Custom lamp from finished EL panel

• US 20060043059A1
• Filed: 08/31/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: World Properties Incorporated
• Original Assignee: World Properties Incorporated
• Inventors: Pires, David G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,754,091 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 216/5
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 33/10 Apparatus or processes specially adapted to the manufacture of electroluminescent light sources

Abstract

A two step etch is used to provide access to the front electrode of an EL panel cut from a larger EL panel. The two step etch produces a set back that electrically isolates the front electrode and enables a conductive layer to be easily deposited on the front electrode. A kit contains the necessary materials and instructions for practicing the method.

Claims

1. A method for providing an electrical connection to the front electrode of a piece cut from an EL panel, said method comprising:

masking said piece to define a area for making electrical contact;

removing the rear electrode from said area;

etching the phosphor and dielectric from said area to reveal the front electrode of said piece;

depositing a conductive layer on said front electrode in said area to reinforce said front electrode to receive an electrical connector.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said removing step includes the step of etching with a first solvent and said etching step includes etching with a second solvent.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said removing step is followed by the step of reducing the defined area to offset the rear electrode from exposed area of the front electrode.

4. The method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said removing step includes the step of etching with a first solvent and said etching step includes etching with a second solvent.

5. A kit for making an electrical connection to the front electrode of a piece cut from an EL lamp, said kit comprising:

a first solvent for removing some of the rear electrode from said piece;

a second solvent for removing some of the phosphor and dielectric from said piece;

a mask for defining an area of electrical contact; and

instructions for use of the foregoing materials.

6. The kit as set forth in claim 5 and further including applicators for applying and removing solvent from said piece.

7. The kit as set forth in claim 6 wherein said applicators include a cotton swab.

8. The kit as set forth in claim 6 wherein said applicators include a brush.

9. The kit as set forth in claim 6 wherein said applicators include a spray bottle.

10. The kit as set forth in claim 6 wherein said mask includes tape.