optic
`bundle 60 is connected to the stem section 24 of the lamp
`housing 20 via an interior cylindrical passageWay 78. Pas
`sageWay 78 includes an exterior cylindrical Wall surface 52h
`and an interior cylindrical Wall surface 54h. PassageWay 78
`extends outWardly from passageWay 58 at a right 90° degree
`angle from the stem section 24 of lamp housing 20, Wherein
`interior passageWay 78 is used for receiving the cable
`housing 62 of ?ber optic bundle 60. In addition, passageWay
`78 includes a prism lens 50p or mirror lens 50m for
`re?ecting the light beams 12 through interior passageWay 58
`of stem section 24 and then through the aforementioned
`lenses 44 and/or 40 if used.
`Lamp housing 20 may be constructed of light-Weight,
`heat resistant plastic or light-Weight, shatter proof glass.
`Lamp housing 20 may be varied in siZe to effect more or less
`illumination from the ?ber optic replicant lamp 10.
`As shoWn in FIG. 13 of the draWings, ?ber optic cables 60
`are connected to light pump assembly 80 having a light
`source 82 therein, in the form of an incandescent bulb 84, a
`?uorescent lamp 86, or a halogen lamp 88 and the like. Light
`pump assembly 80 is connected to a plurality of ?ber optic
`cables 60 for receiving light from light source 82 for
`providing light to each ?ber optic replicant lamp 10 Within
`each of the plurality of lighting ?xtures 120. Fiber optic
`bundle/cable 60 may be made of a ?exible, solid light
`transmitting plastic cable or made of a plurality of strands
`joined together to form a ?ber optic bundle for transmitting
`light beams 12 from the light source 82 via light pump
`assembly 80. Light pump member 80 is electrically con
`nected to a poWer supply 90 via electrical connection Wire
`92.
`As shoWn in FIG. 14, stem section 24 is received Within
`a socket member 124 having a socket passageWay 126 of the
`?xture housing 122 of lighting ?xture 120. Stem section 24
`is received Within socket member 124 by connection means
`such as gluing, clamping, pressure springs, set-screWs, or
`threading means. Stem section 24 includes an outer Wall
`surface 52 having spiral threads thereon (not shoWn) Which
`are received Within the socket passageWay 126 having spiral
`receiving threads (not shoWn). Fixture housing 122, as
`shoWn in FIGS. 14 and 15 of the draWings, also includes an
`interior Wall surface 128 having a circular ledge 130 and a
`circular holding ring 132 thereon for retaining and holding
`in place the outer perimeter edge 36 of the re?ector section
`22 of lamp housing 20.
`
`OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
`In operation, the user places the plurality of lighting
`?xtures 120 in an appropriate location for lighting a par
`ticular area of a room, theater, convention hall and the like.
`The user then places an empty lamp housing 20 (Without the
`?ber optic cable) into each of the ?xture housings 122 of
`lighting ?xtures 120, such that the stem section 24 of the
`lamp housing 20 is received Within the socket passageWay
`126 of socket member 124 of ?xture housing 122, as shoWn
`in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 of the draWings.
`Next, the user selects the appropriate lens 40 or 44, or
`optionally both lenses 40 and 44 for the lighting effect
`
`
`
`Page 14 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`7
`desired for a particular area or areas. The user then snaps the
`appropriate lens or lenses 40 and/or 44 into the ?rst and/or
`second circular ledges 38 and/or 42 for holding lens or
`lenses 40 and/or 44 in place, as shoWn in detail by FIG. 13
`of the draWings.
`The user noW inserts the plurality of ?ber optic cables 60
`from the light pump 80 into each of the lamp housings 20 of
`the ?ber optic replicant lamps 10A to 10F. As shoWn in FIG.
`13, each of the cable housings 62 of ?ber optic cables 60 are
`inserted into the interior passageWays 58 of each stem
`section 24 for receiving cable housing 62 of ?ber optic cable
`60 therethrough for providing and transmitting light to each
`?ber optic replicant lamp 10A to 10F from light pump 80.
`The ?nal step is to turn ON the plurality of ?ber optic
`replicant lamps 10A to 10F of lighting ?xtures 120 by a
`poWer sWitch 94 from poWer supply 90. PoWer supply 90
`supplies electrical current via electrical connection Wire 92,
`as shoWn in FIG. 13, such that light source 82 is activated
`Within light pump 80. The plurality of ?ber optic cables 60
`receive and transmit light rays 12 from the light source 82
`through the plurality of ?ber optic cables 60 to each of the
`re?ector sections 22 of lamp housings 20. The light beams/
`rays 12 from the ?ber optic cable 60 in one of the embodi
`ments are then re?ected off of the re?ective surface 46 of
`interior conical Wall 34 of the re?ector section 22, such that
`the light beams 12 are focused and channeled through lens
`40s to light-up a particular area, as shoWn in FIG. 7b of the
`draWings.
`The light beams 12 from the ?ber optic cable 60 in a
`second and alternate embodiment are initially focused and
`channeled through a smaller lens 44, Which then have the
`light beams 12 being re?ected off of the re?ective surface 46
`of interior conical Wall 34 of re?ector section 22. The
`re?ected light beams 12 are again focused and channeled
`through a larger lens 40 to light-up a particular area, as
`shoWn in FIG. 5b of the draWings.
`The light beams 12 from the ?ber optic cable 60 in a third
`and alternate embodiment are focused and channeled
`through a smaller lens 44s Which then have the light beams
`being re?ected off of the re?ective surface 46 of interior
`conical Wall 34 of re?ector section 22, such that these
`re?ected light beams 12 light-up a particular area, as shoWn
`in FIG. 8b of the draWings.
`When the user changes the position of the cable housing
`62 of ?ber optic bundle 60 Within the interior passageWays
`58 or 78 of stem section 24, the focal point Fp of light beams
`12 is adjusted accordingly; or When the user changes the
`various lenses 40, 44, 48 Within the re?ector section 22, or
`the prism lens 50p, mirror lens 50m Within stem section 24,
`the focal point Fp of light beams 12 is also changed
`accordingly, as shoWn in FIG. 10b.
`When light source 82 becomes de-activated (burnt-out)
`the user simply removes the burnt-out light source 82 and
`replaces it (i.e. incandescent light bulb 84) With a neW light
`source 82‘ Within light pump 80 to re-light the plurality of
`?ber optic cables 60 connected to the light pump 80. The
`user is only changing the light-source 82 once at a remote
`location for a plurality of lamps (approximately every 2000
`Working hours) instead of changing a multitude of conven
`tional lamps 100 Within the lighting ?xtures 120 When each
`of the conventional lamps burns-out, as this Would be a very
`time consuming and expensive process. Additionally, the
`user may also change the type of light source 82 (eg from
`a incandescent bulb 84 to a halogen lamp 88) at the remote
`location to effect a particular lighting mood or lighting
`environment. This change of light sources 82‘ is done at the
`
`8
`light pump 80 only once, instead of numerous times at the
`lighting ?xtures in the conventional manner. Additionally,
`the single light source is located at a remote location and
`changed every 2000 hours Without the manipulation of any
`of the light ?xtures having the replicant lamp therein.
`
`Advantages of the Present Invention
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that
`it provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp as a replacement
`for standard incandescent light bulbs or re?ector lamps, such
`as a MR11 or MR16 or PAR lamps and the like.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp having a ?ber optic
`cable/bundle attached to the stem section therein for pro
`viding light Within the replicant lamp.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp Wherein the ?ber
`optic cable/bundle is attached at the other end to a light
`pump having at least one light source.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp that Would not
`generate an internal heat Within the replicant lamp.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a light pump having a plurality of ?ber optic
`cables/bundles attached to a plurality of ?ber optic replicant
`lamps for producing light from a single light source (such as
`an incandescent light bulb) via the light pump.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp that saves on energy
`and maintenance costs, as Well as having more ?exibility by
`the user in arranging the plurality of lighting ?xtures having
`the ?ber optic replicant lamps therein.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp that can be used
`Within any type of lighting ?xture housing.
`A still further advantage of the present invention is that it
`provides for a ?ber optic replicant lamp that can be mass
`produced in an automated and economical manner and is
`readily affordable by the consumer.
`A latitude of modi?cation, change, and substitution is
`intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances,
`some features of the invention Will be employed Without a
`corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appro
`priate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in
`a manner consistent With the spirit and scope of the inven
`tion herein.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A ?ber optic lamp, comprising:
`a) a lamp housing including a stem section having a
`passageWay therein and a re?ector section having a ?rst
`re?ective surface;
`b) said lamp housing having means for receiving and
`holding in place at least one lens Within said lamp
`housing;
`c) a ?ber optic cable having ?rst and second ends thereon;
`d) said passageWay of said stem section for receiving
`therein said ?rst end of said ?ber optic cable for
`transmitting light therethrough;
`e) said second end of said ?ber optic cable connected to
`a light source for generating and transmitting light
`through said ?ber optic cable;
`f) means for mounting said stem section in a light ?xture
`housing; and
`g) Wherein said passageWay includes means for changing
`the position of said ?rst end of said ?ber optic cable
`
`
`
`Page 15 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,234,640 B1
`
`9
`therein for changing focal point of light transmitted
`from said lamp housing.
`2. A ?ber optic lamp in accordance With claim 1, Wherein
`said means for receiving and holding in place at least one
`lens Within said lamp housing includes a ?rst circular ledge
`connected to the outer perimeter edge of said re?ector
`section and a second circular ledge connected to the interior
`Wall on said stem section; said ?rst and second circular
`ledges being spaced apart from each other.
`3. A ?ber optic lamp in accordance With claim 1, Wherein
`re?ective surface is selected from the group consisting of
`metaliZed plastic, phosphorous coatings, poli