The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 12, 2015
Filed:
May. 19, 2008
Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., Woodbury, MN (US);
David G. Freier, St. Paul, MN (US);
Rolf W. Biernath, Wyoming, MN (US);
Anthony J. Piekarczyk, Fridley, MN (US);
Michael A. Meis, Stillwater, MN (US);
Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., Woodbury, MN (US);
David G. Freier, St. Paul, MN (US);
Rolf W. Biernath, Wyoming, MN (US);
Anthony J. Piekarczyk, Fridley, MN (US);
Michael A. Meis, Stillwater, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Illumination devices whose function are to inject light into backlights, particularly into backlights that incorporate a recycling cavity formed by a front () and back () reflector, are described. In some embodiments, the device includes a light source () disposed proximate the back reflector, and first () and second () reflecting structures. The first reflecting structure includes an inner reflective surface () at least a portion of which is inclined to form a wedge with the back reflector. The wedge partially collimates and directs light from the light source generally away from the recycling cavity. The second reflecting structure receives light exiting the wedge and redirects such light into an injection beam directed into the recycling cavity.