Abstract: A sign comprising at least one light pipe, each light pipe made of light-transmitting material, said at least one light pipe arranged to form a predetermined message or design, each light pipe having at least two ends and carrying at least one light source proximate at least one end, each light source directed towards another end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of each light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, the sign further carrying electrical circuit means for energizing each light source, and means for mounting the at least one light pipe to form the predetermined message or design; whereby energizing of each light source causes light to be transmitted in each light pipe, light therefrom emerging through the translucent outer surface of each light pipe for the display of the predetermined message or design.

Abstract: A game board including a playing surface having a plurality of apertures extending through the entire thickness thereof. An underlay provided with various game-playing indicia is retained beneath the playing surface so that the game-playing indicia contained on the underlay are positioned beneath at least some of the apertures in the playing surface. The game board includes a plurality of light transmitting playing pieces adapted to be received in the apertures formed in the playing surface. The playing pieces contact the underlay and transmit the game-playing indicia from the underlay to the playing surface, thereby displaying the otherwise hidden game-playing indicia to the game players.

Abstract: A third brake lamp employing optical fibers, in which when braking, a lamp emits light which goes through a color board rotarily driven by a motor, the light being focused on a grouped end of the optical fibers and conducted to the other end of the optical fibers to form a warning picture or characters with multiple colors.

Abstract: A thin, large, high definition television screen (2) employs optical waveguides (22). Light continually flows through waveguides closely arranged, in parallel (86), across a substrate. Light is prematurely made to exit (32) the waveguide cores by intensity modulators (66) and taps (64) placed along the length of the waveguides. The intensity modulators control the brightness of light in the waveguides. Taps direct intensity-modulated light out of the waveguides to the viewer (68). Systematically modulating the intensity of light and tapping light out of a system of parallel waveguides allows still and moving images to be formed. The preferred embodiment employs acoustic intensity modulators and taps. Sound waves (34) propagate perpendicularly (3) to the direction of light flow (5) causing changes in the index of refraction in the waveguides via the acousto-optic effect. Electro-optic modulators (42) and thin-film (86) waveguides can also be used in place of acousto-optic modulators and discrete fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged for mounting exteriorly of a dwelling and the like for alerting a delivery individual of proper location of a delivery site, such as utilized in pizza delivery, to minimize delay of time while the delivery individual is seeking a proper dwelling for delivery of an associated pizza.

Abstract: A framework arranged in combination with a fabric worksheet stretched overlying upper and lower horizontal rails of the frame and fixedly secured to interior confronting surfaces of the frame is provided and subsequently mounted with a perimeter continuous scalloped and ruffled web mounted to a rear surface of the frame. A single or plurality of stitched patterns are formed on the fabric worksheet for subsequent mounting to a wall or underlying support surface. The invention may further include a fiber optic cable directed and formed about one or both of the stitched patterns, as well as use of a pneumatic chamber to enhance stretching of the worksheet, wherein the chamber may be mounted within a pocket provided onto a rear surface of the worksheet.

Abstract: A very large display screen which is made up of a curtain of suspended optical fibers of different lengths. The fibers are illuminated by light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are grouped in triads emitting the three primary colors to produce a colored display.

Abstract: An electronic display includes a matrix of LEDs mounted to a circuit board and selectively operated to produce a message or image. A reflector matrix mounts to the circuit board and provides light pipes which extend forward from each LED to direct its light and provide protection. Potting compound is disposed in each light pipe and extends beyond the reflector matrix to provide a convex lens. In one embodiment the potting compound extends into a convex lens cover.

Abstract: An illuminated display which utilizes optical fibers to convey visible light from a singular light source to a display board. The display board is provided with channels (apertures) into which ends of optical fibers are inserted and secured. The placement of optical fibers at regular intervals around the perimeter of an alphabetical character and an irregular, random locations within the area defined by the perimeter produces a display with enhanced visual effects, greater reliability, and lower operating costs than conventional illuminated displays.

Abstract: An infant crib mobile wherein the objects or characters attached to its appendages, or any point on the appendages, can emit active, (twinkling or sequencing) colorful light. This is accomplished by utilizing optic fibers to transmit light from a light source in the mobile's central housing to the objects or characters, or a given location on the appendages. The light is made active and colorful at the output end of the optic fibers by placing a light influencing slide between the light source and the input end of the revolving optic fibers that are routed from the appendages and are grouped together in front of the light source.

Abstract: An illuminated display unit such as a board with a house number thereon or an advertising billboard, has a light guide panel. At least one electrical illuminating element is arranged in the vicinity of at least one lateral limiting edge thereof. The light guide panel serves for illuminating logo symbols, which are preferably in the form of film or of vapor coated layers, on the light guide panel. At least one of the lateral limiting edges of the light guide panel is provided with a light guide batten whose thickness is in excess of the thickness of the light guide panel and at least one of the illuminating elements is mounted in the batten. The transition between the light guide batten and the light guide panel is designed so as to have a high optical conductivity or transmittivity. The external surfaces of the light guide batten are provided at least partly with an inwardly reflecting layer.

Abstract: The flat panel illumination system includes a high intensity light source with a contoured reflector assembly for providing light to the input of an optical mixer and heat removal device. The optical mixer and heat removal device removes infrared radiation and transmits de-focused light to the input ends of a plurality of rectangular couplers connected to light conducting cables which are in turn connected to the light emitting optical fibers for a light emitting panel. These fibers are woven in accordance with specific weave ratio ranges and weave configurations to emit light uniformly across the extent of a light emitting fabric surface.

Abstract: A light-passing decorative object made of light-passing synthetic resin is characterized in that a film piece on which letters, patterns or the like are displayed in such a manner as to be seen therethrough is intimately bonded to a notch-cut back side of a light-passing decorative member. The decorative member is provided a back side thereof with a face brightening device. The face brightening device has optical fibers arranged in parallel relation. The optical fibers being provided with a notched portion so as to be brightened. One ends of the optical fibers are bundled to form a bundle portion and attached to a coupler for coupling to a light source.

Abstract: An improved image transfer device for transferring light images or the like is formed using "in-situ" optical waveguides or transfer elements rather than discrete optical fibers. In one embodiment, at least first and second tapered modular spacers are formed with grooves etched therein extending between first and second end surfaces thereof. Each of the grooves has a raised lip structure which enables the spacers to be interconnected in a rigid confronting relationship to produce a plurality of closed tapered channels. Each of the channels is then filled with a conductor to form an optical waveguide for transferring an elemental portion of an image between the first and second end surfaces.

Abstract: A thin-panel, large, high-definition television screen employs optical waveguides. Light (32) flows through waveguides (28) arranged, in parallel, across a substrate (64). Light from a source (44) is coupled into the waveguides using a Graded Index (GRIN) microlens array (56). Taps (37) direct light out and make it visible at different locations along the length of the waveguides. Long interaction length (8) taps with reflectors (10) are introduced which enable many waveguides to be staggered and placed side-by-side to maintain high screen resolutions. Polymers, both electro-optic and non-electro-optic, are used in the preferred embodiment as a waveguide building material. However, acousto-optic, thermo-optic (86) and magneto-optic effects may also be used with other materials such as glass and silicon dioxide. This display can be economically produced by forming a flexible waveguide ribbon (62) which integrates multiple waveguides (1), intensity modulators (40) and taps (38) into a single unit.

Abstract: A warning light device having a directional warning panel to regulate traffic, which is attached in a vertical position near the rear of a vehicle. The warning light device displays traffic symbols for following traffic, with controllable electric luminous elements. An autonomous, mobile warning light device with great versatility of display is provided since the warning panel includes a controllable optical fiber display matrix having a plurality of traffic symbols. The warning light device is attached or attachable to the roof, extending as far as the rear, of a motor vehicle. Power is supplied to the warning light device with an electric power supply system of the motor vehicle or a supplementary electric power pack mounted in the motor vehicle. An operating panel is disposed near the dashboard of the motor vehicle, or is built into the dashboard, and has operating elements for switching the warning light device on and off.

Abstract: Motion transmission apparatus for driving a plurality of objects along relative paths alternately in the same direction and in an opposite direction includes a plurality of toothed drive members constrained to moved in unison and intermesh respectively with a corresponding number of driven gears. Each driven gear is eccentrically connected to an associated rocker arm by a connecting rod. The rocker arms carry the objects to be moved.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transmitting opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.

Abstract: A face brightening device for use with vehicles comprising optical fibers and a light source wherein the light source is attached to one or both ends of the optical fibers to brighten those notched faces of the optical fibers which form letters, patterns, brightening faces and the like needed inside and outside the vehicles. The face brightening device can be made smaller in size, simpler in construction, lighter in weight, more saving in space, and much more excellent in water-proofness, heat-resistance, weather- proofness and insulation.

Abstract: The visual attractiveness of a variety of otherwise-autonomous articles may be significantly enhanced through the inclusion of an apertured, internally light-transmissive essentially solid and preferably, peripherally light reflectively coated panel which is edge-illuminated and energized by elements self-contained within the article body. Article apertures of distributed area, point size or both may be thusly illuminated. Distributed-area display effects may be enhanced through aperture-aligned light-concentrative discontinuities formed in the panel. Enchancement of point-display effects may similarly be achieved through point-aperture-aligned, light-concentrative point discontinuities likewise formed in the panel. Point effects may also be enhanced through the employment of an end-illuminated, aperture-aligned, point-discontinuous optical fiber in conjunction with a subject apertured panel.

Abstract: A fibre optic element is disclosed capable of a wide range of uses, including illumination, lighted fixed or variable signs, and decorative applications. The element is formed in one piece of transparent material and has one or more generally planar areas with integral extensions from one or opposite sides formed as a number of separable filaments such that the filaments can be bunched to form a flexible light conducting cable. Except for light escape zones via which light can escape from the planar area or areas, and the distal ends of the filaments, the element is covered by an internally reflective cladding layer such as to enable propagation of light through the filaments from the light source and in the plane of the planar areas, which rather than being strictly planar can be curved into various shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing attractive and customized illuminated signs, the apparatus comprising a shroud for the mounting of desired letters, numbers, or other designs, a set of figures for mounting upon said shroud and a means for transmitting illumination energy through said shroud to said figures for illumination. The apparatus may be enhanced by a mounting mechanism and a photoelectric cell to facilitate more efficient and convenient outdoor use.

Abstract: A sign having letters preferably of fluorescent paint, on a substrate to which light is channelled by fiber optic plastic and/or fiber optic cable, from a low voltage and low amperage circuit and bulb connected in series with a doorbell apparatus and circuit thereof for illuminating the letters when the door bell is not activated to ring.

Abstract: An illuminated picture display having a surrounding scintilating show of lights, including a housing holding a front half-silvered mirror and a rear mirror, the mirrors being proximate to one another and at a small angle to one another, congruent openings in the mirrors to receive a transparency for display, a light within the housing for illuminating the transparency, a plurality of lamps between the mirrors along the periphery, and a programmed timer causing the lamps to blink on and off in predetermined sequence, and a refraction plate mounted in front of the front half-silvered mirror proximate to the opening in the front mirror, so that the transparency is displayed surrounded by a flashing light display. A fiber optics system may be used instead of the plurality of lamps.

Abstract: A visual display device illuminated by flexible and shock absorbing edge-lighting means is provided. The device includes a transparent panel of light piping material and a light-scattering design integrated with the panel. The transparent panel has a light-receiving edge along the perimeter thereof. A flexible plastic-exterior light string comprises lighting elements housed in a light refracting conduit. The light string is nudged and pressed against the light-receiving edge of the transparent panel to deform the refracting conduit of the light string to the contour of the edge.

Abstract: An amusement device constructed to simulated a gift package, e.g. for a birthday, or for Christmas. The package is subdivided into a compressed air chamber and a balloon storage compartment. When the person receiving the gift package attempts to open it, the balloon is automatically inflated so as to pop out of the package.

Abstract: An internally illuminated message display apparatus for an automobile. The apparatus comprises a housing, a perforated display board, and a plurality of light transmitting indicia elements insertable into the display board perforations. A transparent lens is positioned in front of the display board and its indicia elements, and the housing is provided with a reflective back surface.

Abstract: An educational kit for teaching and developing creative arts which includes changeable panel displays or pictures which are selectively light accented and animated using a plurality of optical fibers which are mounted within a frame or housing and which have free ends that may be specifically or randomly mounted within openings created in the panel display or picture so as to create a variety of changeable and visually perceived light forms or patterns and wherein the optical fibers have fixed ends which receive light emitted from a source which is also mounted within the frame.

Abstract: A light reflection material comprises transparent body of organic glass having therein a thin through hole or holes whose inner wall is smooth. This material is useful for an ornamental material, a lighting material, eye-obstructing material, shading material, etc.This material is manufactured by pouring a raw material into a mold within which a thread or threads of synthetic fiber are straightly or curvedly set according to aimed pattern and pulling the thread or threads out of the formed body to form a thin hole or holes or pulling the thread or threads to separate them from the inner wall of the hole or holes. As a result of it, a hole or holes of a shape and number corresponding to those of the thread or threads are formed in the formed body.

Abstract: A display device includes a component in the form of a plate bearing one or more display indicia on one plate surface and having a passage extending through the plate adjacent the display indicium. An integral light-transmissive element is fixedly secured in the plate passage and has a first lensed surface at one end adjacent the display indicium. At its opposite end, the light-transmissive element defines both a second lensed surface and a flat surface in abutting relation to a stepped part of the passage within the plate. The first lensed surface is convex relative to the light-transmissive element and the second lensed surface is concave relative to the light-transmissive element. The element, comprised of a polycarbonate film which is highly resistant to impact damage, is of dimension relative to the passage such that an interference-fit exists therebetween.

Abstract: A signal balloon (2, 2') has an inflated configuration that is horizontally elongated with opposite tapered ends (4, 6, 4', 6'). The balloon (2, 2') is shaped and dimensioned to cause it to ascend in response to an increase in wind speed. The sidewalls of the balloon (2, 2') have light transmitting portions (10, 10') and reflective portions (12, 12'). A light (40, 40') is positioned inside the balloon (2, 2'). The light may be an electric lamp (40) connected to a power source (64) on the ground via an electrically conductive tether (34). The light (40') may also be the upper end of a fiber optic conductor tether (34') which has a lower end connected to a light source (92') on the ground. The balloon (2') is provided with pivotable lower and upper lift members (22', 24') which are connected to the tether (34') and pivot in response to changes in orientation of the tether (34') to increase the lift of the balloon (2') when the tether (34') inclines away from a vertical position.

Abstract: A modularized optical fiber display system is disclosed wherein each module has an optical train including a plurality of optical fibers or cables organized at one end into a bundle which is illuminated by a lamp, with each of the optical fibers of the bundle having an individual, independently controlled shuttering mechanism associated with it for controlling light flow from each optical fiber to respective lenses forming pixels in a signboard display. Each of the pixels is individually controlled to enable production of any desired alpha-numeric character or other graphic on the signboard. Each of the display modules can be separately used, or integrated into a single large display.

Abstract: A fibre optic display device utilizing optical fiber elements whose light emitting ends are arranged in a display screen matrix and whose light-receiving ends are reorganized and gathered in a bundle in a non-linear image-receiving matrix. A defined image previously encoded on a transparency is caused to appear on the display screen by being specifically decoded when the transparency is in registration with the light-receiving ends of the bundle in the image receiving matrix. Moving the encoded image into and out of registration causes the transparency to produce special effects on the display screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding the occupants of a structure along a path of travel within the structure is provided. The apparatus is comprised of modular floor covering units which are abuttingly arranged to cover the floor of the structure, with some of the units being signal units having a light-transmissive housing positioned in an opening therein, and having light-emitting means positioned in the housing. Power means are provided to energize the light-emitting means, and thereby provide a visually discernable pathway on the floor. The floor covering units preferably comprise carpet tiles, the light-transmissive housings are preferably formed of molded plastic and the light-emitting means are preferably light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: An optical device comprises an optical waveguide having, as a basic unit, a core layer of a liquid having a relatively high refractive index and a clad layer having a relatively low refractive index and covering said core layer, and a heat-generating means for heating a part of said core layer to form a vapor bubble in said liquid of said core layer.

Abstract: A communication display device for simulating a humanoid or other animal structure. Fiber optic light elements are included with the device to simulate movement of various parts such as the joints, eyes or mouth for purposes of communication. Sound synchronization is also provided with the fiber optic light simulated body movements. The display device is effective in reaching the conscious and subconscious states of individuals with both vocal and non-vocal communications.

Abstract: An electronic display includes a matrix of LEDs mounted to a circuit board and selectively operated to produce a message or image. A reflector matrix mounts to the circuit board and provides light pipes which extend forward from each LED to direct its light and provide protection. A lens matrix is mounted to the reflector matrix and it provides convex lenses which are aligned to be received in the light pipes.

Abstract: An improved illuminated sign construction utilizing a single source of illumination to back-light a transparency and a surrounding synthetic resinous frame element, the exposed edges of which emit a glow resembling that of a fluorescent tube. The exposed edges may be optionally of rounded configuration to achieve additional brightness.

Abstract: A sensor responsive display device includes a common display section for displaying various messages and/or warnings for a given period of time, and plural individual display sections, each corresponding to one of the messages and/or warnings displayed in the common display section.

Abstract: Disclosed are indicia display devices that are sunlight readable and which comprise a lens system having one or more body portions each of which provides a transparent internal light reflecting medium interposed between a light receiving surface and a light transmitting surface; a legend plate disposed to receive light from the light transmitting surface, with the legend plate being a laminate made up of mutually bonded elements including one or more filters; and a light source disposed to supply light to the light receiving surface. Various specific configurations of the legend plate are disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus displays information in a manner which permits viewing at convenient operator locations. It connects to a selected number of points within the computer printed circuit boards of the equipment. The apparatus includes light emitting diode circuits and associated transparent rods for conveying the light indicator information signals to convenient locations for operator viewing. The exposed ends of transparent rod elements are conically shaped so as to concentrate the light indicator signals in sharply defined cones of light so as to be viewed from any angle by an operator located at a considerable distance from the computer equipment.

Abstract: A flexible transmitting guide has a substantially transparent semi-solid core to which is shrink-fitted, or otherwise tightly clad, a transparent or translucent sleeve which is designed to laterally diffuse, disperse or refract a substantial component of light away from the core as it traverses the length of the guide. Thus, the clad core appears bright along its length and functions as a primary light source. In modifications of the device, the lateral dispersion of light passing along the core is enhanced by interposing cuts or discontinuities at intervals along its surface, or by providing a sleeve comprising an emulsion of light-reflecting particles. The light source may be adjacent to or separated from the core, and may comprise either a steady state, or pulsating source, ahead of which colored filters may be inserted, if desired.

Abstract: A display device includes a plurality of optical fiber elements which are bunched together at one end adjacent a light source. The light emitting ends of the optical fiber elements pass through apertures in a moveable panel. The apertures may be arranged into a desired configuration and, in part, serve as locators for the light emitting ends of the optical elements. The moveable panel is moveable to a first position proximate the light emitting ends of the optical fiber elements, and where so positioned, the ends of the optical fiber elements are moved to substantially conform to the pattern of the apertures in the moveable panel to present an illuminated display substantially the same as the aperture pattern. The moveable panel is then moveable to a second position in which it is displaced from the light emitting ends of the optical fiber elements, and when so positioned the ends of the optical fibers move to form a second image distinct from the first.

Abstract: A light at an aircraft landing site is simulated on a model board by the protruding output end of a precision cut optical fiber. The fiber is secured within a counterbore of a counterbored hole in the model board. The length of the precision cut fiber and the depth of the counterbore are closely controlled to ensure that the output end of the fiber protrudes a desired distance. The input end of the precision cut fiber is optically coupled to a collimated light source by a second optical fiber extending through the smaller diameter bore of the counterbored hole.

Abstract: A multiplicity of optic fibers are secured at their outer ends in a spaced-apart pattern at the front surface of a viewing panel and at their inner ends in a concentrated, spaced-apart pattern at the rear, input surface of a reader panel for registry with correspondingly spaced holes arranged in an elongated tape in patterns of letters, numbers and/or other desired indicia to be displayed for viewing in greatly enlarged form. A source of light is positioned on the side of the tape opposite the inner ends of the optic fibers for illuminating those fibers which register with holes in the tape. Drive mechanism is provided for moving the tape past the inner ends of the optic fibers for producing a traveling light display.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical illumination device using optical fiber members. Basically, one of the respective ends of optical fiber members is opposed to a light source, with a filter disposed between the one end and the light source, the filter being movable across the path of incident light from the source to cause the other ends of the optical fiber members to illuminate with varying colors. In such basic arrangement, the optical illumination device of the invention is characterized in that the illuminating end side of a number of optical fiber members is disposed along the lateral surface of a significant-form representing member which represents a letter, figure or the like, so that the illuminating end surfaces of the optical fibers are positioned at the end edge of the significant-form member.

Abstract: A graphical display apparatus having an enclosure with a thin opaque cover made up of an outermost sheet of paper bearing a design, to serve as a display face, and an underlying sheet of aluminum foil backed by an aluminum screen. Incandescent lights are mounted within the enclosure to light its interior. Through the use of pointed markers made of transparent plastic, pinpoints of light can be spotted where desired on the display face for any of various purposes. This is accomplished by pushing the markers through the display face, aluminum foil and aluminum screen at desired locations. The markers are exposed to light in the interior of the enclosure as they pierce the aluminum foil, and therefore show up as points of light on the display face. The incandescent lights in the enclosure emit heat, as a result of which the layer of aluminum foil reacts to bring about a tightening and smoothing of the display face.

Abstract: A toy assembly is presented wherein board means is adapted to receive a plurality of separate light transmitting pegs. The board means generally forms the bottom wall of an enclosure in turn provided with a generally planar cover such that the pegs and other includable portions of the toy may be conveniently stored therein. The inner surface of the cover is provided with a light reflective surface that is upwardly disposed when the cover has been removed and attached to the toy so as to serve as a support for the board means. The board means is disposed at an acute angular relationship to the reflective surface such that light incidence upon said surface is reflected to those peg portions disposed in the board means. This construction eliminates the need of an included light source with the toy as well as forming of a self-contained storage and transport container.

Abstract: A mobile radiotelephone station set base is provided with a pushbutton dialing pad in a first face and has a rectangular card-receiving slot in an adjacent face and opening into a card-receiving pocket extending into the base parallel to the first face. A flexible rectangular card for inscribing frequently used numbers is provided and suitably dimensioned so that when the card is in the base slot and pocket it is deformed for frictionally engaging the pocket walls. This engagement holds the card at any manually selectable degree of penetration into the pocket and such penetration is selected by a user so that a desired number inscribed on the card is indexed at the slot adjacent to the pushbutton dialing pad.

Abstract: A bar display comprising incandescent segmented display module presenting a plurality of dot positions to the viewer wherein a plurality of miniature incandescent lamps illuminate all the segments except one, the latter segment being illuminated by an elongated incandescent lamp capable of illuminating not only this one remaining segment but all segments or supplementing the miniature lamps depending on ambient light conditions. This arrangement permits a fully lighted dot position bar display with only one lamp thus saving power or permits a dot position bar display with each individual miniature lamp illuminated separately or a bar display responding to ambient lamp conditions, by utilizing only the elongated lamp alone or the elongated lamp plus the miniature lamps as desired.