US 9534767

Here is a concise summary of US Patent 9534767:

Title: LED lamp

Assignee:

• Current: Prosperina Ventures LLC, Cree Lighting USA LLC
• Original: Cree Inc

Inventors:

• Elizabeth Rodgers
• Heidi Dieringer Loepp
• Yaote Huang
• James Hugh Bowden, JR.

Filing Date: 2015-05-15

Issue Date: 2017-01-03

Abstract:
A lamp comprising an LED lamp with a base, where a plurality of LEDs are attached to a first side of the base, and a lens covers the LEDs. A power supply provides power to the LEDs via a first electrical connector. The LED lamp is designed to be mounted within a troffer housing which has a wire way for the power supply and a second electrical conductor for connection to a power source. The base is secured to the troffer housing, covering the wire way, with the power supply located inside, and the first and second electrical conductors connected within the enclosed wire way.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1:
  This claim describes a complete lamp system. It specifies an LED lamp consisting of a substantially planar base with LEDs on one side and a power supply (including a driver) on the opposite side. A lens covers the LEDs. The power supply has an electrical connector. The claim further specifies a troffer housing for this LED lamp, which includes a trough-like wire way for the power supply and a second electrical conductor for connection to external power. The key features are that the LED lamp is secured to the troffer housing, the power supply is located within the wire way, and the base covers this wire way, enclosing the electrical connections between the LED lamp's connector and the housing's conductor.

• Independent Claim 14:
  This claim focuses specifically on an LED lamp itself, rather than the complete fixture system. It details an LED lamp comprising a base with two ends, LEDs on one side, and a lens covering these LEDs. It includes a power supply (with a driver) to illuminate the LEDs and a first electrical connector for power. Distinctive features of this claim are the presence of a first mechanical connector at one end of the base for releasably connecting it to a troffer housing, a second mechanical connector at the opposite end for releasably connecting it to a troffer housing, and a tether extending from the base at the second end.

Legal Status and Litigation:
As of April 26, 2026, US Patent 9534767 is listed as "Active" with an anticipated expiration date of 2033-02-21, according to the provided patent information. The patent has undergone several assignments, with the most recent assignment to Prosperina Ventures LLC effective July 28, 2025. While general information on how to search for patent status and court dockets was found, a specific search for "US9534767 CAFC dockets 2026" did not yield any direct litigation dockets for this patent in 2026.

Known litigation involving US Patent 9534767 is as follows:

• Jurisdiction: Texas Northern District Court
• Case Number: 3:26-cv-01006
• Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
• Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
• Outcome or Current Status: Listed as "Critical" in the patent's legal status section, implying active litigation.

No additional specific litigation dockets for US Patent 9534767 were found in the current search on Unified Patents or PACER.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings on file for US Patent 9534767 as of the most recent data ingest from the USPTO ODP API. A web search conducted to find any unindexed or older proceedings also did not yield any PTAB activity for this patent. This suggests that the patent has not been subjected to IPR, PGR, or CBM trials to date.

Recommended next steps

Since no PTAB activity exists for US Patent 9534767, the absence of such proceedings is a notable signal. Well-asserted patents often attract IPRs. For a potential defendant, this means that all claims of the patent are currently untested by the PTAB. An IPR, PGR, or CBM petition remains a viable defensive strategy for challenging the patentability of the claims based on prior art.

Inventors

• Elizabeth Rodgers (Cree Inc.)
• Heidi Dieringer Loepp (Cree Inc.)
• Yaote Huang (Cree Inc.)
• James Hugh Bowden, JR. (Cree Inc.)

(Assumption: All inventors were employed by Cree Inc., the original assignee, at the time of filing.)

Original assignee

• Cree Inc
• Shipped a product embodying the claims: Yes. Cree Inc. was a prominent manufacturer of LED components and lighting products, and the patented LED lamp for retrofit into fluorescent fixtures aligns with their historical product offerings.
• Primary line of business: Manufacturing of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and LED-based lighting products.
• Current status: In March 2020, Cree Inc. divested its LED lighting business (including the "Cree Lighting" brand) to IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. The remaining entity, Cree Inc., was subsequently renamed Wolfspeed, Inc., and now focuses on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) materials and devices.

Assignment timeline

The following assignment records for US9534767 were found on the USPTO Patent Assignment Search.

• 2019-05-13 (executed) / recorded 2019-05-20 — Reel 049224/0001

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: CREE, INC.
  • Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
  • Correspondent: DUNCAN, JOHN, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., 1000 IDEAL WAY, SYCAMORE, IL 60178
  • Context: Transfer of patent ownership as part of the acquisition of Cree Lighting by Ideal Industries, Inc.

• 2023-09-08 (executed) / recorded 2023-09-13 — Reel 064897/0413

  • Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST
  • Assignor: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
  • Assignee: FGI WORLDWIDE LLC
  • Correspondent: SCHULZ, JOHN G., FGI WORLDWIDE LLC, 1120 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 15TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10036
  • Context: Securitization of assets, indicating a financing arrangement rather than a change of outright ownership.

• 2025-05-20 (executed) / recorded 2025-07-10 — Reel 071911/0089

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: CREE LIGHTING USA LLC
  • Assignee: INTENSITY LIGHTING COMPANY, LLC
  • Correspondent: STEINER, MARK, WINSTEAD PC, 2728 N. HARWOOD ST., SUITE 500, DALLAS, TX 75201. This correspondent recurs later in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer of patent ownership. (This transfer implies that Cree Lighting USA LLC was the owner at this time, likely through an unrecorded internal transfer or corporate restructuring following the Ideal Industries acquisition.)

• 2025-07-28 (executed) / recorded 2025-08-27 — Reel 072589/0422

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: INTENSITY LIGHTING COMPANY, LLC
  • Assignee: PROSPERINA VENTURES LLC
  • Correspondent: STEINER, MARK, WINSTEAD PC, 2728 N. HARWOOD ST., SUITE 500, DALLAS, TX 75201. This correspondent recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer of patent ownership to an entity with a "Ventures" suffix, which often suggests a licensing or investment focus.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 9534767
    2015 : Filed by Cree Inc
    2017 : Issued to Cree Inc
    2019 : Assigned to Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    2023 : Security interest FGI Worldwide LLC
    2025 : Assigned to Intensity Lighting Co LLC
         : Assigned to Prosperina Ventures LLC

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present

   • Prosperina Ventures LLC: The current assignee, "Prosperina Ventures LLC," includes "Ventures LLC" in its name, which is a common suffix for non-practicing entities. Search results for "Prospera Ventures" (likely related or a prior name) indicate a business that partners with companies for strategy, investment, and evaluating for sale, rather than manufacturing or selling products embodying the claims. The listed activity does not align with developing or selling LED lamps.
   • Intensity Lighting Company, LLC: While some "Intensity Lighting" entities manufacture lighting products (e.g., underwater/off-road lights or architectural lighting), it is not definitively clear that "Intensity Lighting Company, LLC" (the specific legal entity in the chain) manufactures troffer LED lamps or products embodying the claims of US9534767. Its association with general "light sources" and "retrofit light sources" in patent classifications suggests patent holding activity.

2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present

   • None of the assignors or assignees in the recorded chain are widely recognized as high-frequency patent assertion entities on public NPE lists such as those maintained by Acacia Research Corp or Intellectual Ventures.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present

   • Mark Steiner of Winstead PC (2728 N. Harwood St., Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75201) served as the correspondent for two consecutive "Assignment of Assignors Interest" records: Reel 071911/0089 (from Cree Lighting USA LLC to Intensity Lighting Company, LLC, executed 2025-05-20) and Reel 072589/0422 (from Intensity Lighting Company, LLC to Prosperina Ventures LLC, executed 2025-07-28). The recurrence of the same correspondent for multiple transfers, especially into entities with "Company, LLC" and "Ventures LLC" naming conventions, is a strong indicator of an NPE pattern.

4. Cascading transfers — Present

   • Two direct assignments occurred within a short timeframe: the transfer to Intensity Lighting Company, LLC was executed on 2025-05-20 (Reel 071911/0089), followed by the transfer to Prosperina Ventures LLC, executed on 2025-07-28 (Reel 072589/0422). These two transfers happened approximately two months apart and were handled by the same correspondent, strongly indicating a cascading transfer pattern often associated with NPEs.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present

   • The final assignment to Prosperina Ventures LLC was executed on 2025-07-28 (Reel 072589/0422). The Google Patents metadata indicates a litigation case (3:26-cv-01006) filed in the Texas Northern District Court in 2026. This transfer occurred within six months prior to the identified litigation filing, which is a strong signal of a pre-litigation transfer aimed at enabling assertion.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present

   • There is no evidence in the provided patent text or public search results of any assignor in the chain filing for Chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy. Cree Inc. underwent a strategic divestiture of its lighting business, not a bankruptcy.

7. Privateering — Unclear

   • No public information or SEC filings explicitly indicate that an operating company transferred this patent to an NPE to assert on its behalf against competitors.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present

   • The current assignee, Prosperina Ventures LLC, is not a known defensive aggregator (e.g., RPX, AST, LOT Network, Unified Patents, Open Invention Network).

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

This verdict is supported by several strong signals. The patent underwent two cascading transfers within a two-month period in 2025, culminating in an assignment to Prosperina Ventures LLC, an entity with a "Ventures LLC" suffix that does not appear to manufacture products embodying the claims. Both of these recent transfers were handled by the same correspondent, Mark Steiner of Winstead PC, which is a recurring pattern in NPE activities. Furthermore, the final transfer to Prosperina Ventures LLC in July 2025 occurred less than six months prior to a publicly identified litigation case (3:26-cv-01006) in 2026, strongly indicating a pre-litigation transfer to enable assertion.

USPTO Assignment Center search: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (search for patent number 9534767).

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 9534767, I will examine the "Citations" section of the patent itself, as this lists the prior art considered by the patent examiner.

Here's an analysis of the patent citations for US9534767:

Prior Art References and Potential Anticipation:

The following are patent citations from US9534767, along with their publication/filing dates, brief descriptions, and potential anticipation of claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The focus will be on the independent claims (Claim 1 and Claim 14) as they define the broadest scope of the invention.

• US5463280A (National Service Industries, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 1995-10-31 (Filed: 1994-03-03)
  • Description: "Light emitting diode retrofit lamp" describes an LED retrofit lamp designed to replace conventional fluorescent tubes, including a base, LEDs, and a power supply.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent generally describes the concept of an LED retrofit lamp for fluorescent fixtures. Depending on the specific details of its mechanical and electrical connections, and how the power supply is housed, it could potentially anticipate the broad concept of an LED lamp with a base, LEDs, and a power supply as recited in the preambles of claims 1 and 14. More specifically, elements like "a base," "a plurality of LEDs attached to a first side of the base," and "a power supply... providing power to the LEDs" might find parallels here. The specific novelty of 9534767 lies in the detailed interaction with a troffer housing, the placement of the power supply in the wire way, and the releasable connectors and tether in claim 14.

• JPH08162677A (Nireco Corp)

  • Publication Date: 1996-06-21 (Filed: 1994-12-05)
  • Description: "Elongated light source using light emitting diode" refers to an elongated LED light source.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent likely describes an elongated LED light source. If it details a base, LEDs, and a power supply, it could potentially anticipate some elements of claims 1 and 14, particularly "a base" and "a plurality of LEDs attached to a first side of the base." The specific retrofitting aspects and housing interactions of 9534767 would differentiate it.

• US5585783A (Hall; Roger E.)

  • Publication Date: 1996-12-17 (Filed: 1994-06-28)
  • Description: "Marker light utilizing light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible circuit board" discloses a marker light using LEDs on a flexible circuit board.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, while using LEDs, focuses on a marker light with a flexible circuit board. It's less likely to anticipate the broader structural elements of a troffer-style LED lamp, but the general concept of "a plurality of LEDs attached to a first side of the base" could be broadly construed. However, the specific base and housing elements of claims 1 and 14 would likely distinguish 9534767.

• US5655830A (General Signal Corporation)

  • Publication Date: 1997-08-12 (Filed: 1993-12-01)
  • Description: "Lighting device" generally describes a lighting device.
  • Potential Anticipation: Without further details, it's hard to assess the direct relevance. If it describes an LED lighting device with a base, LEDs, and power supply, it could broadly anticipate those features in claims 1 and 14.

• JPH09265807A (Toshiba Lighting & Technol Corp)

  • Publication Date: 1997-10-07 (Filed: 1996-03-29)
  • Description: "LED light source, LED signal light and traffic light" describes various LED light sources.
  • Potential Anticipation: Similar to JPH08162677A, this patent broadly covers LED light sources. The specific application as a retrofit for troffer housings and the unique connection mechanisms of 9534767 would likely differentiate it from this reference.

• US5688042A (Lumacell, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 1997-11-18 (Filed: 1995-11-17)
  • Description: "LED lamp" describes an LED lamp.
  • Potential Anticipation: This is a broad "LED lamp" patent. Its relevance would depend on the specific structural and functional details. If it describes an LED lamp with a base, LEDs, and a power supply, it could potentially anticipate those common elements of claims 1 and 14. The details of the housing integration and quick-connect features of 9534767 would be key for differentiation.

• WO1998033007A1 (Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.)

  • Publication Date: 1998-07-30 (Filed: 1997-01-23)
  • Description: "Luminaire" describes a luminaire.
  • Potential Anticipation: As a general "luminaire" patent, its relevance to 9534767 would hinge on whether it specifically details an LED lamp designed for retrofitting fluorescent troffers with the features outlined in claims 1 and 14.

• US5949347A (Leotek Electronics Corporation)

  • Publication Date: 1999-09-07 (Filed: 1996-09-11)
  • Description: "Light emitting diode retrofitting lamps for illuminated signs" focuses on LED retrofitting for signs.
  • Potential Anticipation: While it deals with LED retrofitting, its application to "illuminated signs" is distinct from troffer housing. Some fundamental concepts of LED retrofitting might be present, but the specific mechanical and electrical integration into a fluorescent troffer, as claimed in 9534767, would likely be novel.

• US5947588A (Grand General Accessories Manufacturing Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 1999-09-07 (Filed: 1997-10-06)
  • Description: "Light fixture with an LED light bulb having a conventional connection post" describes an LED bulb with a conventional connection.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes an LED light bulb with a "conventional connection post," implying a replacement for screw-in or similar base types. This is different from the linear form factor and specific troffer housing integration of 9534767.

• US5952916A (Atras Auto Co., Ltd)

  • Publication Date: 1999-09-14 (Filed: 1998-05-28)
  • Description: "Hammer-equipped emergency signal device" is unrelated to LED lighting.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent appears entirely unrelated to the subject matter of 9534767 and is unlikely to anticipate any of its claims.

• JP2000173304A (Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corp)

  • Publication Date: 2000-06-23 (Filed: 1998-11-30)
  • Description: "Aviation sign light" describes an aviation sign light.
  • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US5949347A, the application of "aviation sign light" is different from a general indoor troffer. The specific retrofitting features of 9534767 would likely distinguish it.

• GB2345954A (Ian Lennox Crawford)

  • Publication Date: 2000-07-26 (Filed: 1999-01-20)
  • Description: "Light bulb with a plastic bulb mounting portion and LED light source" describes an LED light bulb with a plastic mounting.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes an LED light bulb, which is different from the linear lamp designed to cover a wire way in a troffer housing. The mounting mechanism might be generally relevant to "fastening of light sources," but the specific design for troffer retrofitting would be distinct.

• EP1058221A2 (Leotek Electronics Corporation)

  • Publication Date: 2000-12-06 (Filed: 1999-06-03)
  • Description: "Method and apparatus for retro-fitting a traffic signal light with a light-emitting diode lamp module" focuses on retrofitting traffic signals.
  • Potential Anticipation: Similar to other sign/signal related prior art, this reference discusses LED retrofitting but for a different application (traffic signals). The specific mechanical and electrical integration into a fluorescent troffer would differentiate 9534767.

• WO2001024583A1 (Transportation And Environment Research Institute Ltd.)

  • Publication Date: 2001-04-05 (Filed: 1999-09-29)
  • Description: "Light emitting diode (led) lamp" broadly describes an LED lamp.
  • Potential Anticipation: As a broad "LED lamp" patent, its relevance depends on the specific details. If it describes a linear LED lamp with a base, LEDs, and power supply, it could anticipate those common elements of claims 1 and 14.

• US6220722B1 (U.S. Philips Corporation)

  • Publication Date: 2001-04-24 (Filed: 1998-09-17)
  • Description: "Led lamp" describes an LED lamp.
  • Potential Anticipation: Similar to WO2001024583A1, this is a general "LED lamp" patent. Without specific details on troffer integration, its anticipation would be limited to generic elements of LED lamps.

• JP2001118403A (Tokiwa Dengyo Kk)

  • Publication Date: 2001-04-27 (Filed: 1999-10-18)
  • Description: "Light emitters and signal lights" describes light emitters and signal lights.
  • Potential Anticipation: Broadly covers LED emitters and signal lights. The specific application to troffer retrofitting would distinguish 9534767.

• WO2001060119A2 (Gerhard Abler)

  • Publication Date: 2001-08-16 (Filed: 2000-02-11)
  • Description: "Lighting body" describes a lighting body.
  • Potential Anticipation: General lighting body patent. Its relevance would depend on whether it describes the specific features of 9534767, which is unlikely given the generic title.

• US6276822B1 (Yerchanik Bedrosian)

  • Publication Date: 2001-08-21 (Filed: 1998-02-20)
  • Description: "Method of replacing a conventional vehicle light bulb with a light-emitting diode array" describes replacing vehicle light bulbs with LED arrays.
  • Potential Anticipation: Focuses on vehicle light bulb replacement, which is a different context than troffer fixtures. The method and apparatus are likely distinct.

• US20020060526A1 (Jos Timmermans)

  • Publication Date: 2002-05-23 (Filed: 2000-02-11)
  • Description: "Light tube and power supply circuit" describes a light tube with a power supply.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent is more relevant as it mentions a "light tube and power supply circuit." If this light tube is an LED light tube and its power supply is integrated in a manner similar to 9534767 (e.g., designed to fit in a wire way), it could potentially anticipate some aspects of claims 1 and 14, particularly the integration of the power supply.

• US6452217B1 (General Electric Company)

  • Publication Date: 2002-09-17 (Filed: 2000-06-30)
  • Description: "High power LED lamp structure using phase change cooling enhancements for LED lighting products" focuses on cooling for LED lamps.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on cooling mechanisms, which is a different aspect from the mechanical and electrical integration with a troffer housing. It could broadly anticipate an LED lamp structure but not the unique retrofitting features of 9534767.

• US6465961B1 (Cao Group, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2002-10-15 (Filed: 2001-08-24)
  • Description: "Semiconductor light source using a heat sink with a plurality of panels" describes a semiconductor light source with a heat sink.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on heat sink design. Similar to US6452217B1, it addresses a different technical problem.

• US6634770B2 (Densen Cao)

  • Publication Date: 2003-10-21 (Filed: 2001-08-24)
  • Description: "Light source using semiconductor devices mounted on a heat sink" describes a light source with semiconductors on a heat sink.
  • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6465961B1, this patent is primarily concerned with heat dissipation, not the overall lamp structure for troffer retrofitting.

• US6635987B1 (General Electric Company)

  • Publication Date: 2003-10-21 (Filed: 2000-09-26)
  • Description: "High power white LED lamp structure using unique phosphor application for LED lighting products" focuses on phosphor application for white LEDs.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent deals with color rendering in LED lamps, a different technical area than the mechanical and electrical retrofit of 9534767.

• US6639360B2 (Gentex Corporation)

  • Publication Date: 2003-10-28 (Filed: 2001-01-31)
  • Description: "High power radiation emitter device and heat dissipating package for electronic components" describes a high-power emitter with a heat-dissipating package.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent is focused on high-power emitters and heat dissipation, which are distinct from the specific troffer retrofit solution of 9534767.

• US6739734B1 (Ultimate Presentation Sytems, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2004-05-25 (Filed: 2003-03-17)
  • Description: "LED retrofit method and kit for converting fluorescent luminaries" is highly relevant as it describes an LED retrofit method and kit for fluorescent luminaires.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent is a very strong candidate for anticipating elements of 9534767. It explicitly addresses the retrofitting of fluorescent luminaires with LEDs. Key elements to compare would be:
    • Claim 1: How the LED lamp is secured to the troffer housing, whether the power supply is located in a wire way, and if the base covers the trough to enclose the electrical connections. The level of detail regarding the "substantially planar member," "trough defining a recessed interior," and the electrical connections being "in the enclosed recessed interior" would be crucial.
    • Claim 14: Whether it describes releasable mechanical connectors at both ends of the base for connecting to a troffer housing, and the presence of a tether. The specific snap-fit and tab arrangements of 9534767 might offer differentiation.

• US6746885B2 (Densen Cao)

  • Publication Date: 2004-06-08 (Filed: 2001-08-24)
  • Description: "Method for making a semiconductor light source" describes a method for making a semiconductor light source.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on manufacturing methods, not the final product's structure or its integration into a troffer housing. It is unlikely to anticipate the claims of 9534767.

• US20040201990A1 (Meyer William E.)

  • Publication Date: 2004-10-14 (Filed: 2003-04-10)
  • Description: "LED lamp" broadly describes an LED lamp.
  • Potential Anticipation: Similar to other broad "LED lamp" patents, its relevance would depend on specific structural and functional details that might overlap with the independent claims of 9534767.

• EP1475846A2 (Seiko Epson Corporation)

  • Publication Date: 2004-11-10 (Filed: 2003-05-06)
  • Description: "Light emitting diode based light source with cooling liquid arrangement, and projection-type display apparatus" describes an LED light source with liquid cooling.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on liquid cooling for LEDs, which is a different technical area than the retrofitting aspects of 9534767.

• WO2004100213A2 (Gelcore Llc)

  • Publication Date: 2004-11-18 (Filed: 2003-05-05)
  • Description: "Led-based light bulb" describes an LED-based light bulb.
  • Potential Anticipation: This describes an "LED-based light bulb," which is typically a self-contained unit often intended as a direct replacement for incandescent bulbs. This is distinct from the linear form factor and integration with a troffer housing as described in 9534767.

• US6853151B2 (Denovo Lighting, Llc)

  • Publication Date: 2005-02-08 (Filed: 2002-11-19)
  • Description: "LED retrofit lamp" is a highly relevant citation.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, "LED retrofit lamp," is another strong candidate for anticipating elements of 9534767, similar to US6739734B1. The key would be to compare the specific details of how the "retrofit lamp" interacts with the existing fixture, particularly regarding the power supply placement in a wire way, the covering of the wire way by the base, and the nature of the mechanical and electrical connections.

• US6860628B2 (Jonas J. Robertson)

  • Publication Date: 2005-03-01 (Filed: 2002-07-17)
  • Description: "LED replacement for fluorescent lighting" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent explicitly targets "LED replacement for fluorescent lighting," making it very relevant. A detailed comparison would be needed against claims 1 and 14 of 9534767, focusing on the specific method of attachment, the housing of the power supply within the existing wire way, and the releasable connectors/tether.

• US6936968B2 (Mule Lighting, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2005-08-30 (Filed: 2001-11-30)
  • Description: "Retrofit light emitting diode tube" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, "Retrofit light emitting diode tube," is directly relevant. Similar to the previous "retrofit" patents, a close examination of its claims and description would be necessary to determine if it discloses the specific combination of features found in claims 1 and 14 of 9534767, particularly regarding the base covering the wire way, the power supply placement, and the specific connection mechanisms.

• US7048410B2 (Murray Kutler)

  • Publication Date: 2006-05-23 (Filed: 2004-02-25)
  • Description: "Support and enclosure structure for fluorescent light bulbs" describes a support and enclosure for fluorescent bulbs.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes support and enclosure for fluorescent light bulbs. While it deals with similar fixtures, it's not specifically an LED retrofit, though some structural aspects of the housing might be relevant to the general environment.

• US7195372B2 (Genlyte Thomas Group Llc)

  • Publication Date: 2007-03-27 (Filed: 2000-06-07)
  • Description: "Master-satellite retrofit assembly and method of retrofitting recessed strip lighting fixtures" describes a retrofit assembly for recessed strip lighting.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes a "retrofit assembly" for "recessed strip lighting fixtures." This is quite relevant to the general field of 9534767. The key differentiator would be the specific design for a troffer housing's wire way, the planar base covering it, and the distinct mechanical/electrical connections of 9534767.

• US7307391B2 (Led Smart Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2007-12-11 (Filed: 2006-02-09)
  • Description: "LED lighting system" generally describes an LED lighting system.
  • Potential Anticipation: This is a broad "LED lighting system" patent. Its relevance would depend on whether it details a system for retrofitting fluorescent troffers with the specific features of claims 1 and 14.

• US20080266849A1 (Nielson Lyman O)

  • Publication Date: 2008-10-30 (Filed: 2007-04-30)
  • Description: "Fluorescent lighting conversion to led lighting using a power converter" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent directly addresses "Fluorescent lighting conversion to led lighting using a power converter." This is a strong prior art candidate. The comparison would focus on the details of the LED lamp's physical integration, the placement and enclosure of the power supply, and the attachment mechanisms, especially the releasable connectors and tether of claim 14.

• US20090140271A1 (Wen-Jyh Sah)

  • Publication Date: 2009-06-04 (Filed: 2007-11-30)
  • Description: "Light emitting unit" broadly describes a light-emitting unit.
  • Potential Anticipation: Generic "light emitting unit." Unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit and housing interaction features of 9534767.

• US20090184618A1 (Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.)

  • Publication Date: 2009-07-23 (Filed: 2008-01-18)
  • Description: "Light-emitting device and lighting apparatus incorporating same" describes a light-emitting device and apparatus.
  • Potential Anticipation: Generic light-emitting device. Unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit features of 9534767.

• CN101655189A (艾迪光电（杭州）有限公司)

  • Publication Date: 2010-02-24 (Filed: 2009-07-16)
  • Description: "Hollow liquid cooling LED bar-shaped lamp" describes a liquid-cooled LED bar lamp.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes a "bar-shaped lamp" with liquid cooling. While it's an elongated LED lamp, the focus on liquid cooling differentiates it. The specific integration into a troffer wire way and the mechanical/electrical connections of 9534767 would likely be distinct.

• WO2010099755A1 (深圳北森科技有限公司)

  • Publication Date: 2010-09-10 (Filed: 2009-03-06)
  • Description: "Led fluorescent lamp" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, "Led fluorescent lamp," is highly relevant prior art. A detailed comparison would be needed to determine if it discloses the specific features of claims 1 and 14 of 9534767, particularly the base covering the wire way, the power supply placement, and the specific connection mechanisms (releasable connectors and tether).

• US7815338B2 (Altair Engineering, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2010-10-19 (Filed: 2008-03-02)
  • Description: "LED lighting unit including elongated heat sink and elongated lens" describes an LED unit with an elongated heat sink and lens.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes an "elongated heat sink and elongated lens" for an LED lighting unit, which shares some general structural aspects with 9534767. The key would be whether it teaches the specific integration into a troffer wire way, the covering function of the base, and the specific mechanical/electrical connections of 9534767.

• US7926975B2 (Altair Engineering, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2011-04-19 (Filed: 2007-12-21)
  • Description: "Light distribution using a light emitting diode assembly" focuses on light distribution from an LED assembly.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on light distribution, which is a functional aspect, rather than the structural and retrofitting features of 9534767. It's unlikely to anticipate the claims.

• US7976196B2 (Altair Engineering, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2011-07-12 (Filed: 2008-07-09)
  • Description: "Method of forming LED-based light and resulting LED-based light" describes a method of forming LED light.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes a method of forming an LED light. It is unlikely to anticipate the structural and functional claims of 9534767 relating to troffer retrofitting.

• US8058659B2 (Albeo Technologies, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2011-11-15 (Filed: 2008-08-26)
  • Description: "LED chip-based lighting products and methods of building" describes LED chip-based products and methods.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes general LED lighting products and manufacturing methods. It's unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit features of 9534767.

• US8061867B2 (Lg Innotek Co., Ltd.)

  • Publication Date: 2011-11-22 (Filed: 2009-08-19)
  • Description: "Lighting device" broadly describes a lighting device.
  • Potential Anticipation: Generic lighting device. Unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit features of 9534767.

• US8093823B1 (Altair Engineering, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2012-01-10 (Filed: 2000-02-11)
  • Description: "Light sources incorporating light emitting diodes" describes LED light sources.
  • Potential Anticipation: Broad LED light source patent. Its relevance would depend on specific structural and functional details.

• WO2012011279A1 (パナソニック株式会社)

  • Publication Date: 2012-01-26 (Filed: 2010-07-20)
  • Description: "Lightbulb shaped lamp" describes a lightbulb-shaped lamp.
  • Potential Anticipation: This refers to a "lightbulb shaped lamp," which is different from the linear form factor of the lamp in 9534767 and its specific interaction with a troffer housing.

• US8115411B2 (Led Smart, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2012-02-14 (Filed: 2006-02-09)
  • Description: "LED lighting system" generally describes an LED lighting system.
  • Potential Anticipation: Broad LED lighting system. Its relevance would depend on whether it details a system for retrofitting fluorescent troffers with the specific features of claims 1 and 14.

• US20120040585A1 (David Huang)

  • Publication Date: 2012-02-16 (Filed: 2010-08-10)
  • Description: "Method of Assembling An Airtight LED Light Bulb" describes a method for assembling an airtight LED bulb.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on the assembly of an "airtight LED light bulb," which is a different product and manufacturing concern than the troffer retrofit lamp of 9534767.

• US8118447B2 (Altair Engineering, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2012-02-21 (Filed: 2007-12-20)
  • Description: "LED lighting apparatus with swivel connection" describes an LED lighting apparatus with a swivel connection.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on a "swivel connection," which is a specific mechanical feature not explicitly claimed in the independent claims of 9534767. It's unlikely to anticipate the broader claims.

• US20120051041A1 (Cree, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2012-03-01 (Filed: 2010-08-31)
  • Description: "Troffer-Style Fixture" is highly relevant and has the same original assignee as 9534767.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, "Troffer-Style Fixture," is extremely relevant prior art, especially since it's from the same original assignee. It likely describes many elements of a troffer LED fixture. The key would be to identify any specific differences in the claims of 9534767, particularly regarding the power supply being located in the wire way and the base covering the trough to enclose the recessed interior (Claim 1), and the releasable mechanical connectors at both ends and the tether (Claim 14). There might be very subtle distinctions that allowed 9534767 to be granted over this.

• WO2012031533A1 (浙江锐迪生光电有限公司)

  • Publication Date: 2012-03-15 (Filed: 2010-09-08)
  • Description: "Led lamp bulb and led lighting bar capable of emitting light over 4π" describes an LED lamp bulb and lighting bar.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes an LED lighting bar. The specific design for retrofitting a fluorescent troffer and integrating with its wire way, as in 9534767, would be the differentiating factor.

• US20120155073A1 (Mccanless Forrest)

  • Publication Date: 2012-06-21 (Filed: 2010-12-16)
  • Description: "Led lighting assembly for fluorescent light fixtures" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent explicitly addresses an "Led lighting assembly for fluorescent light fixtures," making it very strong prior art. A thorough comparison against the specific wording of claims 1 and 14 of 9534767, focusing on the power supply placement, the base covering the wire way, and the distinct connection mechanisms (including the tether), is crucial.

• US8272763B1 (Genesis LED Solutions)

  • Publication Date: 2012-09-25 (Filed: 2009-10-02)
  • Description: "LED luminaire" broadly describes an LED luminaire.
  • Potential Anticipation: Generic LED luminaire. Unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit and housing interaction features of 9534767 without further details.

• US8324817B2 (Ilumisys, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2012-12-04 (Filed: 2008-10-24)
  • Description: "Light and light sensor" describes a light and light sensor.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent includes a light sensor, which is an additional feature not central to the claims of 9534767. It's unlikely to anticipate the core retrofit features.

• US8362710B2 (Ilumisys, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-01-29 (Filed: 2009-01-21)
  • Description: "Direct AC-to-DC converter for passive component minimization and universal operation of LED arrays" focuses on power conversion.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent is about the power conversion circuitry for LED arrays, which is a component of an LED lamp but not the overall structural and integration features of the claims in 9534767.

• US8360599B2 (Ilumisys, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-01-29 (Filed: 2008-05-23)
  • Description: "Electric shock resistant L.E.D. based light" focuses on shock resistance.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on electric shock resistance, a safety feature, rather than the structural and retrofitting aspects of 9534767.

• US8376583B2 (Orion Energy Systems, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-02-19 (Filed: 2010-05-17)
  • Description: "Lighting system with customized intensity and profile" describes a lighting system with customizable features.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on customizable intensity and profile, which are functional aspects of an LED lighting system, rather than the specific structural retrofitting features of 9534767.

• US8408743B1 (Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-04-02 (Filed: 2011-12-13)
  • Description: "LED module with fixing device" describes an LED module with a fixing device.
  • Potential Anticipation: This describes an LED module with a "fixing device." The nature of this fixing device and whether it's adapted for a troffer housing in the manner of 9534767 would be key for potential anticipation.

• US8419223B2 (Billy V. Withers)

  • Publication Date: 2013-04-16 (Filed: 2009-04-23)
  • Description: "LED tube to replace fluorescent tube" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent explicitly teaches an "LED tube to replace fluorescent tube," making it very strong prior art. A detailed comparison against the specific wording of claims 1 and 14 of 9534767, particularly concerning the power supply placement, the base covering the wire way, and the distinct connection mechanisms (including the tether), is essential.

• US8421366B2 (Ilumisys, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-04-16 (Filed: 2009-06-23)
  • Description: "Illumination device including LEDs and a switching power control system" describes an illumination device with LEDs and power control.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on power control systems for LEDs. While a power supply is part of 9534767, the claims of 9534767 are more focused on the mechanical and electrical integration into a troffer housing, which this patent is unlikely to anticipate.

• US8449137B2 (Elumigen Llc)

  • Publication Date: 2013-05-28 (Filed: 2009-06-24)
  • Description: "Solid state tube light assembly" describes a solid-state tube light.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent describes a "solid state tube light assembly," which is relevant to the general form factor. The specific integration into a troffer's wire way, the covering function of the base, and the particular mechanical and electrical connections of 9534767 would be the differentiating factors.

• US8523383B1 (Cooper Technologies Company)

  • Publication Date: 2013-09-03 (Filed: 2010-02-19)
  • Description: "Retrofitting recessed lighting fixtures" is highly relevant.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, "Retrofitting recessed lighting fixtures," is highly relevant. It would need to be thoroughly compared against claims 1 and 14 of 9534767 to determine if it discloses the specific details of the LED lamp's base covering the wire way, the power supply's location within it, and the unique releasable mechanical connectors and tether.

• US8596813B2 (Ilumisys, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-12-03 (Filed: 2010-07-12)
  • Description: "Circuit board mount for LED light tube" describes a circuit board mount for an LED light tube.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent focuses on the mounting of a circuit board within an LED light tube. While relevant to the construction of the LED lamp, it's unlikely to anticipate the broader claims related to the integration of the entire lamp into a troffer housing, particularly the wire way interaction and the external connection features.

• US8613525B2 (Rohm Co., Ltd.)

  • Publication Date: 2013-12-24 (Filed: 2011-01-18)
  • Description: "LED illumination unit, LED illumination device, and LED illumination system" broadly describes LED illumination.
  • Potential Anticipation: Generic LED illumination. Unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit features of 9534767.

• US8643043B2 (Rohm Co., Ltd.)

  • Publication Date: 2014-02-04 (Filed: 2009-02-19)
  • Description: "LED lighting device" broadly describes an LED lighting device.
  • Potential Anticipation: Generic LED lighting device. Unlikely to anticipate the specific troffer retrofit features of 9534767.

• US20140043804A1 (Cree, Inc.)

  • Publication Date: 2014-02-13 (Filed: 2010-12-08)
  • Description: "Linear led lamp" is highly relevant and has the same original assignee as 9534767.
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, "Linear led lamp," is another very strong candidate for prior art from the same original assignee. Similar to US20120051041A1, a close examination of its claims would be necessary to identify the subtle distinctions that differentiate the claims of 9534767, especially regarding the power supply being located in the wire way and the base covering the trough to enclose the recessed interior (Claim 1), and the releasable mechanical connectors at both ends and the tether (Claim 14).

• US20120155073A1 (Mccanless Forrest) (also cited above, re-listed for emphasis on relevance)

  • Publication Date: 2012-06-21 (Filed: 2010-12-16)
  • Description: "Led lighting assembly for fluorescent light fixtures"
  • Potential Anticipation: This patent, explicitly titled "Led lighting assembly for fluorescent light fixtures," is a very strong candidate for anticipating the independent claims of 9534767. A thorough review of its figures and detailed description would be necessary to compare against every element of claims 1 and 14, particularly the mechanical and electrical interface with the existing fluorescent fixture's wire way and mounting points.

Most Relevant Prior Art:

Based on the titles and brief descriptions, the most relevant prior art references for US9534767, particularly concerning anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, appear to be those that explicitly address "LED retrofit" or "LED replacement for fluorescent lighting," or "Troffer-Style Fixture." These would be:

1. US6739734B1 (Ultimate Presentation Sytems, Inc.): "LED retrofit method and kit for converting fluorescent luminaries"
2. US6853151B2 (Denovo Lighting, Llc): "LED retrofit lamp"
3. US6860628B2 (Jonas J. Robertson): "LED replacement for fluorescent lighting"
4. US6936968B2 (Mule Lighting, Inc.): "Retrofit light emitting diode tube"
5. US7195372B2 (Genlyte Thomas Group Llc): "Master-satellite retrofit assembly and method of retrofitting recessed strip lighting fixtures"
6. US20080266849A1 (Nielson Lyman O): "Fluorescent lighting conversion to led lighting using a power converter"
7. WO2010099755A1 (深圳北森科技有限公司): "Led fluorescent lamp"
8. US20120051041A1 (Cree, Inc.): "Troffer-Style Fixture" (same original assignee)
9. US20120155073A1 (Mccanless Forrest): "Led lighting assembly for fluorescent light fixtures"
10. US8419223B2 (Billy V. Withers): "LED tube to replace fluorescent tube"
11. US8523383B1 (Cooper Technologies Company): "Retrofitting recessed lighting fixtures"
12. US20140043804A1 (Cree, Inc.): "Linear led lamp" (same original assignee)

These patents directly address the problem of converting or replacing fluorescent lighting with LED technology, often in similar fixture types. The specifics of their mechanical mounting, electrical connections, and how they handle the power supply and wire way would be critical in determining if they anticipate the unique combination of features claimed in US9534767. The presence of the tether in Claim 14 is a distinctive feature that would need to be specifically found in these prior art references to constitute anticipation. The combination of releasable connectors at both ends for connection to a troffer housing is also a key feature of claim 14 that would need to be present. For Claim 1, the specific enumeration of the power supply being "located in the wire way" and the base "covering the trough to enclose the recessed interior" is a critical point of comparison.

The obviousness of US patent 9534767 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 can be established by combining elements from various prior art references. The core concept of retrofitting fluorescent troffer fixtures with LED lamps, including specific mechanical and electrical integration, is present in the cited prior art.

Obviousness of Independent Claim 1

Independent Claim 1 describes a complete lamp system for a troffer housing, where an LED lamp with a power supply mounted on the back of its base is secured to the housing, with the base covering the wire way and enclosing the electrical connections.

Combination 1 (Anticipation / Obviousness from a single reference): US20120051041A1

The US patent application US20120051041A1, titled "Troffer-Style Fixture," published on March 1, 2012, is highly relevant prior art. US9534767 is a continuation of US Pat. No. 9,062,867, which in turn claims priority to a provisional application filed on December 12, 2012. US20120051041A1 predates this priority date. The description of US9534767 itself incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/873,303, which corresponds to US20120051041A1.

US20120051041A1 discloses all the elements of Claim 1:

• LED lamp with planar base, LEDs, and lens: It shows an LED lamp (100) with a substantially planar base (20), a plurality of LEDs (32) attached to a first side, and a lens (50) covering the LEDs.
• Power supply/driver on second side, first electrical connector: It describes lamp electronics (40), including the power supply and driver, mounted to the back side (second side) of the base (20) and providing power to the LEDs, with electrical connectors (44).
• Troffer housing with wire way, second electrical conductor: It details a troffer housing (4) with a wire way (12) comprising a trough for electrical components, and existing electrical conductors (8b) to be connected to an AC power supply (11).
• Integration and enclosure: It teaches that the LED lamp (100) is secured to the troffer housing (4), the LED electronics (40) (power supply) are located in the wire way (12), and the base (20) is dimensioned to cover the wire way (12) to isolate electrical components, being removably attached via tabs (22) and a snap-fit connector (26). The first electrical connector (44) from the LED lamp and the second electrical conductor (8b) from the AC power source are electrically coupled within the wire way, which is then enclosed by the base.

Motivation to Combine: A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) would be highly motivated to combine the teachings of US20120051041A1 to arrive at Claim 1. Given that US20120051041A1 is a direct predecessor application from the same applicant, it represents an obvious starting point for further development in the same technological area. The explicit disclosure of all claimed elements within a single reference, addressing the same problem of retrofitting fluorescent troffers, makes Claim 1 anticipated by and therefore obvious from US20120051041A1. The design choices, such as mounting the power supply on the back of the planar base and having the base cover the wire way, are driven by common engineering principles for compactness, thermal management, electrical safety, and aesthetics, all of which are evident in US20120051041A1.

Alternative Combination 2 (General Obviousness): US7510299B2 in view of US7195372B2 and general knowledge

1. US7510299B2 (Altair Engineering, Inc., "LED lighting device for replacing fluorescent tubes," issued 2009-03-31): This patent describes an LED lighting device suitable for replacing fluorescent tubes, including a support member (base) for LEDs and a lens. It provides the foundational concept of an LED lamp designed for retrofit.
2. US7195372B2 (Genlyte Thomas Group Llc, "Master-satellite retrofit assembly and method of retrofitting recessed strip lighting fixtures," issued 2007-03-27): This reference teaches a retrofit assembly and method for recessed strip lighting fixtures (troffers), including the use of LED light bars and a driver module (power supply). It places the concept of the LED lamp within the specific context of a troffer housing retrofit.

Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA seeking to improve upon existing LED retrofit solutions for fluorescent troffers (as taught by US7510299B2 and US7195372B2) would naturally consider how to integrate the LED lamp into the troffer housing most effectively. It would be obvious to modify the LED lamp of US7510299B2 to incorporate the power supply on the "second side" (back) of the planar base, a common practice in electronics for thermal management and space efficiency. Furthermore, a PHOSITA would recognize the advantage of utilizing the existing wire way of the troffer housing (as described in US7195372B2) to house the power supply and electrical connections. Drawing from the known design of fluorescent wire way covers (as explicitly referenced in the background of US9534767, which describes wire way cover 14 with tabs 15 engaging apertures 18), it would be an obvious design choice to make the LED lamp's base dimensioned to cover this wire way. This ensures electrical safety by enclosing the connections and maintains a clean aesthetic within the fixture, similar to the original wire way cover. The attachment would be designed to be "removable" for ease of installation, maintenance, and replacement, a common requirement for lighting components.

Obviousness of Independent Claim 14

Independent Claim 14 focuses on the LED lamp itself, specifically highlighting two releasable mechanical connectors and a tether.

Combination 1 (Anticipation / Obviousness from a single reference): US20120051041A1

As with Claim 1, US20120051041A1 explicitly discloses all features of Claim 14.

• LED lamp with base, LEDs, lens, power supply/driver, first electrical connector: These elements are all described in US20120051041A1 as outlined for Claim 1.
• First and second mechanical connectors for releasably connecting to a troffer housing: US20120051041A1 shows the base (20) being connected via tabs (22) (a first mechanical connector) that engage mating apertures (18) in the troffer housing (4). At the opposite end, a snap-fit connector (26), comprising a deformable member (28), is provided to also releasably connect the base to the troffer housing.
• Tether extending from the base at the second end: US20120051041A1 explicitly describes the LED lamp (100) being provided with a tether (80) (e.g., chain or cord) connected to the base (20) at the end opposite the tabs (22), and potentially connected to the connector (28). The tether (80) has a hook (82) that can temporarily engage the housing (4) to suspend the lamp during electrical connections.

Motivation to Combine: The motivation to arrive at Claim 14 from US20120051041A1 is direct and compelling, as the reference anticipates all elements. A PHOSITA would be motivated to adopt this integrated design, which specifically addresses ease of installation, maintenance, and safety for LED lamp retrofits in troffer fixtures. The use of two distinct, releasable mechanical connectors (tabs and snap-fit) provides both securement and flexibility for removal, while the tether directly addresses a common practical challenge in electrical installation by providing temporary hands-free support for wiring.

Alternative Combination 2 (General Obviousness): US7510299B2 in view of US8905621B2 and common knowledge of installation aids

1. US7510299B2 (Altair Engineering, Inc., "LED lighting device for replacing fluorescent tubes," issued 2009-03-31): Provides the basic LED lamp structure with a base, LEDs, and a lens, intended for fluorescent tube replacement.
2. US8905621B2 (Osram Sylvania Inc., "Luminaire adapter with tombstone cover," issued 2014-12-09): This patent addresses mechanical interfaces for retrofitting LED components into existing luminaires, including aspects of covering original fluorescent components. It highlights the need for mechanical adaptation to existing fixture structures.
3. General knowledge of mechanical fasteners and safety during installation: A PHOSITA would be familiar with various releasable mechanical fasteners, such as tabs and snap-fit mechanisms, for securing components within housings, particularly those requiring periodic access (e.g., for maintenance). Such fasteners are commonly used in existing fixture designs, including wire way covers (as exemplified by the wire way cover 14 with tabs 15 mentioned in US9534767). Furthermore, in electrical and lighting installation, particularly for overhead work, it is common practice and often a safety requirement to temporarily secure components (e.g., with a chain or cord, i.e., a tether) to allow hands-free wiring before final permanent attachment.

Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA starting with an LED lamp for replacing fluorescent tubes (US7510299B2) and familiar with the mechanical challenges of retrofitting into existing luminaire structures (US8905621B2) would be motivated to incorporate reliable, releasable mechanical connectors at both ends of the lamp's base. This would facilitate easy and secure installation and removal, much like existing wire way covers are attached. To address safety and convenience during the installation process, especially when electrical connections need to be made before the lamp is fully secured, providing a tether would be an obvious improvement. The tether allows temporary suspension of the lamp, freeing the installer's hands for wiring, which is a known and practical solution in the field of electrical installation.