Light tube system for distributing sunlight or artificial light singly or in combination

Abstract

Hybrid lighting systems use light distributor tubes to distribute artificial light and natural sunlight through the same distributor tubes. Devices for gathering uncollimated light from conventional sources (such as electrically energized arcs or filaments housed in evacuated or gas filled glass envelopes) and directing the light into the ends of tubes designed to distribute such light. Devices for gathering and concentrating inherently collimated sunlight to be fed into the same light distributing tubes used by the artificial light. One preferred embodiment comprises a light gathering and concentrating system in the form of a pair of opposed parabolic reflectors, one which is preferably large, e.g. having a diameter of five feet, and the other much smaller, e.g. the size of the much smaller distribution tubes. This light gathering system is connected to the light distribution tubes through a pair 90° elbows which are rotatable in the X and Y axis in order to track the location of the sun in the sky. The two parabolic reflectors are positioned to share a common focal point so that the larger reflector will direct the sunlight through the focal point of the smaller reflector, which will, reflect the light as concentrated, collimated light. A central aperture in the larger reflector passes the concentrated beam on its way to the distribution tubes.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60\221,604 filed on Jul. 28, 2000.[0002] The present invention is related to lighting systems using sunlight, artificial light or both simultaneously in any proportion in a common light distribution system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Fossil fuel is a finite resource, the burning of which has incipient environmental consequences. An increase in the use of alternative energy sources is desirable, as is better efficiency in the use of all energy. Photovoltaic generation of electricity is a broad, high tech energy source but still has limitations with respect to scale and storage. [0004] Solar interior illumination is a relatively lowtech alternative source, and offers huge saving in terms of fossil fuel. Except for window panes and sky lights, however, interior solar lighting has been clumsy, costly and difficult because both the intensity and the angles of sunlight v...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides devices for gathering and concentrating uncollimated light from conventional sources and directing it into tubes designed to distribute the light. The invention also includes a light blending device that can combine sunlight and artificial light into a single beam. The intensity of the artificial light can be adjusted based on the intensity of the sunlight. The invention also includes improvements in sunlight collimators and concentrators, reflectors for both natural and artificial light, and connectors for connecting artificial light with distributor tubes. The technical effects of the invention include improved light distribution and utilization, energy efficiency, and improved control over lighting levels."

Problems solved by technology

Fossil fuel is a finite resource, the burning of which has incipient environmental consequences.

Photovoltaic generation of electricity is a broad, high tech energy source but still has limitations with respect to scale and storage.

Except for window panes and sky lights, however, interior solar lighting has been clumsy, costly and difficult because both the intensity and the angles of sunlight vary so widely with time of day, with the seasons, and with the weather.

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