Automated system and method for manufacturing an LED light strip having an integrally formed connector

Abstract

An integrally formed single piece light strip and light strip manufacturing system. The light strip also includes a substrate populated with a plurality of LED light circuits. A plurality of bus elements are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and are in electrical communication with the plurality of light circuits. A plastic material is extruded around the plurality of light circuits and the substrate to completely encapsulates the bus elements and the plurality of light circuits to provide a protective housing. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is also integrally formed as part of the light strip to eliminate the need for separate connectors. The light strip is o manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration, thereby allowing the strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.