Thin panel illuminator
First Claim
1. A panel illuminator comprising a solid transparent panel member having a greater cross sectional width than thickness and top and bottom surfaces and an input edge, transition means for receiving focused light from a light source and transmitting the focused light to said input edge for conduction by said panel member, and means for causing the conducted light to be emitted from one of said surfaces along the length of said panel member, said transition means including an input surface at one end shaped to permit a light source to be easily focused thereon, and an output surface at another end having a shape substantially corresponding in shape to said input edge of said panel member and connected thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Thin panel illuminator includes a solid transparent panel member having one or more deformed output regions which cause light entering the panel along an input edge thereof to be emitted along the length of the panel. Light may be transmitted to one or more panel input edges from one or more light sources utilizing transition devices which convert easily focused light generally to the shape of the panel input surfaces.
596 Citations
76 Claims
- 1. A panel illuminator comprising a solid transparent panel member having a greater cross sectional width than thickness and top and bottom surfaces and an input edge, transition means for receiving focused light from a light source and transmitting the focused light to said input edge for conduction by said panel member, and means for causing the conducted light to be emitted from one of said surfaces along the length of said panel member, said transition means including an input surface at one end shaped to permit a light source to be easily focused thereon, and an output surface at another end having a shape substantially corresponding in shape to said input edge of said panel member and connected thereto.
- 72. A light emitting panel comprising a solid transparent light conducting panel member having a greater cross sectional width than thickness, said panel member being in the shape of a wave form of predetermined pattern having oppositely facing bends extending generally transversely across the width of said panel member at spaced apart intervals along the axial length of said panel member which cause light conducted by said panel member to be emitted from said bends.
Specification