Roberts Systems, Inc.

J Richard Howard

James S Angus

Andrew J Laczynski

Victor Y Juchymenko

Light processing apparatus creates a number of visual effects which simulate movement with light from a light source. A multiplicity of flexible fibre optic light guides having optically finished input and output ends are grouped into groups, with each group being assigned to create a particular effect. The input ends of each group of light guides are placed in adjacent receptor zones of pre-selected geometry, and the output ends of each group of light guides are located on an effects surface in a pre-selected pattern. Light from the light source is filtered by a color changer having a plurality of discrete moveable colored filter zones shaped to correlate with the receptor zones, and is then received by the input ends of the light guides and distributed to the output ends of the light guides. The color changer may be a rotatable color wheel filter, an endless band filter or a cylindrical filter. When the filter is activated, the filter zones successively register with and sweep across the receptor zones, thereby changing the color of the light which is transmitted to the input ends of the various groups of light guides. The subject apparatus also includes a configuration structure which holds the input and output ends of the light guides in pre-selected positions, supports and positions the light source and filter, and encapsulates the light guides. The light processing apparatus can be incorporated into a sign or other lighting product having a display panel or other device for displaying the visual effects.

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Oakville, Canada

J Richard Howard