US4842378A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of illuminating flat panel displays to provide CRT appearing displays
Assignee: LG Display Co Ltd
•
Filing: 1987-04-07
•
Granted: 1989-06-27
•
Expires: 2007-04-07
Abstract
Abstract LCD screen illumination is provided by a neon tube formed to fit closely adjacent the screen. A tube formed to fit around the periphery of the screen shielded from the viewer's eyes can be utilized to front light the screen. A serpentine shaped tube can be placed adjacent the back of the screen to back light the screen. The tube can be formed to have a size coextensive with the screen configuration and can have a light diffuser between the tube and the screen to provide uniform illumination. The tube can provide any desired color, an adjustable high maximum surface brightness, high electrical efficiency and a narrow profile.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Flasck
- 👤 Benny Irwin
- 👤 Scott H. Holmberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 07:31
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/1336; G02F1/133602; G02F1/133604; G02F1/133616
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of illuminating flat panel display screens, comprising: providing a liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side; forming a neon tube with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration; placing said tube adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen; and activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of illuminating flat panel display screens, comprising: providing a liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side; forming a neon tube with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration; placing said tube adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen; and activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including forming said screen in a rectangular configuration and forming said tube in a rectangular shape larger than said screen configuration and placing said tube adjacent and surrounding said screen rectangular configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including covering said tube to project light across the front of said screen without said tube directly being seen by a viewer of said screen.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus for illuminating flat panel display screens, comprising: a liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side; a neon tube formed with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration; said tube placed adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen; and means for activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus for illuminating flat panel display screens, comprising: a liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side; a neon tube formed with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration; said tube placed adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen; and means for activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 4 including said screen formed in a rectangular configuration and said tube formed in a rectangular shape larger than said screen configuration and said tube placed adjacent and surrounding said screen rectangular configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 4 including means for covering said tube to project light across the front of said screen without said tube directly being seen by a viewer of said screen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
An improved portable computer including a liquid crystal display screen attached thereto for displaying information thereon in the form of characters or other screen segments, said improvement comprising: the liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side; a neon tube formed with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration; said tube placed adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen; and means for activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
91 words
An improved portable computer including a liquid crystal display screen attached thereto for displaying information thereon in the form of characters or other screen segments, said improvement comprising: the liquid crystal display screen having a predetermined configuration with a front and a back side; a neon tube formed with at least one bend therein to accommodate at least a portion of said screen configuration; said tube placed adjacent said screen configuration on the front side thereof to front light said screen; and means for activating said tube to illuminate said screen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improvement as defined in claim 7 including said screen formed in a rectangular configuration and said tube formed in a rectangular shape larger than said screen configuration and said tube placed adjacent and surrounding said screen rectangular configuration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement as defined in claim 7 including means for covering said tube to project light across the front of said screen without said tube directly being seen by a viewer of said screen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement as defined in claim 7 wherein the computer includes a closeable lid with said screen and said tube mounted therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-06-26 | 1992-12-26 | 1993-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-26 | 1996-12-26 | 1997-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-26 | 2000-12-26 | 2001-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |