Abstract: A sound damping wallboard and methods of forming a sound damping wallboard are disclosed. The sound damping wallboard comprises a gypsum layer with a gypsum surface having an encasing layer. The encasing layer is partially removed to expose the gypsum surface and form a gypsum surface portion and a first encasing layer portion on the gypsum layer. A sound damping layer is applied to the gypsum layer to cover at least part of the gypsum surface portion and the encasing layer portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.

Abstract: A support channel for a light fiber includes a fiber support member designed to partially circumscribe a light fiber, first and second legs, and first and second feet at the ends of the first and second legs. The fiber support member includes first and second sides and a flexure region between the first and second sides. The first and second sides join the fiber support member at the intersections of the flexure region with the first and second sides, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.

Abstract: A support channel for a light fiber includes a fiber support member designed to partially circumscribe a light fiber, first and second legs, and first and second feet at the ends of the first and second legs. The fiber support member includes first and second sides and a flexure region between the first and second sides. The first and second sides join the fiber support member at the intersections of the flexure region with the first and second sides, respectively.