Abstract: Systems and methods of the disclosure can provide an illuminated window display. In one aspect, a device having a light source, a light guide, and a layer of optical adhesive can be adhered to a window pane such that the device passes light into the window pane at an angle greater than a critical angle for total internal reflection of the window pane immersed in air. The light can be reflected back into the window pane from a portion of a surface of the window pane interfacing with air. The light can be emitted from the window pane from a second portion of the surface of the window pane interfacing with a graphical element. The graphical element can include a marking or decal on the surface of the window pane. The effect of the device is to illuminate the graphical element.

Abstract: Method and device for emitting an illuminated water stream. According to one embodiment, the device includes a liquid stream generator for emitting at least one continuous liquid stream and an illumination device for emitting light. The liquid stream generator and the illumination device are arranged relative to one another so that light emitted from the illumination device is directed into at least one of the at least one continuous liquid stream at an angle such that at least one of the at least one continuous liquid stream is illuminated under the principle of total internal reflection. The liquid used to make the at least one continuous liquid stream may include water and at least one additive, such as a viscosity thickener and a light-diffusing agent.

Abstract: A one-way see-through illumination system is constructed from a light guide panel, a front-illumination image film, and a light injector. The light injector injects light into the light guide panel at a suitable angle for total internal reflection of the injected light at the surfaces of the light guide panel. The image film includes a half-toned front-illuminable image pattern that extracts light from the light guide panel. When active, light from the light guide panel front illuminates the image pattern for viewing by a front-side view, while a back-side viewer can see through the image pattern.

Abstract: A one-way see-through illumination system is constructed from a light guide panel, a front-illumination image film, and a light injector. The light injector injects light into the light guide panel at a suitable angle for total internal reflection of the injected light at the surfaces of the light guide panel. The image film includes a half-toned front-illuminable image pattern that extracts light from the light guide panel. When active, light from the light guide panel front illuminates the image pattern for viewing by a front-side view, while a back-side viewer can see through the image pattern.

Abstract: A one-way see-through illumination system is constructed from a light guide panel, a front-illuminable image film, and a light injector. The light injector injects light into the light guide panel at a suitable angle for total internal reflection of the injected light at the surfaces of the light guide panel. The image film includes a half-toned front-illuminable image pattern that extracts light from the light guide panel. When active, light from the light guide panel front illuminates the image pattern for viewing by a front-side view, while a back-side viewer can see through the image pattern.

Abstract: A one-way see-through illumination system is constructed from a light guide panel, a front-illuminable image film, and a light injector. The light injector injects light into the light guide panel at a suitable angle for total internal reflection of the injected light at the surfaces of the light guide panel. The image film includes a half-toned front-illuminable image pattern that extracts light from the light guide panel. When active, light from the light guide panel front illuminates the image pattern for viewing by a front-side view, while a back-side viewer can see through the image pattern.

Abstract: An illuminable marking device includes a light guide panel overlaid with an illuminable pressure-sensitive film. Light is injected into the light guide panel at an angle of incidence sufficient to establish total internal reflection of the light between the surfaces of the light guide panel. When pressure is applied at selected points on the illuminable pressure-sensitive film, contact points on the film then interface with the light guide panel. The total internal reflection of light at that contact point is frustrated, allowing light to be extracted from the light guide panel and transmitted into the illuminable pressure-sensitive film. The viewer then sees illumination at the selected points. The illuminable marking device can be toy where children can create illuminated markings and drawings.

Abstract: An inexpensive air valve-connector can enable the construction of inflatable structures having multiple inflatable components. In particular, an inflatable component can be connected to an inflated structure and inflate without deflating the structure. Specifically, positive air pressure generated by an air blower, i.e. a fan, is used to inflate a structure composed of one or more blocks that self-inflate upon connection to inflated blocks. The air valve-connector can be embodied in a low-cost building block toy. The air valve-connector can also be used to create other inflatable structures, such as decorations and signage. The air valve-connector comprises two light-weight connectors that can exist on opposite sides of the same block. The valve includes a compressible material, such as foam, that is actuated to open the valve. When two blocks are connected via the air valve, air is transferred from a first block to a second block.