`/:.
`-U
`""'"
`'0
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`
`PTO/SB/05 (09-04)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paoerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`GLOLPOI08USAE
`
`First Inventor
`
`Title
`
`Jeffery R. Parker
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ...
`
`Express Mail Label No. EV839640355US
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.o. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313·1450
`
`1:
`
`1
`o
`CO o
`j
`CO
`j
`2 -,...
`I""(cid:173)
`et)
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`-
`
`2.0
`
`1·0 Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/S6/17)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`3.0 Specification
`[Total Pages
`16
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`(For information on the preferred arrangement. see MPEP 608.01(a))
`Drawing(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`[Total Sheets
`4
`
`2
`
`4. 0
`D Informal
`5. Oath or Declaration
`[Total Sheets
`a. ~ Newly executed (original or copy)
`A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`b.
`Oor continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`DELETIQN 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).
`
`i.
`
`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)
`Landscape Table on CD
`
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, items a. - c. are required)
`a. D Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`
`I
`
`1
`I
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`g. 0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`Name of Assignee
`
`10. 0
`
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`o Power of
`
`Attorney
`
`11.0 English Translation Document (if applicable)
`
`12·0 Inf0Ej'tion Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/Oa or PTO·1449)
`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 Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(6)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`
`0
`i.
`CD· ROM or CD·R (2 copies); or
`ii. 0
`Paper
`c. D Statements verifying identity of above copies
`18. If a CONTINU ING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`
`Form PTO-2038
`
`o Continuation
`
`0
`
`Divisional
`
`o Continuation·in·part (CIP)
`
`Prior application information:
`
`Examiner Thomas M. Sember
`
`of prior application No.: ~.q/.?~~.! .. 5.~.?. ......
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`[2] The address associated with Customer Number: I
`
`23908
`
`Name
`
`I OR D Correspondence address below
`
`Address
`City ~ State
`V; ;elephone
`(
`)
`Country
`/J
`A~X(t/~
`"
`Donald L. Otto
`
`Signature
`
`Name
`(PrintfTvpe)
`
`Zip Code
`
`Fax
`
`I Date March 17, 2006
`Registration No. I
`(Attornev/Agent) 22, 125
`
`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 governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`comptete, inctuding gathering, preparing, and submitting the compteted 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 andlor suggestions for reducing this burden. should be sent to the Chief tnformation 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, call1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`VIZIO EX. 1002
`
`K.J. Pretech Ex. 1002
`
`o Other: Credi t
`
`17.
`
`Card Pa~meD!;;
`
`Pretech_000014
`
`
`
`PTO/SB/17 (12·04)
`Approved for use through 07/3112006, OMB 0651·0032
`U S Patent and Trademark Office' U S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`~Jnl1Ar IMA PRnArwnrk RAnllr:linn Ar:1 nf H!9!1 nn nAr~nM 'UA rAnllirAn In rp.~nonn In ~ ;.nUp.r:linn nf infnrmRtinn IInIA~~ 'il rli~~I"v~ " vlllili OMS l".I'Inlrnl nllmhAr
`Complete if Known
`
`Effective on 1210812004,
`Fees pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4818),
`=-"" ~
`
`¢ FEE TRANSMITTAL Application Number
`a
`For FY 2005
`o Applicant claims small entity status, See 37 CFR 1,27
`,TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($) 1,000.00
`
`"U
`
`herewith
`Filing Date
`First Named Inventor Jefferv R, Parker
`Examiner Name
`
`Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No. GLOLP0108USAE
`
`"
`
`~
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`
`D Check ~ Credit Card D Money Order DNone D Other (please identify):
`~ Deposit Account Deposit Account Number: 18-0988
`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 fee(s) indicated below
`
`ca Charge any additional fee(s) or underpayments of fee(s)
`
`D Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`
`[2] Credit any overpayments
`
`Aeelication Tlle!i!
`Utility
`Design
`Plant
`Reissue
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Small Entitll
`.E.!!!..W
`lli.!i}
`Fee Descrietion
`50
`25
`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
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims
`0
`15
`- 20 or HP
`x
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for, if greater than 20
`Fee Paid m
`.E.!!.!!.ill
`Indee, Claims
`Extra Claims
`1
`0
`=
`x
`30rHP
`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 USc. 41(a)(1)(0) and 37 CFR 1.16(s).
`Fee Paid m
`lli.!i}
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheet!!
`Number of each additional 50 or fraction thereof
`(round up to a whole number) x
`- 100 =
`4, OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Other:
`...............
`
`under 37 CFR 1,16 and 1.17
`WARNING: Information on this form may become public. Credit card information should not be included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PTO·2038.
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`Small Entitll
`Small Entitll
`.E.!!!..W
`.E.!!!..W
`.E.!!!..W
`Eltej,$)
`ISO
`300
`500
`250
`200
`100
`100
`50
`200
`ISO
`100
`300
`ISO
`300
`500
`250
`200
`100
`0
`0
`
`Fees Paid I~l
`$1,000,00
`
`EXAMINATION FEES
`§mall Entitll
`EeJ!j$)
`100
`65
`80
`300
`0
`
`lli.!i}
`200
`130
`160
`600
`0
`
`.E.!!.!!.ill
`
`=
`
`E!i!e Paid {~l
`
`Multiele Deeendent Claims
`Fee Paid {il
`lli.!i}
`
`150 '"
`
`=
`
`Fees Paid I~l
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Signature
`
`(
`
`/
`
`/')
`
`//
`
`Name (PrinUTvpe) Donald L. 'Otto
`
`'-"'"
`
`}?L cL/}J ~/~ I Registration No,
`
`IAttornev/AQent\ 22, 125
`
`Telephone216 - 621-1113
`Date March 17, 2006
`
`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 governed 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, 00 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, call1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Pretech_000015
`
`
`
`(J)
`/:.
`-U
`""'"
`'0
`
`"-
`
`PTO/SB/05 (09-04)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paoerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`GLOLPOI08USAE
`
`First Inventor
`
`Title
`
`Jeffery R. Parker
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ...
`
`Express Mail Label No. EV839640355US
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.o. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313·1450
`
`1:
`
`1
`o
`CO o
`j
`CO
`j
`2 -,...
`I""(cid:173)
`et)
`~ ,...
`-
`
`2.0
`
`1·0 Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/S6/17)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`3.0 Specification
`[Total Pages
`16
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`(For information on the preferred arrangement. see MPEP 608.01(a))
`Drawing(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`[Total Sheets
`4
`
`2
`
`4. 0
`D Informal
`5. Oath or Declaration
`[Total Sheets
`a. ~ Newly executed (original or copy)
`A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`b.
`Oor continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`DELETIQN 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).
`
`i.
`
`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)
`Landscape Table on CD
`
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, items a. - c. are required)
`a. D Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`
`I
`
`1
`I
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`g. 0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`Name of Assignee
`
`10. 0
`
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`o Power of
`
`Attorney
`
`11.0 English Translation Document (if applicable)
`
`12·0 Inf0Ej'tion Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/Oa or PTO·1449)
`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 Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(6)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`
`0
`i.
`CD· ROM or CD·R (2 copies); or
`ii. 0
`Paper
`c. D Statements verifying identity of above copies
`18. If a CONTINU ING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.76:
`
`Form PTO-2038
`
`o Continuation
`
`0
`
`Divisional
`
`o Continuation·in·part (CIP)
`
`Prior application information:
`
`Examiner Thomas M. Sember
`
`of prior application No.: ~.q/.?~~.! .. 5.~.?. ......
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`[2] The address associated with Customer Number: I
`
`23908
`
`Name
`
`I OR D Correspondence address below
`
`Address
`City ~ State
`V; ;elephone
`(
`)
`Country
`/J
`A~X(t/~
`"
`Donald L. Otto
`
`Signature
`
`Name
`(PrintfTvpe)
`
`Zip Code
`
`Fax
`
`I Date March 17, 2006
`Registration No. I
`(Attornev/Agent) 22, 125
`
`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 governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`comptete, inctuding gathering, preparing, and submitting the compteted 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 andlor suggestions for reducing this burden. should be sent to the Chief tnformation 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, call1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`o Other: Credi t
`
`17.
`
`Card Pa~meD!;;
`
`Pretech_000016
`
`
`
`PTO/SB/17 (12·04)
`Approved for use through 07/3112006, OMB 0651·0032
`U S Patent and Trademark Office' U S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`~Jnl1Ar IMA PRnArwnrk RAnllr:linn Ar:1 nf H!9!1 nn nAr~nM 'UA rAnllirAn In rp.~nonn In ~ ;.nUp.r:linn nf infnrmRtinn IInIA~~ 'il rli~~I"v~ " vlllili OMS l".I'Inlrnl nllmhAr
`Complete if Known
`
`Effective on 1210812004,
`Fees pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4818),
`=-"" ~
`
`¢ FEE TRANSMITTAL Application Number
`a
`For FY 2005
`o Applicant claims small entity status, See 37 CFR 1,27
`,TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($) 1,000.00
`
`"U
`
`herewith
`Filing Date
`First Named Inventor Jefferv R, Parker
`Examiner Name
`
`Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No. GLOLP0108USAE
`
`"
`
`~
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`
`D Check ~ Credit Card D Money Order DNone D Other (please identify):
`~ Deposit Account Deposit Account Number: 18-0988
`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 fee(s) indicated below
`
`ca Charge any additional fee(s) or underpayments of fee(s)
`
`D Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`
`[2] Credit any overpayments
`
`Aeelication Tlle!i!
`Utility
`Design
`Plant
`Reissue
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Small Entitll
`.E.!!!..W
`lli.!i}
`Fee Descrietion
`50
`25
`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
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims
`0
`15
`- 20 or HP
`x
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for, if greater than 20
`Fee Paid m
`.E.!!.!!.ill
`Indee, Claims
`Extra Claims
`1
`0
`=
`x
`30rHP
`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 USc. 41(a)(1)(0) and 37 CFR 1.16(s).
`Fee Paid m
`lli.!i}
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheet!!
`Number of each additional 50 or fraction thereof
`(round up to a whole number) x
`- 100 =
`4, OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Other:
`...............
`
`under 37 CFR 1,16 and 1.17
`WARNING: Information on this form may become public. Credit card information should not be included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PTO·2038.
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`Small Entitll
`Small Entitll
`.E.!!!..W
`.E.!!!..W
`.E.!!!..W
`Eltej,$)
`ISO
`300
`500
`250
`200
`100
`100
`50
`200
`ISO
`100
`300
`ISO
`300
`500
`250
`200
`100
`0
`0
`
`Fees Paid I~l
`$1,000,00
`
`EXAMINATION FEES
`§mall Entitll
`EeJ!j$)
`100
`65
`80
`300
`0
`
`lli.!i}
`200
`130
`160
`600
`0
`
`.E.!!.!!.ill
`
`=
`
`E!i!e Paid {~l
`
`Multiele Deeendent Claims
`Fee Paid {il
`lli.!i}
`
`150 '"
`
`=
`
`Fees Paid I~l
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Signature
`
`(
`
`/
`
`/')
`
`//
`
`Name (PrinUTvpe) Donald L. 'Otto
`
`'-"'"
`
`}?L cL/}J ~/~ I Registration No,
`
`IAttornev/AQent\ 22, 125
`
`Telephone216 - 621-1113
`Date March 17, 2006
`
`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 governed 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, 00 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, call1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Pretech_000017
`
`
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET GLOLP0108USAE
`
`EXPRESS MAIL NO. EV839640355US
`
`TITLE:
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`5
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation 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-part 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
`
`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 between
`
`the light source and light transition area, thereby reducing light loss and
`
`35
`
`increasing the light output from the panel assembly.
`1
`
`Pretech_000018
`
`
`
`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
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`the angle of refraction of a portion of the light from one or more light output areas
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`of the panel members.
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`In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the light source
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`may include multiple colored light sources for supplying light to one or more light
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`output areas, and for providing a colored or white light output distribution.
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`In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the panel
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`assemblies include a transition area for mixing the multiple colored lights, prior to
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`the light entering the panel members, in order to effect a desired colored or white
`light output distribution.
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`The various light emitting panel assemblies of the present invention are
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`very efficient panel assemblies that may be used to produce increased uniformity
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`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.
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`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention
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`then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed
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`out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth
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`in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative,
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`however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the
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`invention may be employed.
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`2
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`Pretech_000019
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`In the annexed drawings:
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`Figs. 1 through 3 are schematic perspective views of three different forms
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`of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention;
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`Fig. 4a is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a light output area of a
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`panel assembly showing one form of pattern of light extracting deformities on the
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`light output area;
`Figs. 4b, c and d are enlarged schematic perspective views of a portion of
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`a light output area of a panel assembly showing other forms of light extracting
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`deformities formed in or on the light output area;
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`Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse section through the light emitting panel
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`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
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`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;
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`Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another form of light emitting
`panel assembly in accordance with this invention;
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`Fig. 9 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`assembly in accordance with this invention;
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`Fig. 10 is a schematic top plan view of still another form of light emitting
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`panel assembly in accordance with this invention;
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`Fig. 11 is a side elevation view of the light emitting panel assembly of Fig.
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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
`Figs. 10 and 11;
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`Fig. 12 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
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`assembly in accordance with this invention;
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`Fig. 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel
`assembly of Fig. 12; and
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`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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`Pretech_000020
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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
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`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
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`emitting panel 2, as well known in the art. The light that is transmitted by the light
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`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
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`length of the panel as desired to produce a desired light output distribution to fit a
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`particular application.
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`In Fig. 1 the light transition area 4 is shown as an integral extension of one
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`end of the light emitting panel 2 and as being generally rectangular in shape.
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`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
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`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
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`of the light emitting panel 7 with sides 8, 9 around and behind the light source 3
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`shaped to more efficiently reflect and/or refract and focus the light emitted from
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`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
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`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
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`impinges for maximizing the amount of light or otherwise changing the light that is
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`reflected back through the light transition areas and into the light emitting panels.
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`4
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`Pretech_000021
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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
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`with this invention including two light sources 3. Of course, it will be appreciated
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`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.
`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
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`shaped including for example curved, straight and/or faceted surfaces, and if
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`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
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`the light emitting panel 14.
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`The light sources 3 may be mechanically held in any suitable manner in
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`slots, cavities or openings 16 machined, molded or otherwise formed in the light
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`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
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`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
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`material, for example, thermal bonding, heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding
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`or the like. Other methods of bonding include insert molding and casting around
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`the light source(s).
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`30
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`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
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`panels may be substantially flat, or curved. may be a single layer or multi-layers,
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`and may have different thicknesses and shapes. Moreover, the panels may be
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`5
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`Pretech_000022
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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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`5
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`example, any of the types disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,897,771 and
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`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
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`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
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`10
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`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
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`suitable light source. Additionally, the light sources 3 may be a multiple colored
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`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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`15
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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
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`colored light.
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`A pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions may be provided on
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`20
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`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
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`disruptions 21 is provided. As used herein, the term deformities or disruptions
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`are used interchangeably to mean any change in the shape or geometry of the
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`25
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`panel surface and/or coating or surface treatment that causes a portion of the
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`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
`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
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`panel and emitted out the other side.
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`These deformities or disruptions 21 can be produced in a variety of
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`manners, for example, by providing a painted pattern, an etched pattern, a
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`6
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`Pretech_000023
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`
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`machined pattern, a printed pattern, a hot stamped pattern, or a molded pattern
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`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
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`transfer film process or the like. The deformities may also be printed on a sheet
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`5
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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
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`the panel member similar to the sheet or film 27 shown in Figs. 3 and 5 in order
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`to produce a desired effect.
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`10
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`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. :rhe deformities or
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`disruptions may be used to control the percent of light emitted from any area of
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`the panels. For example, less and/or smaller size deformities 21 may be placed
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`15
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`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