Poly Optics Australia Pty. Ltd.

University of Technology Sydney

Edmond Kenneth Joseph

James Bruce Franklin

Geoffrey Burton Smith

Robert Jacob Molitoris

A light guide () formed from an unclad flexible polyurethane fiber produces significant side scattering () over distances of up to several meters. The polyurethane fiber is in the form of a solid fiber or a tube and may comprise light scattering particles. The polyurethane fiber may comprise a transparent flexible polyurethane UV resistant outer cladding. Embodiments include illuminated shoe laces, a power cord safety indicator, an illuminated dental suction tube and a dental curing tip.

Polyurethane light guides

The invention relates to side-scattering light guides that generally comprise a core of transparent optically homogenous material seeded with diffuser particles. The light guide also comprises an optically transmitting sheath, having a lower refractive index than the core, surrounding and in contact with the sides of the core to prevent any light being transmitted along the core from escaping through the core's sides. In general, the diffuser particles impart only a small deviation to light rays incident upon them, and are distributed to scatter light being transmitted along the core so that at least some of the scattered light exits the sides of the core. A diffusing jacket is arranged to intercept scattered light exiting the sides of the core.

Side-scattering light guides

The invention relates to a light emitting device consisting of one or more light sources coupled to a light guide containing diffuser particles having a refractive index close to the refractive index of the core of the light guide. The diffuser particles cause a scattering of the light emitted from the light sources so that light emitted from the light emitting device has colour variation imperceptible to the human eye and small and gradual variations in intensity.

Light emitting device

A method of manufacturing light guide by filling a polymer tube with a monomeric mixture then pressurising and heating the full length of the polymer tube to initiate and maintain polymerisation in the tube. An apparatus for performing the method is also described in which the polymer tube is placed in a reaction vessel and a temperature controlled fluid is circulated to regulate the temperature in the vessel.

Growing community of inventors

Burleigh, Australia

Edmond Kenneth Joseph