Abstract: An illuminated card device formed from sheet stock, for use as a greeting card or the like. One or more EL lamps are attached either flat against the card or mounted as pop-up elements. Two wires lead out from the EL lamps to a high voltage driver circuitry that converts a low voltage signal into an AC high voltage signal (approximately 40V to 300V peak to peak.) This circuitry is mounted on a PCB, hidden from view. A sliding tab in the shape of a ‘t’ slides through two slits in the card. Metal elements are mounted to the tab and between the two slits. When the card is opened, the two metal elements make contact, creating an electrical short to allow the battery to supply current to the high voltage conversion circuit. The high voltage driver circuit provides signals to illuminate the EL lamps.

Abstract: The signal device includes a housing containing a light and having a front face adapted to receive, in removably mounted engagement thereon, a first message screen selected from a group of message screens. Each message screen of the group of message screens is preferably a substantially planar sheet permitting the passage of light therethrough when mounted in the front face and backlit by the light. The first message screen has a first distress message formed thereon which is illuminated when the message screen is backlit by the light. Each message screen of the group of message screens has a different distress message for communication by the backlighting by the light so that a user may select an appropriate distress message by selecting the corresponding message screen for mounting onto the front face. The light is activated by a switch mounted to the housing and cooperating with a power supply.

Abstract: The signal device includes a housing containing a light and having a front face adapted to receive, in removably mounted engagement thereon, a first message screen selected from a group of message screens. Each message screen of the group of message screens is preferably a substantially planar sheet permitting the passage of light therethrough when mounted in the front face and backlit by the light. The first message screen has a first distress message formed thereon which is illuminated when the message screen is backlit by the light. Each message screen of the group of message screens has a different distress message for communication by the backlighting by the light so that a user may select an appropriate distress message by selecting the corresponding message screen for mounting onto the front face. The light is activated by a switch mounted to the housing and cooperating with a power supply.

Abstract: An album comprising a plurality of leaves each having a projection on one side and a matingly shaped recess on the opposed side, wherein the leaves are stacked on a base in which the projection of one leaf is aligned and registered with the recess of an adjacent leaf, the leaves are pressed with a platen in which adhesive paste is applied on the binding sides of the leaves and is removed after the adhesive paste is cured.