Signs Patents (Class 362/812)
  • Patent number: 11887468
    Abstract: A system and method for finding the proximate location of an indoor active shooter including: a plurality of acoustic sensors for receiving acoustic information from a monitored area, the sensors being dispersed in the monitored area, and each sensor having a processor for discriminating gunshot candidates from other sounds; and a host processor/server for receiving the gunshot candidates from the sensor and provide further processing to determine if the gunshot candidate is a gunshot. The server may use the first sensor to report as the proximate location of the shooter. As nearby sensors report the same incident, the server may refine the proximate location to within a few feet of the actual location of the shooter. The host processor includes a program or instructions to determine exit routes from the detected shooter and to activate a warning system which directs people away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Ernest Eugene Williams
  • Patent number: 11832742
    Abstract: A sleeping sensory blanket includes a blanket layer and a plurality of waterproof LED lights attached thereto. The lights are arranged along a strip cable configured for powering the lights. The external pocket of the blanket is sized to accept one end of the strip cable, and a battery-operated controller detachably attached to the strip cable to facilitate its removal and washing of the blanket. The connector between the controller and the strip cable is water-resistant. The controller is configured for timed activation of the plurality of LED lights in a sleeping mode with an LED light brightness at or below a predefined LED light brightness threshold and with at least one predetermined transition from a first light pattern to a second light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Ivan Skofenko
  • Patent number: 11692685
    Abstract: An integrated laminate structure adapted for application in the context of solar technology, wafer technology, cooling channels, greenhouse illumination, window illumination, street lighting, traffic lighting, traffic reflectors or security films, includes a first carrier element such as a piece of plastic or glass, optionally having optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, a second carrier element provided with at least one surface relief pattern including a number of surface relief forms and having at least one predetermined optical function relative to incident light, the second carrier element optionally including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, the first and second carrier elements being laminated together such that the at least one surface relief pattern has been embedded within the established laminate structure and a number of related cavities have been formed at the interface of the first and second c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Kari Rinko
  • Patent number: 11656829
    Abstract: A control and display device for a vehicle includes a control element and an associated display area. In the display area are superimposed: a first layer that is opaque except for a translucent complex pictogram, the complex pictogram combining two separate elementary pictograms; two separate filtering areas, each filtering area having the shape of a corresponding single elementary pictogram, each filtering area transmitting wavelengths within a respective range, the respective ranges of wavelengths being disjoint; and a light source suitable for emitting within the respective different ranges of wavelengths, concomitantly or alternately. The two filtering areas are positioned between the light source and the complex pictogram on the opaque layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Christophe Cuvillier, Thibault Le Mesnil
  • Patent number: 11617456
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for releasably mounting an article such as a sign or picture frame to a substantially flat surface such as a wall. The bracket has an adhesive disc securely attached to one side of the bracket and the opposite side of the adhesive disc has a releasable adhesive face for attaching to the wall. A tool inserted into the mounting bracket applies a rotative force to the mounting bracket for applying a shear force to the releasable adhesive face which causes the adhesive face to release from the wall. The mounting bracket is releasably mounted to a sign, which allows easy installation and removal of the sign from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SCHWAAB, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Petersen
  • Patent number: 11497245
    Abstract: An optical module includes a light-emitting portion for emitting light and a display including a first surface having a first transmission region through which at least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion is transmitted and a first blocking region which is surface-treated to block transmission of the light, and a second surface which the light transmitted through the first transmission region reaches to deliver an image to a user, wherein the first transmission region may include a path changing member for changing a propagation path of the transmitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: KT&G CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hwi Kyeong An
  • Patent number: 11262615
    Abstract: A side-incidence backlight module including a light guide plate, a light strip and a light leakage preventing member. The light strip is disposed at a side of a light incident surface of the light guide plate and includes at least one light emitting element. The light leakage preventing member is located between the light strip and the light guide plate and extends along a width direction of the light guide plate. The light leakage preventing member includes at least one groove. An opening of the groove faces the light strip. The at least one light emitting element is at least partially accommodated in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO.. LTD.
    Inventor: Yanjun Sun
  • Patent number: 11116334
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for releasably mounting an article such as a sign or picture frame to a substantially flat surface such as a wall. The bracket has an adhesive disc securely attached to one side of the bracket and the opposite side of the adhesive disc has a releasable adhesive face for attaching to the wall. A tool inserted into the mounting bracket applies a rotative force to the mounting bracket for applying a shear force to the releasable adhesive face which causes the adhesive face to release from the wall. The mounting bracket is releasably mounted to a sign, which allows easy installation and removal of the sign from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Schwaab, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Petersen
  • Patent number: 10711955
    Abstract: A resiliently flexible, rubberized light housing for sealingly enclosing and protecting a light bulb or fixture against moisture and other intrusion. The housing has an elongated, generally tubular body with an open first end and a closed second end. The open first end may receive and retain a bulb or fixture that has an exposed bulb or element or is environmentally sealed. If the bulb or fixture is sealed, then the same may hermetically seal the open first end. If the bulb or fixture is not sealed, then a lens may be included to hermetically seal the open first end with the bulb or fixture in the interior. Electrical wires for connection to the bulb or fixture may be passed through a sealing port on the closed send end. The plurality of ribs are configured for friction contact with the inside of a lighting can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Nate Mullen
  • Patent number: 10610030
    Abstract: An artistic construct display system includes an opaque housing having an opening. The housing has matte black inside wall surfaces. Fluorescent element(s) mounted on the matte black inside wall surfaces are illuminated by at least one ultraviolet (UV) light mounted in the housing adjacent to the opening such that each UV light is not viewable through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Noble Banner
  • Patent number: 10420180
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes: a light source; a light-transmissive diffuser panel disposed to receive light emitted from the light source; a frame having an opening through which light passes; and a light blocker that blocks the light emitted from the light source. The diffuser panel is fixed to the frame to cover the opening. The light blocker blocks a portion of the light passing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shumpei Fujii
  • Patent number: 10400989
    Abstract: A lamp, including: a plate, material thereof being optically transparent, the plate including two parallel surfaces and at least one rough width surface for illuminating outside the lamp; a plurality of illuminating sources disposed adjacent and along at least another width surface of the plate; and a user-movable shutter, for covering any of the plurality of illuminating sources, thereby the at least one rough width surface is uniformly illuminated, and thereby moving of the shutter adjusts intensity of the uniform illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Horovitz, Reuven Natan Neta Horovitz
  • Patent number: 10366637
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular illuminated sign 1 (or illuminated panel or illuminated wall) that may be assembled in modules, wherein each module 2 comprises a front part 3 and a corresponding rear part 9, braces 10, 60, 130, 140 which keep the front part and the rear part separate at a predetermined distance and, in cases where the module comprises an edge 90 forming the periphery of the sign, a corresponding frame part 60, 65, 130, 140.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Anders Rensmo
  • Patent number: 10360824
    Abstract: A customizable circular exit sign structure includes a ring-shaped frame, and a face plate having a word EXIT formed therethrough. The face plate is attached to the frame on a side of the frame. The customizable circular exit sign structure also includes a trim ring positioned along a perimeter edge of the frame and along a perimeter edge of the face plate. The face plate is customizable to have a particular color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Scott Peter Formel, Anthony Reale, Joseph Cazeno, III
  • Patent number: 9860568
    Abstract: Arrangement and method in which at least one server is coupled to imaging sources that obtain high resolution videos of scenic locations, a series of images constituting a video. Stream controllers are located at user sites and coupled to the server. The stream controllers are controlled, e.g., by user interfaces, to select one of the imaging sources to provide high resolution streaming video to the stream controller via the server. A display system is coupled to each stream controller and configured to display streaming video from the selected imaging source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ATTI International Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Eli Levi, Richard Engel
  • Patent number: 9829179
    Abstract: The present invention is a lighting fixture device with a frustoconical housing. The frustoconical housing has a housing edge and an inner housing chamber accessible by a housing aperture. This inner housing chamber includes a parabolic reflective surface with multiple symmetrical reflective sections. Each reflective section includes at least one focal point. The device also includes an LED board mounting post forming a vertical axis through the vertex of the parabolic reflective surface. The LED board mounting post includes at least one mounting surface, to which is mounted multiple LED boards. Each LED board includes at least one LED. A central axis of each LED is aligned with at least one of the focal points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Phillip Walesa
  • Patent number: 9703320
    Abstract: Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. A personal communication structure (PCS) may include a frame, a housing, and a mounting system coupling the housing to the frame. The mounting system may include a plurality of four-bar linkages. Each of the four-bar linkages may include two links, first pin joints coupling first ends of the respective links to the frame, and second pin joints coupling second ends of the respective links to the housing. Rotation of the links of the mounting system results in displacement of the housing relative to the frame along an arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Civiq Smartscapes, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle R. Bowers, Benjamin P. Lee, Parag N. Shah, Kenneth J. Gray, Benjamin M. Lawler
  • Patent number: 9599308
    Abstract: A taillight article (100) including an optically clear light guide (110) having an light emission front surface (112) and an opposing rear surface (114) and a side surface (118) separating the front surface (112) and the rear surface (114) is described. A first light source (120) is configured to direct light into the side surface (118) and indicate a first signal-function. A plurality of light extraction features (116) are on or within the optically clear light guide (110) and are configured to direct light from the first light source (120) out through the emission surface (112). A light reflection element (130) is spaced apart from the rear surface (114) and defines a cavity (135) that is observable by a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David A. Ender, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jennifer J. Sahlin, Michael E. Griffin, Karl A. Vick, Bing Hao, Scott M. Schnobrich
  • Patent number: 9542869
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a reflection member, a glass base board, a decoration pattern, a reflection membrane, a print circuit board, and a light emitting assembly. The reflection member is fixed with the housing and defines a through hole. The glass base board is positioned on the reflection member away from the housing. The decoration pattern is positioned on the glass base board. The reflection membrane is positioned on the glass base board around edges of the decoration pattern for shielding the glass base board and reflecting light. The print circuit board is received in the housing under the glass base board. The light emitting assembly includes a base board and a light source positioned on the base board. A first light emitting portion of the glass base board is positioned between the reflection membrane and the decoration pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
  • Patent number: 9449539
    Abstract: A lighted sign has a front side and a back side, and includes a planar substrate and a light source. The light source is substantially coplanar with the substrate. A distressed area reflector is formed on the substrate and redirects light from the light source out of the planar substrate. The lighted sign also includes a cover layer disposed adjacent the planar substrate toward the front side and a linear graphic that is printed on the cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FIREBOLT GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Brian Sciackitano, Joel Sharp
  • Patent number: 9080747
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a housing and at least one adjustable light assembly coupled thereto. Each light assembly includes a light source and an optic lens that is disposed over at least a portion of the light source. At least a portion of the lens is positioned external to the housing. The lens is rotatably adjustable about an axis extending perpendicular from the lens and includes a portion of the light source. The lens emits an asymmetrical light output. A light source holder may be included as part of the light assembly and is used to couple the light assembly to the housing. The light source holder includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an aperture extending therethrough. The light source is positioned adjacent the first surface over the aperture while the lens is positioned adjacent the second surface over the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Westly Davis Hetrick
  • Patent number: 9022637
    Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Tagnetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Meyer, Ronald E. Earley
  • Patent number: 8998461
    Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Gutstein, Monita Liu
  • Patent number: 8992037
    Abstract: A modular variable presentation device system is described which, in one embodiment, may be produced and assembled to display and/or view information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen David Rycyna, III
  • Patent number: 8960936
    Abstract: A backlit storybook for the visually impaired comprises an audio and visual storybook including a book, a base, and an integral backlight. Each page of the book comprises images or words. The book is placed upon the base to enable each individual page to backlight the images and words to provide a high-contrast lighted character pattern easily readable by those with impaired vision. The system further includes a speaker for audio to play a corresponding narration and indicates when different pages should be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Shelley A. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 8939610
    Abstract: A system for illuminating an object is provided, the system comprising a coherent or semi-coherent light source and a first diffuser positioned relative to the coherent or semi-coherent light source so as to receive said coherent or semi-coherent light. The first diffuser may diffuse the light to produce diffused light. An actuator having a moveable element, such as a moveable reflective surface, may be positioned to project the diffused light onto an object, and may be moved to project light onto different portions of the object. This movement may be performed with such rapidity that it is not perceived by a person viewing the object. Rather, the entire object would appear to be illuminated. Movement of the element may be controlled by a computer, and may be performed according to a predefined routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond A. Noeth
  • Patent number: 8905568
    Abstract: A partially transparent dome mirror is used to display messages generated from within the dome by a light generating system. The mirror is incorporated in an apparatus for seeing and warning traffic crossing at an intersection in a commercial, industrial or other space to improve worker safety and to avoid costly damage due to collisions at the intersection. The unitary apparatus does not require sensors or other wiring external to the mirror and its supporting frame. The mirror system can also be used in commercial and retail applications for surveillance and advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: David A. Fossier, William Chernick
  • Patent number: 8884786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light sign (10) for displaying an instruction and/or guidance for ground airplane traffic at an airport, comprising a casing (20) with a transparent display panel (21) for representing an instruction and/or guidance symbol (Z), and a light source arranged inside the casing (20) with at least one luminescent diode (32) for illuminating the display panel (21). A diffusion panel (22) is made for scattering and/or back-scattering incident light, wherein the light source is arranged between the display panel and the diffusion panel. The at least one luminescent diode (32) is aligned on the diffusion panel (22) so that the display panel (21) is not illuminated directly, but indirectly by back-scattering of the light emitted from the at least one luminescent diode by the diffusion panel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADB BVBA
    Inventors: Martijn Beukema, Pierre Tremouroux
  • Patent number: 8870413
    Abstract: An optics panel for use in a light emitting diode (LED) lighting is disclosed. A plurality of LEDs is disposed on a substrate and directed outward therefrom. A substantially transparent substrate is disposed over the plurality of LEDs and configured to direct light from each of the plurality of LEDs of the lighting assembly onto a surface having a predetermined bounded area. Light from each of the LEDs is directed by the transparent substrate across the entire area of the surface so that each LED illuminates substantially the entire surface with a substantially equal level of illumination per LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ultravision Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: David Siucheong Auyeung
  • Patent number: 8870410
    Abstract: An optics panel for use in a light emitting diode (LED) lighting is disclosed. A plurality of LEDs is disposed on a substrate and directed outward therefrom. A substantially transparent substrate is disposed over the plurality of LEDs and configured to direct light from each of the plurality of LEDs of the lighting assembly onto a surface having a predetermined bounded area. Light from each of the LEDs is directed by the transparent substrate across the entire area of the surface so that each LED illuminates substantially the entire surface with a substantially equal level of illumination per LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ultravision Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: David Siucheong Auyeung
  • Patent number: 8858043
    Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Gutstein, Monita Liu
  • Patent number: 8839536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Solaire Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence Mackler
  • Patent number: 8807788
    Abstract: An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: John Vira
  • Patent number: 8714766
    Abstract: A planar element as well as a method for producing such planar elements in such way that the planar element is easily and inexpensively to produce on the one hand and allows remarkable optical effects to be obtained on the other hand, it is proposed to apply at least one coating to at least one area or side of at least one support substrate, especially of at least one support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Schneider
  • Patent number: 8714781
    Abstract: A flexible translucent sheet is folded to have portions of its bounding edge closely situated in overlapping relationship, and these overlapping portions are illuminated by a light source. The illumination is transmitted through the interior of the sheet to any adjacent unfolded area of the sheet, which may bear emission areas which are treated so that the light emits from the sheet at these areas. Preferred versions of the invention have a series of legs cut into one edge of the sheet, and the legs are then bundled in stacked relationship, with a light source providing light input into the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: FLEx Lighting II, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony J. Nichol
  • Patent number: 8562186
    Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Gutstein, Monita Liu
  • Patent number: 8536075
    Abstract: A textile thread or fiber has a plurality of elements, such as electronic elements, embedded or encapsulated therein. The textile thread or fiber could also be part of a fabric article. The textile thread or fiber, for example, has the plurality of elements interconnected, or otherwise intercommunicating, with one another to form a signal processing system. This signal processing system may include, for example, a personal computer system, a personal telecommunications transmitter/receiver system or a personal television and/or radio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Philip Noel Leonard
  • Patent number: 8506115
    Abstract: An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, Michael T. Romanyszyn, John Vira
  • Patent number: 8485693
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a chassis, a printed circuit board, a light source, and a light guide plate. The chassis includes a bottom plate and a sidewall. The sidewall is disposed on at least one side of the bottom plate. The sidewall has a recess therein. At least one part of the printed circuit board is located in the recess. The light source is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The light incident side of the light guide plate is opposite to the light emitting side of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventor: Keng-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 8468726
    Abstract: A recessed exit sign includes an electrical component housing, a plaster ring, and an illuminated message panel. The lighting assembly includes an electrical component assembly, an internal power source housed within the electrical component assembly, a light source housed within the electrical component assembly, and a lens. The power source is electrically coupled to the light source. A portion of the lens is inserted into an opening formed within the electrical component assembly and coupled to the electrical component assembly. The lens extends from within the electrical component assembly to a location outside the electrical component assembly. A portion of the lighting assembly is slidably inserted through the plaster ring and into the electrical component housing. When plaster is applied over the plaster ring the lens appears to simply enter a hole in the ceiling with not additional features visible on the ceiling surface to cause a distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Westly Davis Hetrick
  • Patent number: 8465165
    Abstract: A method for producing a display member that can restrain lights from leaking from a remainder chip of a runner and a portion around the remainder chip. The method includes laminating a transparent layer on a light-diffusing layer; forming slant surfaces each having an slant angle of more than 45 degrees with respect to an extending direction D of a runner, the slant surfaces being provided around a portion on the rear surface of the transparent layer to which the runner is connected and being inclined cutting out the runner at a position along and near the slant surfaces; and forming a shielding layer on a remainder chip of the runner and on a rear surface of the display member main body inside the remainder chip by spraying a light-shielding material onto a front surface of the display member main body and a side part of the remainder chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Ueda, Masatomo Inoue
  • Patent number: 8459859
    Abstract: A light guide module capable of illuminating and being applied in a device for decoration is provided. The light guide module includes a reflective layer, a light guide with a plurality of diffusing particles, and a light source. The light guide has a side surface, a reflective surface and a light-exiting surface, thereby allowing a light from the light source to enter and reflect and exit the light guide respectively. The reflective layer is disposed on the reflective surface of the light guide for reflecting the light to the light-exiting surface. The light guide forms a portion of an outer surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yin-Ta Chen, Kuang-Cheng Fan, Shih-Wei Li
  • Patent number: 8430525
    Abstract: For illuminating an object and generating a light image, e.g. for presentation of the object, an illumination assembly comprises a reflective part for illumination and a diffractive part for generating the light image. A light source such as a LED light source is used for generating the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Lingli Wang
  • Patent number: 8388187
    Abstract: An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, Michael T. Romanyszyn, John Vira
  • Patent number: 8376581
    Abstract: A large size display is transportable, being construed of multiple rigid segments containing light emitting diodes (LED's). The rigid segments are linked by hinges or cables so the display is flexible and can be rolled up for storage and transport. The display can be unrolled upward or downwards such as from a protective container, such as a canister or truss. The weight of the display on the linked hinges or the tensioned cables provides sufficient rigidity. Such cables, like a signal and power distribution bus, are connected to the rear of each rigid element. The display can be repaired by removing and replacing selected rigid segments from the front thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: PIX2O Corporation
    Inventors: Lynton W Auld, Leo Stearns, Darin Parnell Smedberg, Matthew Kengi Meeker
  • Patent number: 8376585
    Abstract: A system for illuminating an object is provided, the system comprising a coherent or semi-coherent light source and a first diffuser positioned relative to the coherent or semi-coherent light source so as to receive said coherent or semi-coherent light. The first diffuser may diffuse the light to produce diffused light. An actuator having a moveable element, such as a moveable reflective surface, may be positioned to project the diffused light onto an object, and may be moved to project light onto different portions of the object. This movement may be performed with such rapidity that it is not perceived by a person viewing the object. Rather, the entire object would appear to be illuminated. Movement of the element may be controlled by a computer, and may be performed according to a predefined routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond A. Noeth
  • Patent number: 8373574
    Abstract: A device and advertising method utilizes a sound and light display device, which often holds a bottle of a beverage to be dispended, and customer based remote which is distributed to customers in any number of ways. In one embodiment the sound playing device can be incorporated into a chiller. In one embodiment the sound playing device is incorporate into a stand for the beverage bottle. Other display devices are also possible. Examples include, but are not limited to, a small audio sound playing device, a beverage sign or sculpture which also evokes the brand. More than one type of remote can be created, allowing different types of customers to have different control levels or access to different areas of an establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Albert W. Gebhard
  • Patent number: 8313210
    Abstract: An LED indicator lamp includes a shell, at least an LED module, a driving and controlling circuit board, a rechargeable battery and a plurality of solar panels. The shell has indicating words formed thereon. The shell and indicating words have different hues so that the indicating words can be easily recognized. The LED module is received in the shell to lighten the shell and highlight the indicating words. The driving and controlling circuit board is received in the shell to drive and control the LED module to lighten. The rechargeable battery is received in the shell to provide the LED module with electrical power. The solar panels are fixed on an outer surface of the shell to capture sunlight and convert it to electrical power to charge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shi-Song Zheng
  • Patent number: 8297789
    Abstract: An emergency exit indicator includes a flat housing and a light source received in the housing. The housing has a length greater than a width thereof. The housing includes a panel provided with a sign thereon to indicate emergency exit. The light source includes a plurality of LEDs each being covered by a lens. Light of the LED goes through the lens and is then illuminated on the sign to cause the sign to be visible. The lens has two opposite sides along a lengthwise direction of the housing longer than other two opposite sides along a widthwise direction of the housing, such that the light through the lens along the widthwise direction of the housing is converged in a narrower manner than the light through the lens along the lengthwise direction of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Lin Yang, Feng Tian
  • Patent number: RE44227
    Abstract: A backlight unit for a display device includes a mold frame and a light guide panel. The mold frame includes a groove having at least one rounded corner. The light guide panel is on the mold frame and includes a light guide projection in the groove, having at least one rounded corner corresponding to the at least one rounded corner of the mold frame groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ik-Soo Lee