IP Library Granted Patent US 9,519,185
Granted Patent B2
US 9,519,185 · App. 14/230,765 · Granted Dec 13, 2016

Lighting system for transparent liquid crystal display

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,519,185
App. No.
14/230,765
Granted
Dec 13, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a lighting system for a transparent LCD having opposing vertical edges, the system having a mullion lighting assembly positioned adjacent to each vertical edge of the transparent LCD, each mullion lighting assembly having sidewalls defining a center channel. A plurality of LEDs are positioned along the sidewall of each mullion assembly and on a side of the sidewall that opposes the center channel. The LEDs are preferably placed in conductive thermal communication with the sidewall and preferably have a quantum dot film positioned over each LED. A fan is preferably positioned to draw cooling air through the center channel.

Claims (56)

1. A lighting system for a transparent LCD having opposing vertical edges, the system comprising:

a mullion lighting assembly positioned adjacent to each vertical edge of the transparent LCD, each mullion lighting assembly having sidewalls defining a center channel and;

a plurality of LEDs positioned along the sidewall of each mullion lighting assembly and on a side of the sidewall that opposes the center channel, each LED having a central axis that is directed away from the transparent LCD; and

a quantum dot film placed over the plurality of LEDs; and

a thermal fin extending substantially normal from a sidewall into the center channel.

2. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a fan positioned to draw cooling air through the center channel.

3. The lighting system of claim 2 further comprising:

a dividing element positioned near a mid-point of the center channel, which divides the center channel into a first and a second portion; and

a plurality of apertures in the sidewall which allow cooling air to enter and exit the center channel;

wherein the fan is positioned to draw cooling air through the first portion and a second fan is positioned to draw cooling air through the second portion.

4. The lighting system of claim 2 further comprising:

an aperture within the sidewall which allows cooling air to pass over the power supply for driving the LEDs.

5. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a lens positioned adjacent to the LEDs.

6. The lighting system of claim 5 further comprising:

collimating elements within the lens and positioned adjacent to each LED.

7. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a flange extending from a sidewall adjacent to the LEDs and positioned at an acute angle relative to the transparent LCD.

8. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a vertical louver position on each side of the LED and angled away from the LCD.

9. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a means for directing the light emitted from the LEDs away from the LCD.

10. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

vertical louvers positioned adjacent to the LEDs and adapted to prevent headlighting through the LCD.

11. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a flange extending from the LEDs and adapted to prevent headlighting through the LCD.

12. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a power supply in electrical communication with the LEDs and placed in conductive thermal communication with the sidewall.

13. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein:

the thermal fin is located between the LEDs.

14. A lighting system for a first and second transparent LCD positioned side-by-side, the system comprising:

a mullion lighting assembly positioned between the first and second LCDs and having sidewalls defining a center channel where a first portion of the sidewall is adjacent to the first LCD and a second portion of the sidewall is adjacent to the second LCD;

a first plurality of LEDs positioned along the first portion of the sidewall and having a central axis that is angled away from the first LCD;

a second plurality of LEDs positioned along the second portion of the sidewall and having a central axis that is angled away from the second LCD;

a first quantum dot film placed directly atop the first plurality of LEDs;

a second quantum dot film placed directly atop the second plurality of LEDs; and

a lens positioned adjacent to the first and second plurality of LEDs, wherein said lens comprises collimating elements.

15. The lighting system of claim 14 wherein:

the first plurality of LEDs are in conductive thermal communication with the first portion of the sidewall; and

the second plurality of LEDs are in conductive thermal communication with the second portion of the sidewall.

16. The lighting system of claim 14 further comprising:

a fan positioned to draw cooling air through the center channel.

17. The lighting system of claim 16 further comprising:

a dividing element positioned near a mid-point of the center channel, which divides the center channel into a first and a second portion; and

a plurality of apertures in the sidewall which allow cooling air to enter and exit the center channel;

wherein the fan is positioned to draw cooling air through the first portion and a second fan is positioned to draw cooling air through the second portion.

18. The lighting system of claim 14 further comprising:

a thermal fin positioned within the center channel and in conductive thermal communication with a sidewall.

19. The lighting system of claim 18 wherein:

the thermal fin extends substantially normal from a sidewall into the center channel.

20. A lighting system for the door of a display case containing several retail products, the door having a transparent LCD positioned behind a front glass where the LCD has a pair of vertical edges, the system comprising:

a mullion lighting assembly positioned adjacent to each vertical edge of the transparent LCD, each mullion lighting assembly having sidewalls defining a center channel;

a plurality of LEDs positioned along a sidewall of each mullion lighting assembly and on a side of the sidewall that opposes the center channel, each LED is placed in conductive thermal communication with the sidewall and has a central axis aimed towards the retail products;

a quantum dot film placed between the LEDs and the retail products; and

a louver positioned over top of the plurality of LEDs, wherein the louver extends vertically along the mullion lighting assembly.

Assignments (6)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 24, 2018
From: FIFTH THIRD BANK
To: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC
Reel/Frame 046924/0379 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 15, 2018
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC
Reel/Frame 047227/0329 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 31, 2016
From: PRESLEY, HARRY
To: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Reel/Frame 039597/0967 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 14, 2015
From: DUNN, WILLIAM; BROWN, MIKE
To: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Reel/Frame 036556/0432 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 9, 2015
From: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To: FIFTH THIRD BANK
Reel/Frame 036088/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 7, 2014
From: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Reel/Frame 033279/0851 →