•
`
`UNlTED STATES PATENT AND 1RAoEMARK OF'FlCE
`
`APPUCAnON NO.
`
`091256,275
`
`FIUNODATE
`
`0212311999
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`JEFFERY R. PA.RK.ER
`
`CONFIRMA nON NO.
`
`LUMIPOIII
`
`9623
`
`O&/'29n.OO2
`
`7590
`DONALD L OITO
`RENNER OTIO BOISSELLE & SKLAR
`1621 EUCLID AVENUE
`NINETEENTH FLOOR
`CLEVELAND, OH 4411 S
`
`EXAMINER
`
`SEMBER., THOMAS M
`
`ARTVNIT
`
`281$
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`DATE MAiLED: OBi29/lUOi
`
`~
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding. 0
`(.)
`
`~ 5
`~
`~
`b
`LU
`CO
`
`PT0-90C (R,c:v.07-01)
`
`Mercedes-Benz Ex. 1002
`
`MBI_000013
`
`

`

`'!J_-~------""------l-J""""'--
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Application No.
`09/256.275
`
`Parker et al
`
`Examiner
`Thomas Sember
`
`Art Unit
`2876
`
`- The MAILING DATE of this communication lIPPetJl"8 on the cover sheet with the correspondence address _
`Period for Reply
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE
`THE MAILING DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`· &tensions of time ""'V be available under lhe provisions of 37 CfR 1.138 la). In no event, howevar. may a reply be tme¥ filood after SIX 18) MONTHS flam tho
`mailing date of thi$ communication,
`• " Ina period tor reply Gpocifiad above is loss than tkirty (30) clays. a reply within the otatutory minim.." of tkirty 1301 days wiD be considerad timely.
`• " NO period fo, ,eply is specified above, the .naximum statutory period will apply and wiD 8"11irll SIX 181 MONTHS from tho ma~ing data of lhis communica1ion.
`• Failure to leply within the set 0' extondad period lor '.ply wiU, by statute. C8\JSe tho epplica1ion to become ABANDONED 135 U.S.C. I 1331.
`• Anv ,,,,,Iy ,ee.ived by lhe Office lale, than th,e. months afto, tho mailing date of this communication. oven if tmetv filed, may rvduco any
`-noct patent tonn adiustment. See 37 CFA 1.704lbl.
`Status
`1)!Xl Responsive to communication(s) filed on =.:.:...:L..:::.==-_______________ _____ _
`
`MONTHIS) FROM
`
`2a) 0 This action is FINAL.
`
`2b) IX) This action is non-final.
`
`3)0 Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quay/e, 1935 C.D. 11; 453 O.G. 213,
`Disposition of Claims
`4) IXI Claim(s) ,:.1.::.8;::::3:..:-2:..:8:::.:9=--____________________ is/are pending in the application.
`4al Of the above, claim(sl ____________________ is/are withdrawn from considerati n.
`
`510 Claim(s)
`
`6)!Xl Claim(s) 183-289
`
`710 Claimls)
`
`8) 0 Claims
`Application Papers
`9) 0 The specification is objected to by the Examiner,
`
`is/are allowed.
`
`is/are rejected.
`
`is/are objected to.
`
`are subject to restriction and/or election requirement.
`
`10)0 The drawing(s) filed on
`
`is/are a) 0 accepted or bID objected to by the Examiner.
`
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85{a).
`is: a)o approved bID disapproved by the Examiner.
`, 1)0 The proposed drawing correction filed on
`II approved, 'Corrected drawings are required in reply to this Office action.
`
`12)0 The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner.
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119 and 120
`13)0 Acknowledgement is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 11 9(a)-(dl or (f).
`a) 0 All b)O Some" c)o None of:
`
`1. 0 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2. 0 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No. ________ _
`3. 0 Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a».
`"See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`14)0 Acknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic; priority under 35 U,S.C. § 119(e).
`aID The translation of the foreign language provisional application has been received.
`15)0 Acknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § § 120 and/or 121.
`Attachmentls)
`11 !Xl Notice 01 Aof8lences Cited IPT()'8921
`2) 0 Notice of Dlaftsporson's PatOnt Olawing Rev;"", IPT()'9481
`3) olntOfT't'llltion Oi:scIoSUIO StatemonUs) IPTO·I4-49) P_r Nolll. _ _ _
`
`41 0 Int.lView So.cnTnary (PTo-413J Pape, Nol.). __ _
`51 0 Notice at Informal Patont Appllcetion (PTo-1S21
`010 Other:
`
`U. S. Potent and Trodomoi'k ow".
`PTO-326 (Rev. 04-01)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No. 3
`
`MBI_000014
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 09/256,275
`
`Page 2
`
`An Unit: 2875
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which applicant regards
`
`as the invention.
`
`Claims 183,272,273,281 and 288 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph, as
`
`being incomplett: for omitting essential structural cooperative relationships of elements, such
`
`omission amounting to a gap between the necessary structural connections. See MPEP §
`
`2172.01. The omitted structural cooperative relationships are: the limitation of "a curved
`
`surface" does not structurally relate to the light panel or the deformities. It is therefore not clear
`
`where the curved surfaces are located in relation to these structural elements.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`2.
`
`The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of35 U.S.C. 102 that form the
`
`basis for the rejections LInder this section made in this Office action:
`
`A person shall be emilled to a patent unless --
`
`(b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use
`or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of application for patent in the United States.
`
`3.
`
`Claims 183-239.242-254, and 257-289 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(b) as being by
`
`Kojima el al. Kojima et al discloses a light emitting panel member 2 having at least one
`
`MBI_000015
`
`

`

`Application/Control Numher: 09/256,275
`
`Page 3
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`6: o u
`
`input edge for receiving light from a light source. and a pattern of individual light
`
`extracting deformities on or in a panel surface of said panel member for producing a
`
`desired light output from the panel member. each of the defonnities 7 has a length and
`
`width substantially smaller than the length and width of the panel surface and also has a
`
`well defined shape including at least one sloping for reflecting and refracting light rays
`
`impinging on the sloping surface out of the panel in a desired angular distribution, and at
`
`least one curved surface 71 (see figure 6 the sides of the recess has a circular cross-
`
`section) is provided for reflecting light rays impinging on the additional surface in
`
`different directions to spread light across the panel member to provide a more Wlifonn
`
`distribution of light emitted from the paneL
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`4.
`
`The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of35 U.S.C. 102 that fonn the
`
`basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
`
`A person shall be entitled to a patent unless ••
`
`(e) th~ inWlIlion "as d.:scribcd in a patent granted on an application for patenl by another filed in the United States before the invention
`thereorby the upplic3nt lill pllte,," or on an international application by another who has fulfilled the requirements of paragraphs (I), (2).
`and (4) or sectiun n I r. Ilrthis title before the invention thereof by the applicant for palent.
`
`The change~ Illude to 35 U.S.C. I02(e) by the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 (AJPA) do
`not apply 10 Ihe examination of this application as the application being examined was not (I) filed on or after November
`29,2000, or (2) voluntarily published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b). Therefore, this application is examined under 35 U.S.C.
`102(e) prior to the 8lllt:ndmellt by the AIPA (pre.AJPA 35 U.S.C. I02(e».
`
`5.
`
`Claims J 83-239.242-254, and 257-289 are rejected under 35 U.S.c. 102(e) as being by
`
`Ishikawa el al (figures 8-13, 20-23, 26, 29, 31 and 33-40). Ishikawa et al (figures 8-13,
`
`MBI_000016
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 09/256,275
`
`Page 4
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`20~23. 26. 29. 31 and 33-40) discloses a light emitting panel member J having at least
`
`one inplll edge for receiving light from a light source, and a pattern of individual light
`
`extracting detormities on or in a panel surface of said panel member for producing a
`
`desired light output from the panel member, each of the deformities has a length and
`
`width substantially smaller than the length and width of the panel surface and also has a
`
`well defined shape including at least one sloping for reflecting and refracting light rays
`
`impinging on the sloping surface out of the panel in a desired angular distribution, and at
`
`least one curved surface in different directions to spread light across the panel member to
`
`provide a more unitorm distribution oflight emitted from the panel.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`6.
`
`The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of35 U.S.C. 102 that form the
`
`basis for the rejec..:tions under this section made in this Office action:
`
`A persoll shall be cmitled to a patent unless --
`
`(eJ the illwllti .. " "';IS dt·,.:ribcd in a patent granted on an application for patent by another filed in the United States before the invention
`thereof b~,thc applk:lllt Ihr patcn\. or on an iOlernational application by another who has fulfilled the requirements of paragraphs (I). (2),
`and (4) "rSt'Cliull 371': ,,(Ihis title before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent
`
`The Ch"l1g~5 made to 35 U.S.c. 102(e) by the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 (AIPA) do
`not apply to the examimuiOIl ()r this application as the application being examined was not (I) filed on or after November
`29,2000, or (2) voluillarily published under 35 U.S.c. 122(b). Therefore, this application is examined under 3S U.S.C.
`102(e) prior to the amelldll1cnt by the ArPA (pre-AIPA 35 U.S.C. 102(e».
`
`7.
`
`Claims I R3-239 and 242-289 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(e) as being by Yoshikawa
`
`et at. Yoshikuwa el al (figures 3, 4 and 6b) discloses a light emitting panel member I
`
`MBI_000017
`
`

`

`Applica(ion/Comrol Number: 09/256,275
`
`Page 5
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`having al leasT one input edge for receiving light from a light source, and a pattern of
`
`>---D·". o ~ \
`well detined shape including at least one sloping for reflecting and refracting light rays;:'~;y '<5
`
`individual lighl extracting deformities on or in a panel surface of said panel member for
`
`producing a desired light OlJtPlJt from the panel, each of the defonnities has a length and
`
`width substantially smaller than the length and width of the panel surface and also has a
`
`'-'
`u..J
`~
`
`impinging on the sloping surface out of the panel in a desired angular distribution, and at ~
`
`least one curved surface is provided for reflecting light rays impinging on the additional
`
`surface in different directions to spread light across the panel member to provide a more
`
`~
`
`uniform distribution of light emitted from the panel.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`8.
`
`The follow-ing is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the
`
`basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
`
`(e) the il1vention waS d~scribed in a patent granted on an application for patent by another filed in th(: United Stat(:S before the invention
`thereof by the applicant for patent, or on an intemationalapplication by another who has fulfilled the requirements of paragraphs (I), (2),
`and (4) 01'51.'<:t;011 371(Q or this litle before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent.
`
`The chunges made 10 35 U.S.C. I 02(e) by the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 (ArPA) do
`not apply to the exalllinalioll oflhis application as the application being examined was not (I) filed on or after November
`29.2000. or (2) volulltarily published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b). Therefore, this application is examined under 35 U.S.C.
`102(e) prior to the amendmenl by the AIPA (pre-AIPA 35 U.S.C. I02(e».
`
`9.
`
`Claims 183-239.242-254, and 257-289 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(e) as being
`
`anlicipatecll·lira c\ al. Hira et al (specifically figure 12b, 17b, 18, 21b, 22) discloses a
`
`MBI_000018
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 09/256,275
`
`Page 6
`
`An Unit: 2875
`
`light emitting panel member 2 having at least one input edge for receiving light from a
`
`light source. and a pattern of individual light extracting defonnities on or in a panel
`
`~ o
`
`()
`
`surface of said pane! member for producing a desired light output from the panel member,
`
`Kojima et al discloses a light emitting panel member 2 having at least one input edge for
`
`receiving light from a light source, and a pattern of individual light extracting deformities_,' -
`
`on or in a panel surface of said panel member for producing a desired light output from
`
`the panel memher, each of the deformities has a length and width substantially smaller
`
`than the length and width of the panel surface and also has a well defined shape including
`
`at least one sloping for reflecting and refracting light rays impinging on the sloping
`
`surface out of the panel in a desired angular distribution, and at least one curved surface is
`
`provided for retlecting light rays impinging on the additional surface in different
`
`directions to spread light across the panel member to provide a more uniform distribution
`
`of light emitted from the panel.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`10.
`
`The following is a quotation of35 U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all
`
`obviousness rejections set I'orth in this Office action:
`
`(a) A patcnt may nOt be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in
`section 102 of this titlc. if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are
`such Ihat the subject mailer as a whole would have been obvious al the time the invention was made to a person
`having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by the
`manner in which the invention was made.
`
`MBI_000019
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 09/256,275
`
`Page 7
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`11.
`
`Claims 240-241 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over (Kojima
`
`et al. Yoshikawa et al. Ishikawa et al and Hira et al) in view of limura. (Kojima et ai, Yoshikawa
`
`et aI, Ishikawa et al and Hil'a et al) discloses the claimed invention except for the teaching that
`
`the panel member is made of film. Emura teaches that it is known to use film to make light
`
`panels. (See colullln 6. lines 28-32).
`
`It would have been obvious to one skiJIed in the art at the
`
`time the invention was made to make the light panels of (Kojima et ai, Yoshikawa et ai, Ishikawa
`
`et al and Hira et al) Ollt of film in order to provide a low cost easy to manufacture light panel.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`12.
`
`The following is a quotation of3S U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all
`
`obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
`
`(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in
`section 102 of this title. if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are
`such that Ihe subject maner as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person
`having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by the
`manner in which the invention was made.
`
`13.
`
`Claims 255·256 are rejected under 35 U.S.c. 103(a) as being unpatentable over (Kojima
`
`et ai, Ishikawa et al and Hira et aI). (Kojima et aI, Ishikawa et al and Hira et al) disc!osesthe
`
`claimed invention except for the teaching that the light source is an LED. It would have been
`
`obvious to one skilled in the art at the time the invention was made to make the light panels of
`
`(Kojima et al. Ishikawa et al and Hira et al) out of film in order to provide a low cost easy to
`
`manufacture light panel.
`
`MBI_000020
`
`

`

`Application/C ontrol \:ul11hc;:r: 09/256,275
`
`Page 8
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`Response 10 Arguments
`
`14.
`
`Applicant's argumc:nts with respect to claims 183-289 have been considered but are moot
`
`in view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
`
`Response 10 Arguments
`
`15.
`
`Applicant's arguments with respect to claims 183-289 have been considered but are moot
`
`in view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner
`should be directed to Thomas M. Sember whose telephone number is (703) 308-1938. The
`examiner can normally be reached on Monday - Thursday from 8:00 AM· 5:00 PM.
`The examiner can also be reached on alternate Fridays.
`
`If attempls to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's
`supervisor, Sandra O' Shea. can be reached at (703) 305-4939. The fax phone number for this
`groupjs(703)30S-77~4.
`
`Any inquiries !.II' a g.eneral nature or relating to the status of this application should be
`directed to the group rel.:cptionist whose telephone number is (703) 305-4900.
`
`(~~
`
`Thomas M. Sl:l1lher
`
`Primary Examiner
`
`August 26, 2002
`
`MBI_000021
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/05 (11-00)
`Please type a plus sign (+) inside this box ~ EJ
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002 OMB 0651-0032 ~
`U S Patent and Trademark Office, U S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 0
`:::::;;::::;
`Under the Paperwork ReductIOn Act of 1995 no persons are reqUired to respond to a collection of information unless It displays a valid OMB control number ~ ~
`.... r-~
`c:S'"
`N
`UTILITY
`Attorney Docket No. GLOLP0108USB
`·.~~O
`VlC"oll ~ .......
`PATENT APPLICATION
`·~~O
`Jeffery R. Parker
`:;3 C"olI ~ M
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`.... -~ .......
`U ==
`r-~ ~
`CJ\>r"""f, ==
`
`T"' - -
`
`First Inventor
`
`ILIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`Title
`Express Mail Label No.1 EV 040751379U8
`
`..I
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`ADDRESS TO: Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`7. 0 CD-ROM or CD-R In duplicate, large table or
`
`Computer Program (Appendix)
`8 Nucleotide and/or Amino ACid Sequence SubmiSSion
`(If applicable, all necessary)
`
`D Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`
`a.
`b Specification Sequence listing on'
`0
`i
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies), or
`11.0 paper
`D Statements verifying identity of above copies
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`9 0 ASSignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s)
`37 CFR 3 73(b) Statement 0 Power of
`D Copies of IDS
`
`c
`
`10·0
`
`Citations
`
`r
`
`"-
`
`\.
`
`(Only for new nonprovlslonal applicalions under 37 CFR 1.53(b)}
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent applicatIOn contents
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g, PTO/SB/17)
`(Subml1 an ongInal and a dupllCatefi~r fee processing)
`
`1. 0
`2. D Applicant claims small entity status
`3. 0
`
`~l
`
`See 37 CFR 1 27
`[Total Pages
`Specification
`(preferred arrangement set forth below)
`- Descriptive title of the invention
`- Cross Reference to Related Applications
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R&D
`- Reference to sequence lisltng, a table,
`or a computer program listing appendix
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (If filed)
`- Detailed Descnplton
`- Clalm(s)
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`
`Drawlng(s) (35 U.S C 113)
`- DraWings are Formal
`5. Oath or Declaration
`
`Newly executed (Original or copy)
`
`(for continuatIOn/dIvIsIonal wIth Box 18 completed)
`
`Signed statement attached deleting mventor(s)
`named In the pnor application, see 37 CFR
`1 63( d)(2) and 1 33(b)
`
`Attomey
`(when there is an assignee)
`[ Total Sheets ~ I
`4. 0
`11·0 English Translatton Document (If applicable)
`Information Disclosure
`~ 12·0
`[ Total Pages
`1
`Statement (IDS)/PTO-1449
`130 Preliminary Amendment
`a 0
`b D Copy from a pnor applicahon (37 CFR 1 63 (d»)
`1.0 DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`14·0
`(Should be specIfically itemIzed)
`15.0 Certified C0r?Y of Priority Document(s)
`(if foreign pnority is claImed)
`16 D Request and Certlficalton under 35 U S.C 122
`17 0 Other' Cert." of Express tvlalling .. . ...
`
`(b)(2)(B)(I). Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35
`or ItS eqUivalent.
`
`256,275
`09
`of pnor application No _________ 1 _______________________
`Group Art Unit· _____ :21l~~ __________________
`
`6 .0
`
`Application Data Sheet See 37 CFR 1 76
`
`o Continuation 0
`
`Pno( applJcatlOn information
`
`18 If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropnate box, and supply the reqUIsite informatIOn below and In a preliminary amendment,
`or In an ApplicatIOn Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`DIVISional 0
`Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`Exammer Thomas M Sember
`- - - - - - - - - -
`For CONTINUATION OR DIVISIONAL APPS only: The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which an oath or declaration IS supplied under
`Box 5b, IS considered a part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation or divisional application and is hereby Incorporated by reference.
`The incorporation can only be relied upon when a portion has been inadvertently omitted from the submitted application parts.
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`D
`
`"I
`Customer Number or Bar Gode Label . " , ...
`L. ~~t~~o. Of ~tr~ .. ~~'800J bareL'
`
`Name
`
`Donald L. Otto
`
`Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
`
`1621 Euclid Avenue, Nineteenth Floor
`
`Cleveland
`
`U.S. ~ I Telephone
`
`State Ohio
`
`(216) 621-1113
`
`Fax
`
`216)621-6165
`
`or 0
`
`Correspondence address below
`
`Zip Code 44115-2191
`
`Address
`
`CIty
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`Country
`
`Name (Print/Type)
`
`Donald L. Ottp
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`'"
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`"
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`, /" ~/ /.:f A Ut~
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`/' ./f/kegistration No. (Attorney/Agent) 22,125
`
`I
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`8/30/02
`
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`Date
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`20231 DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS SEND TO' Assisiant Commissioner for Patents. Box Patent ApplicatIOn,
`Washington, DC 20231
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`MBI_000022
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/17 (10-01)
`Approved for use through 10/3112002 OMB 0651-0032
`U S Patent and Trademark Office, U S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the PaoelWork Reducllon Act of 1995 no Dersons are reQUIred to resDond to a collection of mformabon unless It dlsolavs a valid OMB control number.
`Complete if Known
`
`r FEE TRANSMITTAL
`for FY 2002
`
`Patent fees are subject to annual revisIOn
`
`TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`2462.00
`
`Application Number
`
`Herewith
`Filing Date
`First Named Inventor Jeffery R. Parker
`Examiner Name
`
`Group Art Unit
`
`Attorney Docket No. GLOLP0108USB
`
`""'"
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT
`r:7l
`The Commissioner is hereby authonzed to charge
`1. ~ indicated fees and credit any overpayments to:
`
`~~~~~: 18 - 0 9 8 8
`
`Account
`Name Sklar, LLP
`
`Charge Any AddItional Fee ReqUIred
`Under 37 CFR 1 16 and 1 17
`
`FEE CALCULATION (continued)
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`Large
`Small
`Entity
`Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code ($)
`105 130 205
`65 Surcharge - late filing fee or oath
`
`Fee Description
`
`127
`
`50 227
`
`25 Surcharge - late provisional filing fee or
`cover sheet
`
`139 130 139 130 Non-English specification
`
`Fee Paid
`
`147 2,520 147 2,520 For filing a request for ex parte reexamination
`112 920' 112 920' Requesting publicabon of SIR pnor to
`Examiner action
`113 1,840' 113 1.840' Requesbng publicalion of SIR after
`Examiner action
`Extension for reply wlthm first month
`Extension for reply within second month
`
`115 110
`
`116 400
`
`215
`
`55
`216 200
`
`D Other
`
`DepOSit I
`DepOSit I Renner, Otto, Boisse11e &
`o
`o
`2.0
`o
`
`Applicant claims small entity status
`See 37 CFR 1 27
`Payment Enclosed:
`
`Check O Credit card 0 Money
`
`Order
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING FEE
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Fee Description
`Code ($) Code ($)
`201 370 Uhlity filing fee
`101 740
`106 330
`107 510
`
`206 165 DeSign flhng fee
`
`207 255 Plant filing fee
`208 370 Reissue filing fee
`
`108 740
`
`114 160
`
`214
`
`80 ProvIsional filing fee
`
`SUBTOTAL (1) 1($) 740,00 I
`
`2. EXTRA CLAIM FEES
`
`Fee Paid
`
`117 920
`118 1.440
`
`217 460
`
`Extension for repry Within third month
`
`218 720
`
`ExtenSion for reply Within fourth month
`
`128 1,960
`
`228 980
`
`ExtenSion for reply Within fifth month
`
`119 320
`120 320
`
`121
`
`280
`138 1,510
`
`219 160
`
`Notice of Appeal
`
`220 160
`
`221 140
`
`138 1,510
`
`Filing a bnef m support of an appeal
`Request for oral hearing
`Pelilion to institute a pubhc use proceeding
`
`140 110
`
`240
`
`55
`
`Peltlion to revive - unavoidable
`
`141 1,280
`
`142 1,280
`143 460
`
`241 640
`242 640
`243 230
`
`Pelilion to revive - untntenlional
`Ulihty Issue fee (or reissue)
`DeSign Issue fee
`Plant Issue fee
`
`Total Claims
`Independent
`{;Iaims
`Multiple Dependent
`
`Fee from
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid
`_20**=QTIx~~1134 I
`-3**= L=:II X ~ ~ 588
`I
`c=:::J oj
`I
`
`Fee Description
`
`Claims In excess of 20
`
`144 620
`
`244 310
`
`122 130
`
`122 130
`
`Petlhons to the CommiSSioner
`
`123
`
`50
`
`123
`
`50
`
`126 180
`
`126 180
`
`Processing fee under 37 CFR 1 17(q)
`SubmiSSion of Information Disclosure Stmt
`
`581
`
`40
`
`581
`
`40
`
`Recording each patent assignment per
`property (times number of properties)
`
`• Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code ($)
`103
`18
`203
`9
`202 42
`204 140
`
`102
`
`84
`
`104 280
`
`109
`
`84
`
`209 42
`
`110
`
`18
`
`210
`
`9
`
`Independent claims In excess 01 3
`
`146 740
`
`246 370
`
`Multiple dependent claim, If not paid
`•• Reissue Independent claims
`over onglnal patent
`
`149 740
`
`249 370
`
`Filing a submiSSion after final rejection
`(37 CFR § 1 129(a»
`For each addlltonalmventlon to be
`examined (37 CFR § 1.129(b»
`
`•• Reissue claims In excess of 20
`and over onglnal patent
`
`179 740
`
`279 370
`
`Request for Conlinued Examination (RCE)
`
`169 900
`
`169 900
`
`SUBTOTAL (2)
`
`"or number previously paid, If greater, For Reissues, see above
`
`'Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`SUBTOTAL (3)
`
`1($)
`
`I
`
`Request lor expedited examination
`of a deSign apphcalion
`1($)1,722.001 Other fee (specifyl-----------------r=_-.!:=====l
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Name IPnntJType)
`
`Signature
`
`Dor(ald L. oj t
`.
`J'f 0
`
`~ RegistratIOn No I
`/I (Attorney/Agent)
`
`/
`
`Complete (If applicable)
`
`22,125
`
`Telephone {216} 621-1113
`
`Date
`
`8 - 3 0 - 02
`
`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.
`Burden Hour Statement ThiS form is eslimated to take 0.2 hours to complete. Time Will vary depending upon the needs of the indiVidual case. Any comments on
`the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC
`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington. DC 20231.
`
`MBI_000023
`
`

`

`, ~,
`
`"EXPRESS MAIL" Mailing Label Number EV 040751379US
`Date of Deposit:
`August 30,2002
`
`I hereby certify that this PATENT APPLICATION (along with any other paper referred to
`as being attached or enclosed) is being deposited with the United States Postal
`Service "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the
`date indicated above and is addressed to:
`
`BOX PATENT APPLICATION
`COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`WASHINGTON, DC 20231.
`
`David Friedman
`(Typed or printed name of Sender)
`
`(Signatu
`
`)
`
`D:\share\ 1 07\GLOL \P108USB\37 CFR 1.10 EXPRESS MAIL.wpd
`
`MBI_000024
`
`

`

`Initial Information Data Sheet
`
`Inventor Information
`
`Inventor One Given Name::
`Family Name::
`Postal Address Line One::
`City::
`State or Province::
`Postal or Zip Code::
`Citizenship Country::
`
`Correspondence Information
`
`Jeffery R.
`Parker
`3050 Whitetail Ct.
`Richfield
`Ohio
`44286
`USA
`
`Name Line One::
`Name Line Two::
`Address Line One::
`Address Line Two::"
`City::
`State or Province::
`Postal or Zip Code::
`Telephone One::
`Fax::
`Electronic Mail::
`
`Application Information
`
`Title Line One::
`Total Drawing Sheets::
`Formal Drawings?::
`. Application Type::
`Docket Number::
`
`Continuity Information
`
`This application is a::
`>Application One::
`Filing Date::
`
`Donald L. Otto
`Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
`1621 Euclid Avenue
`19th Floor
`Cleveland
`Ohio
`44115-2191
`(216) 621-1113
`(216) 621-6165
`dotto@rennerotto.com
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`4
`Yes
`Utility
`GLOLP0108USB
`
`Division
`09/256,275
`February 23, 1999
`
`1
`
`MBI_000025
`
`

`

`which is a::
`>Application Two::
`Filing Date::
`U.S. Pat. No.::
`
`which is a::
`>Application Three::
`Filing Date::
`U.S. Pat. No.::
`
`Continuation-in-part
`08/778,089
`January 2, 1997
`6,079,838
`
`Division
`08/495,176
`June 27,1995
`5,613,751
`
`D:\share\1 07\GLOL\P1 08USB\APPLICATION DATA SHEET.wpd
`
`2
`
`MBI_000026
`
`

`

`, .'
`
`EXPRESS MAIL NO. EV 040751379US
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET GLOLP0108USB
`
`5
`
`TITLE:
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a division of U.S. Patent Application No. 09/256,275,
`
`10
`
`filed February 23, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application
`
`No. 08/778,089, filed January 2,1997, now U.S. Patent No. 6,079,838, 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.
`
`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
`
`one or more light output areas along the length thereof.
`
`20
`
`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
`
`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
`
`30
`
`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
`
`1
`
`MBI_000027
`
`

`

`'I
`
`between the light source and light transition area, thereby reducing light loss and
`
`increasing the light output from the panel assembly.
`
`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
`
`5
`
`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
`
`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
`
`10
`
`panel members include a pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions
`
`which provide a desired light output distribution from the panel members by
`
`changing 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
`
`15
`
`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.
`
`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
`
`20
`
`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
`
`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
`
`25
`
`shapes and sizes.
`
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention
`
`then comprises the features hereinafte