Illumination device

Abstract

Illumination devices include a light source including a substantially planar light-emitting surface and an optical rod or optical taper disposed proximate to the substantially planar light-emitting surface to optically couple the optical rod and the substantially planar light-emitting surface.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
   
   
       31 . A detachable illumination device comprising:
 a light source housing comprising a mechanical connector, a solid state light source with a light-emitting surface, and an optical rod, wherein the light-emitting surface of the solid state light source is proximate to the optical rod; and   a light guide; wherein   the light source housing and the light guide can detachably mate using the mechanical connector of the light source housing to form optical communication between the optical rod and the light guide.   
   
   
       32 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 31 , wherein the solid state light source is an LED. 
   
   
       33 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 31 , further comprising a substance that emits light when the solid state light source is activated, the substance being positioned between the light-emitting surface of the solid state light source and the optical rod. 
   
   
       34 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 31 , wherein the light guide is a light post. 
   
   
       35 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 31 , wherein the optical rod and the light guide are in direct contact to provide optical communication. 
   
   
       36 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 31 , wherein the optical rod and the light guide are proximate to provide optical communication. 
   
   
       37 . A detachable illumination device comprising:
 a light source housing comprising a mechanical connector, a solid state light source with a light-emitting surface, and a taper, wherein the light-emitting surface of the solid state light source is proximate to the taper; and   a light guide; wherein   the light source housing and the light guide can detachably mate using the mechanical connector of the light source housing to form optical communication between the taper and the light guide.   
   
   
       38 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 37 , wherein the solid state light source is an LED. 
   
   
       39 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 37 , further comprising a substance that emits light when the solid state light source is activated, the substance being positioned between the light-emitting surface of the solid state light source and the optical taper. 
   
   
       40 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 37 , wherein the light guide is a light post. 
   
   
       41 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 37 , wherein the optical taper and the light guide are in direct contact to provide optical communication. 
   
   
       42 . The detachable illumination device of  claim 37 , wherein the optical taper and the light guide are proximate to provide optical communication.