, .. \ . . '
`
`PTO/SBl05 (09-04)
`Approved for use through 0713112006. OMB 0651-()()32
`U.S. Patent and Trademark OffICe. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CfR 1.53(b))
`
`Docket No.
`
`GLOLP0108USZ
`
`Jeffery R. Parker
`
`LIGHT EMITTING
`
`Mail Label No.
`
`EV671713567US
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utilily patent epplication contents.
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313·1450
`
`1·0
`
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/S8/17)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`2.0
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`3. 0 Specification
`19
`[Total Pages
`Both the daims and abstract must start on a new page
`(Forinformalion on IIHt preferred arrangement. see MPEP 608.01(a))
`4.0 Drawlng(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`4
`[Total Sheets
`D Informal
`[Total Sheets
`5. Oath or Declaration
`2
`a. 0' Newly executed (original or copy)
`b. D A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d»
`Jor continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`L U DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`name in the prior application, see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`6.0 Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`7.0 CD·ROM or CD·R in duplicate, large table or
`~puter Program (Appendix)
`U Landscape Table on CO
`
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if aPe!!E.able, items a. - c. are required)
`a. U Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`LO
`iLO
`
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`Paper
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`9. 0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s»
`
`Name of Assignee ____________ _
`
`10. 0
`
`o Power of
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`Attorney
`11. 0 English Translation Document (if applicable)
`12. 0 Info~tlon Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/Oa or PTO-1449)
`L..J Copies of citations attached
`
`13. 0
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`
`14. 0 Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`15. 0 Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`16. 0 Nonpubllcation Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(8)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`17. 0 Other: Form PTO-2038
`
`Statements verifying identity of above
`c. 0
`box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`
`o Continuation
`
`o DMsional
`
`0 Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`
`of prior application No.: ~.R.I.:?~~.! .. ?~.7. ........
`Art Unit:.::::..;.:...:...=-_________ _
`
`Prior application information:
`
`Examiner Thomas M. Sember
`
`o The address aSSOCiated with Customer Number:
`
`23908
`
`OR D Correspondence address below
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which Is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is govemed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 a,;d 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, induding gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for redUCing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313·1450.
`"you need assistance in completing the form, caJI1·800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Mercedes-Benz Ex. 1002
`
`MBI_000013
`
`

`

`PTOISBl17 (12-04)
`Approved for use through 0713112006. OMS 0651-()032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark OffICe; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`...
`IIMAr IhA P::InArwnrk RArlIlr:t1nn Ar.t. nf 1 !l!lS M MrntlM ::IrA rAnllirAl1 In m~nnru1ln ::I mllAr:l1nn nf infC'll"1"t1Atinn IlnlA. ... q " tli.'lnl::lll!'l A 1Il'I1it1 OMB mntml nllmhAr
`..
`-
`Complete if Known
`
`r
`
`Effective on 1210812004.
`Fees oursuant to the Consolidated Aoorooriations Act. 2005 tH.R. 4818).
`
`""
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL Filing Date
`For FY 2005
`D Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`,,-TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($) 2,000.00
`
`Application Number
`
`herewith
`First Named Inventor ~effery R. Parker
`Examiner Name
`
`Art Unit
`
`Attomey Docket No. GLOLP0108USZ
`
`~
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`
`Deposit Account Name: Renner Otto Boisselle & Sklar LLP
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`
`DCharge feels) indicated below
`
`D Charge feels) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`
`D Check 1111 Credit Card D Money Order D None D Other (please identify):
`1./ I Deposit Account Deposit Account Number. 18-0988
`o Charge any additional feels) or underpayments of feels)
`
`o Credit any overpayments
`
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`WARNING: Information on this form may become public. Credit card Information should not be Included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`FEE CALCULATION
`
`Fees Paid til
`$1.000
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`Small Entitl
`Small Entitl
`Small Entitl
`E!lU!l E!lU!l
`E!lU!l m1il ~ &litl
`300
`200
`150
`500
`250
`100
`200
`100
`100
`130
`50
`65
`200
`100
`160
`300
`150
`80
`300
`150
`600
`500
`250
`300
`200
`100
`0
`0
`0
`0
`
`Agglication Tllg~
`Utility
`Design
`Plant
`Reissue
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Small Entitl
`E!lU!l
`~
`Fee Descrigtion
`25
`50
`Each claim over 20 or, for Reissues, each claim over 20 and more than in the original patent
`Each independent claim over 3 or, for Reissues, each independent claim more than in the original patent 200
`100
`360
`Multiple dependent claims
`180
`E!lU!l
`Extra Claims
`Total Claims
`- 20 or HP;' 12
`32
`x 50
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for. if greater than 20
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid lil
`Indee. Claims
`- 3 or HP = 2
`5
`x 200
`.. ~400
`HP = highest number of independent claims paid for. if greater than 3
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper, the application size fee due is $250 ($125 for small entity)
`for each additional 50 sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41(a)(I)(G) and 37 CFR 1.16(s).
`Number of each additional 50 or fraction thereof ~ Fee Paid til
`..
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`150 =
`- 100 =
`(round up to a whole number) x
`
`Fee Paid til
`.. ~600
`
`Multigle Degendent Claims
`~ Fee Paid (il
`
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Other:
`
`Fees Paid til
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`{
`
`J
`
`Il // /
`
`/
`
`-----
`\ Al.~ /-'</1 X-('{bt:zv
`Signature
`Name (PrinVTvpe) Donald L. Otto
`
`I Registration NO' 22 125
`
`(Attomey/AQent)
`
`,
`
`Telephone216 - 621-1113
`Date October 6, 2005
`This collection of information Is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is govemed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering. preparing. and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the Individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden. should be sent to the Chief Information Officer. U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office. U.S. Department of Commerce. P.O. Box 1450. Alexandria. VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313·1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`MBI_000014
`
`

`

`, .. \ . . '
`
`PTO/SBl05 (09-04)
`Approved for use through 0713112006. OMB 0651-()()32
`U.S. Patent and Trademark OffICe. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CfR 1.53(b))
`
`Docket No.
`
`GLOLP0108USZ
`
`Jeffery R. Parker
`
`LIGHT EMITTING
`
`Mail Label No.
`
`EV671713567US
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utilily patent epplication contents.
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313·1450
`
`1·0
`
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/S8/17)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`2.0
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`3. 0 Specification
`19
`[Total Pages
`Both the daims and abstract must start on a new page
`(Forinformalion on IIHt preferred arrangement. see MPEP 608.01(a))
`4.0 Drawlng(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`4
`[Total Sheets
`D Informal
`[Total Sheets
`5. Oath or Declaration
`2
`a. 0' Newly executed (original or copy)
`b. D A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d»
`Jor continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`L U DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`name in the prior application, see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`6.0 Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`7.0 CD·ROM or CD·R in duplicate, large table or
`~puter Program (Appendix)
`U Landscape Table on CO
`
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if aPe!!E.able, items a. - c. are required)
`a. U Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`LO
`iLO
`
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`Paper
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`9. 0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s»
`
`Name of Assignee ____________ _
`
`10. 0
`
`o Power of
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`Attorney
`11. 0 English Translation Document (if applicable)
`12. 0 Info~tlon Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/Oa or PTO-1449)
`L..J Copies of citations attached
`
`13. 0
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`
`14. 0 Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`15. 0 Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`16. 0 Nonpubllcation Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(8)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`17. 0 Other: Form PTO-2038
`
`Statements verifying identity of above
`c. 0
`box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`
`o Continuation
`
`o DMsional
`
`0 Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`
`of prior application No.: ~.R.I.:?~~.! .. ?~.7. ........
`Art Unit:.::::..;.:...:...=-_________ _
`
`Prior application information:
`
`Examiner Thomas M. Sember
`
`o The address aSSOCiated with Customer Number:
`
`23908
`
`OR D Correspondence address below
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which Is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is govemed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 a,;d 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, induding gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for redUCing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313·1450.
`"you need assistance in completing the form, caJI1·800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`MBI_000015
`
`

`

`PTOISBl17 (12-04)
`Approved for use through 0713112006. OMS 0651-()032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark OffICe; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`...
`IIMAr IhA P::InArwnrk RArlIlr:t1nn Ar.t. nf 1 !l!lS M MrntlM ::IrA rAnllirAl1 In m~nnru1ln ::I mllAr:l1nn nf infC'll"1"t1Atinn IlnlA. ... q " tli.'lnl::lll!'l A 1Il'I1it1 OMB mntml nllmhAr
`..
`-
`Complete if Known
`
`r
`
`Effective on 1210812004.
`Fees oursuant to the Consolidated Aoorooriations Act. 2005 tH.R. 4818).
`
`""
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL Filing Date
`For FY 2005
`D Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`,,-TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($) 2,000.00
`
`Application Number
`
`herewith
`First Named Inventor ~effery R. Parker
`Examiner Name
`
`Art Unit
`
`Attomey Docket No. GLOLP0108USZ
`
`~
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`
`Deposit Account Name: Renner Otto Boisselle & Sklar LLP
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`
`DCharge feels) indicated below
`
`D Charge feels) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`
`D Check 1111 Credit Card D Money Order D None D Other (please identify):
`1./ I Deposit Account Deposit Account Number. 18-0988
`o Charge any additional feels) or underpayments of feels)
`
`o Credit any overpayments
`
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`WARNING: Information on this form may become public. Credit card Information should not be Included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`FEE CALCULATION
`
`Fees Paid til
`$1.000
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`Small Entitl
`Small Entitl
`Small Entitl
`E!lU!l E!lU!l
`E!lU!l m1il ~ &litl
`300
`200
`150
`500
`250
`100
`200
`100
`100
`130
`50
`65
`200
`100
`160
`300
`150
`80
`300
`150
`600
`500
`250
`300
`200
`100
`0
`0
`0
`0
`
`Agglication Tllg~
`Utility
`Design
`Plant
`Reissue
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Small Entitl
`E!lU!l
`~
`Fee Descrigtion
`25
`50
`Each claim over 20 or, for Reissues, each claim over 20 and more than in the original patent
`Each independent claim over 3 or, for Reissues, each independent claim more than in the original patent 200
`100
`360
`Multiple dependent claims
`180
`E!lU!l
`Extra Claims
`Total Claims
`- 20 or HP;' 12
`32
`x 50
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for. if greater than 20
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid lil
`Indee. Claims
`- 3 or HP = 2
`5
`x 200
`.. ~400
`HP = highest number of independent claims paid for. if greater than 3
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper, the application size fee due is $250 ($125 for small entity)
`for each additional 50 sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41(a)(I)(G) and 37 CFR 1.16(s).
`Number of each additional 50 or fraction thereof ~ Fee Paid til
`..
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`150 =
`- 100 =
`(round up to a whole number) x
`
`Fee Paid til
`.. ~600
`
`Multigle Degendent Claims
`~ Fee Paid (il
`
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Other:
`
`Fees Paid til
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`{
`
`J
`
`Il // /
`
`/
`
`-----
`\ Al.~ /-'</1 X-('{bt:zv
`Signature
`Name (PrinVTvpe) Donald L. Otto
`
`I Registration NO' 22 125
`
`(Attomey/AQent)
`
`,
`
`Telephone216 - 621-1113
`Date October 6, 2005
`This collection of information Is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is govemed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering. preparing. and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the Individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden. should be sent to the Chief Information Officer. U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office. U.S. Department of Commerce. P.O. Box 1450. Alexandria. VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313·1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`MBI_000016
`
`

`

`•
`
`f
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET GLOLP0108USZ
`
`EXPRESS MAIL NO. EV671713567US
`
`TITLE:
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`5
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`This application is a division of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/784,527,
`
`filed February 23, 2004, which is a division of U.S. Patent Application No.
`
`09/256,275, filed February 23, 1999, now U.S. Patent No. 6,712,481, dated
`10 March 30, 2004, which is a continuation-in-p~lrt of U.S. Patent Application No.
`08/778,089, filed January 2,1997, now U.S. Patent No. 6,079,838, dated June
`
`27, 2000, which is a division of U.S. Patent Application No. 08/495,176, filed June
`
`27, 1995, now U.S. Patent No. 5,613,751, dated March 25, 1997.
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates generally, as indicated, to light emitting panel
`assemblies each including a transparent panel member for efficiently conducting
`light, and controlling the light conducted by the panel member to be emitted from
`
`20
`
`one or more light output areas along the length thereof.
`Light emitting panel assemblies are generally known. However, the
`present invention relates to several different light emitting panel assembly
`
`configurations which provide for better control of the light output from the panel
`assemblies and for more efficient utilization of light, which results in greater light
`
`output from the panel assemblies.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the light emitting panel
`assemblies include a light emitting panel member having a light transition area in
`which at least one light source is suitably mounted for transmission of light to the
`light input surface of the panel member.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light source is
`desirably embedded, potted or bonded to the light transition area to eliminate any
`air gaps, decrease surface reflections andlor eliminate any lens effect between
`the light source and light transition area, thereby reducing light loss and
`increasing the light output from the panel assembly.
`1
`
`MBI_000017
`
`

`

`r
`
`t'
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the panel assemblies
`may include reflective or refractive surfaces for changing the path of a portion of
`
`the light, emitted from the light source, that would not normally enter the panel
`members at an acceptable angle that allows the light to remain in the panel
`
`5 members for a longer period of time and/or increase the efficiency of the panel
`members.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light emitting panel
`
`members include a pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions which
`
`provide a desired light output distribution from the panel members by changing
`
`10
`
`the angle of refraction of a portion of the light from one or more light output areas
`of the panel members.
`In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the light source
`
`may include multiple colored light sources for supplying light to one or more light
`output areas, and for providing a colored or white light output distribution.
`
`15
`
`In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the panel
`
`assemblies include a transition area for mixing the multiple colored lights, prior to
`the light entering the panel members, in order to effect a desired colored or white
`light output distribution.
`
`The various light emitting panel assemblies of the present invention are
`very efficient panel assemblies that may be used to produce increased uniformity
`
`20
`
`and higher light output from the panel members with lower power requirements,
`and allow the panel members to be made thinner and/or longer, and/or of various
`shapes and sizes.
`
`25
`
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention
`then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed
`out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth
`
`in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative,
`
`however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the
`invention may be employed.
`
`30
`
`2
`
`MBI_000018
`
`

`

`•
`
`t'
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the annexed drawings:
`Figs. 1 through 3 are schematic perspective views of three different forms
`
`of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention;
`
`5
`
`Fig. 4a is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a light output area of a
`
`panel assembly showing one form of pattern of light extracting deformities on the
`
`light output area;
`Figs. 4b, c and d are enlarged schematic perspective views of a portion of
`
`a light output area of a panel assembly showing other forms of light extracting
`deformities formed in or on the light output area;
`
`10
`
`Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse section through the light emitting panel
`
`assembly of Fig. 3 taken generally on the plane of the line 5-5 thereof;
`Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of another form of light emitting
`
`panel assembly in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 7 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`assembly in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another form of light emitting
`panel assembly in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 9 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`assembly in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 10 is a schematic top plan view of still another form of light emitting
`panel assembly in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 11 is a side elevation view of the light emitting panel assembly of Fig.
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`20
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`10;
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`Fig. 11 a is a fragmentary side elevation view showing a tapered or
`rounded end on the panel member in place of the prismatic surface shown in
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`Figs. 10 and 11;
`Fig. 12 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`assembly in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel
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`assembly of Fig. 12; and
`Figs. 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views of still other forms of light
`emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention.
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`MBI_000019
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`· .
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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`Referring now in detail to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1. there is
`schematically shown one form of light emitting panel assembly 1 in accordance
`with this invention including a transparent light emitting panel 2 and one or more
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`light sources 3 which emit light in a predetermined pattern in a light transition
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`member or area 4 used to make the transition from the light source 3 to the light
`emitting panel 2. as well known in the art. The light that is transmitted by the light
`transition area 4 to the transparent light emitting panel 2 may be emitted along
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`the entire length of the panel or from one or more light output areas along the
`length of the panel as desired to produce a desired light output distribution to fit a
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`particular application.
`In Fig. 1 the light transition area 4 is shown as an integral extension of one
`end of the light emitting panel 2 and as being generally rectangular in shape.
`However, the light transition area may be of other shapes suitable for embedding,
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`potting, bonding or otherwise mounting the light source. Also, reflective or
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`refractive surfaces may be provided to increase efficiency. Moreover, the light
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`transition area 4 may be a separate piece suitably attached to the light input
`surface 13 of the panel member if desired. Also, the sides of the light transition
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`area may be curved to more efficiently reflect or refract a portion of the light
`emitted from the light source through the light emitting panel at an acceptable
`angle.
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`Fig. 2 shows another form of light emitting panel assembly 5 in
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`accordance with this invention including a panel light transition area 6 at one end
`of the light emitting panel 7 with sides 8, 9 around and behind the light source 3
`shaped to more efficiently reflect and/or refract and focus the light emitted from
`the light source 3 that impinges on these surfaces back through the light
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`transition area 6 at an acceptable angle for entering the light input surface 18 at
`one end of the light emitting panel 7. Also, a suitable reflective material or
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`coating 10 may be provided on the portions of the sides of the light transition
`areas of the panel assemblies of Figs. 1 and 2 on which a portion of the light
`impinges for maximizing the amount of light or otherwise changing the light that is
`reflected back through the light transition areas and into the light emitting panels.
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`4
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`MBI_000020
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`The panel assemblies shown in Figs. 1 and 2 include a single light source
`3, whereas Fig. 3 shows another light emitting panel assembly 11 in accordance
`with this invention including two light sources 3. Of course, it will be appreciated
`that the panel assemblies of the present invention may be provided with any
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`number of light sources as desired, depending on the particular application.
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`The panel assembly 11 of Fig. 3 includes a light transition area 12 at one
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`end of the light emitting panel 14 having reflective and/or refractive surfaces 15
`around and behind each light source 3. These surfaces 15 may be appropriately
`shaped including for example curved, straight and/or faceted surfaces, and if
`desired, suitable reflective materials or coatings may be provided on portions of
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`these surfaces to more efficiently reflect and/or refract and focus a portion of the
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`light emitted for example from an incandescent light source which emits light in a
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`360 0 pattern through the light transition areas 12 into the light input surface 19 of
`the light emitting panel 14.
`The light sources 3 may be mechanically held in any suitable manner in
`slots, cavities or openings 16 machined, molded or otherwise formed in the light
`transition areas of the panel assemblies. However, preferably the light sources 3
`are embedded, potted or bonded in the light transition areas in order to eliminate
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`any air gaps or air interface surfaces between the light sources and surrounding
`light transition areas, thereby reducing light loss and increasing the light output
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`emitted by the light emitting panels. Such mounting of the light sources may be
`accomplished, for example, by bonding the light sources 3 in the slots, cavities or
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`openings 16 in the light transition areas using a sufficient quantity of a suitable
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`embedding, potting or bonding material 17. The slots, cavities or openings 16
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`25 may be on the top, bottom, sides or back of the light transition areas. Bonding
`can also be accomplished by a variety of methods that do not incorporate extra
`
`material, for example, thermal bonding, heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding
`or the like. Other methods of bonding include insert molding and casting around
`the light source(s).
`A transparent light emitting material of any suitable type, for example
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`acrylic or polycarbonate, may be used for the light emitting panels. Also, the
`panels may be substantially flat, or curved, may be a single layer or multi-layers,
`and may have different thicknesses and shapes. Moreover, the panels may be
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`MBI_000021
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`flexible, or rigid, and may be made out of a variety of compounds. Further, the
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`panels may be hollow, filled with liquid, air, or be solid, and may have holes or
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`ridges in the panels.
`Each light source 3 may also be of any suitable type including, for
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`example, any of the types disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,897,771 and
`5,005,108, assigned to the same assignee as the present application, the entire
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`disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the light
`sources 3 may be an arc lamp, an incandescent bulb which also may be colored,
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`filtered or painted, a lens end bulb, a line light, a halogen lamp, a light emitting
`diode (LED), a chip from an LED, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube, a fiber optic
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`light pipe transmitting from a remote source, a laser or laser diode, or any other
`suitable light source. Additionally, the light sources 3 may be a multiple colored
`LED, or a combination of multiple colored radiation sources in order to provide a
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`desired colored or white light output distribution. For example, a plurality of
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`colored lights such as LEOs of different colors (red, blue, green) or a single LED
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`with multiple colored chips may be employed to create white light or any other
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`colored light output distribution by varying the intensities of each individual
`colored light.
`A pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions may be provided on
`one or both sides of the panel members or on one or more selected areas on one
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`or both sides of the panel members, as desired. Fig. 4a schematically shows one
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`such light surface area 20 on which a pattern of light extracting deformities or
`disruptions 21 is provided. As used herein, the term deformities or disruptions
`are used interchangeably to mean any change in the shape or geometry of the
`panel surface and/or coating or surface treatment that causes a portion of the
`light to be emitted. The pattern of light extracting deformities 21 shown in Fig. 4a
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`includes a variable pattern which breaks up the light rays such that the internal
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`angle of reflection of a portion of the light rays will be great enough to cause the
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`light rays either to be emitted out of the panel through the side or sides on which
`the light extracting deformities 21 are provided or reflected back through the
`panel and emitted out the other side.
`These deformities or disruptions 21 can be produced in a variety of
`manners, for example, by providing a painted pattern, an etched pattern, a
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`6
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`MBI_000022
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`

`machined pattern, a printed pattern, a hot stamped pattern, or a molded pattern
`or the like on selected light output areas of the panel members. An ink or printed
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`pattern may be applied for example by pad printing, silk screening, ink jet, heat
`transfer film process or the like. The deformities may also be printed on a sheet
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`or film which is used to apply the deformities to the panel member. This sheet or
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`film may become a permanent part of the light panel assembly for example by
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`attaching or otherwise positioning the sheet or film against one or both sides of
`the panel member similar to the sheet or film 27 shown in Figs. 3 and 5 in order
`to produce a desired effect.
`By varying the density, opaqueness or translucence, shape, depth, color,
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`area, index of refraction, or type of deformities 21 on an area or areas of the
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`panels, the light output of the panels can be controlled. The deformities or
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`disruptions may be used to control the percent of light emitted from any area of
`the panels. For example, less and/or smaller size deformities 21 may be placed
`on panel areas where less light output is wanted. Conversely, a greater
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`percentage of and/or larger deformities may be placed on areas of the panels
`
`where greater light output is desired.
`Varying the percentages and/or size of deformities in different areas of the
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`panel is necessary in order to provide a uniform light output distribution. For
`example, the amount of light traveling through the panels will ordinarily be greater
`in areas closer to the light source than in other areas further removed from the
`light source. A pattern of light extracting deformities 21 may be used to adjust for
`the light variances within the panel members, for example, by providing a denser
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`concentration of light extracting deformities with increased distance from the light
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`source 3 thereby resulting in a more uniform light output distribution from the light
`
`emitting panels.
`The deformities 21 may also be used to control the output ray angle
`distribution of the emitted light to suit a particular application. For example, if the
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`panel assemblies are used to provide a liquid crystal display backlight, the light
`output will be more efficient if the deformities 21 cause the light rays to emit from
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`the panels at predetermined ray angles such that they will pass through the liquid
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`crystal display with low loss.
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`7
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`MBI_000023
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`Additionally, the pattern of light extracting deformities may be used to
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`adjust for light output variances attributed to light e