Abstract: An information display board with improved display performance by light-extending light sources is revealed. The information display board includes a display board and a plurality of light-extending light sources each of which consists of a light emitting diode (LED) and a reflective panel. The LED has a light emitting side and a backside while the reflective panel is disposed on the light emitting side of the LED for reflecting a part of light emitted from the light emitting side to the display board on the backside to form an expanded area. Thus illuminance and illuminated area of information shown on the display board are increased. By continuous lighting generated, messages/information shown on the information display board such as traffic sign can be read more clearly and comfortably.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided herein. A grille has raised members pointing in a vehicle-forward direction. Light sources are disposed within each raised member and a photoluminescent structure is coupled to each raised member and is configured to luminesce in response to light excitation from one or more of the light sources.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided primarily for use with emergency response vehicles. The vehicle lighting system includes at least one luminescent planar sheet affixed to a vehicle's mounting surface. The luminescent planar sheet includes a non-luminescent printed circuit board in the shape of a letter or number which has a top surface of a color which contrasts with the mounting surface's color. The luminescent planar sheet includes a plurality of light emitting LEDs which are surface mounted upon the printed circuit board so as to be arranged in the shape of the desired letter or number with the LEDs covering no more than 20% of the printed circuit board's top surface. Preferably, the LEDs cover no more than 7% the printed circuit board's top surface.

Abstract: The illuminated sign includes a frame defining a space, a light emitting module received in the space and having a plurality of light emitting members disposed on a circuit substrate, an optical path conversion component provided on the frame to correspond to the light emitting members, and a light uniformizing component positioned a distance above the optical path conversion component. The space is compartmented to form a predetermined pattern, projecting a desired signal when the light emitting members in different compartments of the space are selectively illuminated.

Abstract: A holder for supporting electrified inserts that may vary in width, comprises a base having a groove into which the insert can be placed. Two or more gaskets can be positioned in the groove with each gasket including a resilient section adapted to engage the insert so as to retain the insert securely in place within the groove. Each of the gaskets also includes an electrical conductor, such as an electrical wire, which may be embedded in the gasket, in a position where it makes electrical contact with the electrical terminals on the insert.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing apparatus is provided which includes a vibration absorbing mechanism equipped with a spring mechanism and an elastic member. The elastic member is made of a non-metallic material and of a cylindrical shape. The elastic member is arranged coaxially with the spring mechanism and has a spring constant in a radial direction thereof which is lower than that in an axial direction thereof. The spring mechanism works to absorb vibration applied thereto in the axial direction thereof. The elastic member works to absorb vibration applied thereto in the radial direction thereof.

Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Abstract: A sign holder for supporting electrified sign inserts that may vary in width, comprises a base having a groove into which the sign insert can be placed. In the preferred embodiment, two or more gaskets are positioned in the groove with each gasket including a resilient section adapted to engage the sign insert so as to retain the sign insert securely in place within the groove. Each of the gaskets also includes an electrical conductor, such as an electrical wire, which may be embedded in the gasket, in a position where it makes electrical contact with the electrical terminals on the sign insert.

Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Abstract: A channel sign assembly is provided having a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides which define the figuration of the sign assembly or shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is retained by a screw-less retainer cap secured to the sign assembly.

Abstract: A lighting display system having an anti-theft feature has a mounting structure having at least one mounting plate having a front side and a back side, first and second conductor lines carried by the at least one mounting plate, and a plurality of luminescent bodies, wherein each of the plurality of luminescent bodies has first and second contact plugs exposed at a back side of the luminescent body and connected to the first and second conductor lines where a line extending between centres of the first and second contact plugs is oriented at an angle of more than 105° or less than 85° relative to a direction of extension of the first conductor line, and a plurality of light sources electrically connected to the first and second conductor lines via the first and second plugs and fixing members.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided having a panel including a plurality of circuit units on a dielectric surface. The circuit units include electrically conductive traces and at least one light emitting diode (LED). At least some of the circuit units have contacts for supplying power to the LED. The circuit units are preferably electrically interconnected so that power provided to one circuit unit also supplied power to at least a group of the circuit units. The apparatus with the circuit units may be cut or shaped to a predetermined or desired shape. Also provided are methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: An illuminated, shallow weatherproof signage character has individual three dimensional back-lighted/front/side and/or silhouette-lighting, with frosted areas of plastic, with virtually no limitation on the size or number of individual characters, which may be moulded or machined from solid plastic, which is U/V protected. Miniature, preferably LED lamps are concealed in the character. The life of the LED lamps is extended by limiting the applied voltage and the “on” time. The signage characters are usually elevated from their supporting surface, to effect back-lighting. Colored LED's or a RBG LED, can be used selectively to color the plastic signage.

Abstract: A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed in a customized housing produce bright colored light simulating the appearance of a neon sign. The housing includes an opaque portion that reflects light from the LEDs and a translucent portion shaped in the form of an image or lettering that diffuses light from the LEDs. The inside surface of the opaque portion has a polished reflective surface while the outside surface has a dull textured surface. Light emanating from the LEDs propagates through the translucent portion of the housing appearing to a viewer as a bright uniform and colorful light similar in appearance to the light emitted from a neon sign.

Abstract: A vehicle backlit panel includes a base substrate, an electroluminescent element and an outer substrate. The electroluminescent element is disposed on one side of the base substrate. The outer substrate overlies the electroluminescent element. The outer substrate includes a translucent substrate portion having areas of different thicknesses as measured in a direction of illumination through the outer substrate to form a three-dimensional graphic image with a three-dimensional appearance resulting from different translucency levels of the areas of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A trim cap for a sign cabinet such as a channel letter includes an elongated formable band along with a pressure activated adhesive layer that is connected to the band. The adhesive layer is conformable to facilitate adherence of the trim cap to the edge of a sign face of the light cabinet. Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises a pressure activated adhesive and a foam layer that includes a plurality of polymeric microspheres.

Abstract: An illuminated sign or nametag achieving the even glow and brightness of neon light displays without neon light tubes. Each character or symbol of the sign or nametag contains a plurality of light emitting members. Each such indicia comprises a light diffusion layer illuminated by light emitting members disposed on, near or in the light diffusion layer. A permanent or temporary masking layer partially covers the light diffusion layer to form a glowing border around the masking layer. Reflective layers covering either or both faces of the light diffusion layer may be used to intensify the light emitted therefrom. By the particular arrangement of the reflective surfaces relative to the light diffusion layer, electromagnetic radiation in the form of visible light from the light emitting members is controlled to provide an aura that enhances formed outlines or contours of light around the indicia making up the sign.

Abstract: A sign letter includes a front plate, a back plate, and a side wall sandwiched between the front and back plate. The side wall includes a plurality of cavities formed by removal of side wall material for allowing the side wall to be easily bent to the shape of the sign letter. The side wall also comprises one-piece construction and includes at least one feature integral thereto that allows joining of the side wall with either the front plate or the back plate. The sign letter is automatically formed on a router with computer instructions to cut the front plate, the back plate and the side wall and to remove unnecessary material therefrom. The sign letter also includes a lighting system for illuminating the sign letter.

Abstract: A trim cap for a sign cabinet such as a channel letter includes an elongated formable band along with a pressure activated adhesive layer that is connected to the band. The adhesive layer is conformable to facilitate adherence of the trim cap to the edge of a sign face of the light cabinet. Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises a pressure activated adhesive and a foam layer that includes a plurality of polymeric microspheres.

Abstract: A light system, including a channel sign having a cover, walls and a bottom; a power source; a wire harness coupled to the power source; a flexible conductor strip coupled to the wire harness, the flexible conductor strip defining solder pad openings and the flexible conductor strip coupled to the channel sign, the flexible conductor strip being foldable; a socket mounted to the flexible conductor strip, the socket including pin receptacles in electrical contact through the solder pad openings; and a light having conductive pins, the conductive pins disposed in the pin receptacles and a method of installing lights including mounting a flexible conductor strip to a structure; supplying power to the flexible conductor strip; electrically connecting lights to the flexible conductor strip to power the lights; and exchanging burned out lights with operable lights without removing the flexible conductor strip.

Abstract: An assembly for illuminating a sign having an enclosure covered by a translucent panel includes a plurality of track molding sections, each having at least one circuit board electrically connecting a plurality of LEDs mounted thereon, integrated into a unitary structure by brackets or a stencil with the molding sections secured in a configuration suitable to be inserted into the enclosure and to illuminate the translucent panel. The unitary structure is secured in the enclosure into which has been inserted by sheet metal screws, epoxy glue, double backed adhesive strips or the like. Preferably, if brackets are used, at least two of the brackets extend to a side wall of the enclosure and a plurality of screws fasten the brackets to the side walls of the enclosure to which they extend.

Abstract: An illuminated splash guard includes a matrix of light emitting diodes (LED) arranged in a preconfigured matrix to direct a desired signal rearwardly of the splash guard organization. The light emitting diodes are arranged within the direct current circuit of an associated vehicle and may optionally be of a plug-in arrangement or in a modified aspect of the invention, include a snap-on illumination member containing a series of the light emitting diodes throughout, wherein the member is in turn mechanically associated with the direct current circuit of the vehicle. A further modification of the invention includes a translucent illumination member secured to the flexible mud flap member, wherein the translucent member includes a fiber optic cable including a series of spaced light emitting diode members arranged at terminal and juncture portions of the translucent member to effect illumination thereof.

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 modular illuminated display has individual symbol elements each with small electric ampules spaced apart therein and selectively mounted on a U-section rail so that terminals of the symbol elements can mechanically support them on the rail and effect electrical connection between conductors and the inner walls of the rail with the lamp ampules of the mounted symbol elements.

Abstract: A self luminous character comprises a transparent light carrier having a plan shape defining the desired shape of the character and includes a longitudinally extending recess housing one or more self luminous light sources. Light from the or each light source diffuses through the transparent light carrier and is reflected by reflector means to be emitted through a front surface of the carrier and illuminate the plan shape of the character.

Abstract: Disclosed is a graphics display system having a plurality of discrete light sources disposed along, and forming an integral part of, an illustration which is printed upon a shirt or other substrate. A battery-powered pre-programmed timing control circuit selectively illuminates the light sources disclosed as light-emitting diodes extending through openings in the shirt, to produce animation of the illustration and in particular motion of an item from one location on the illustration to a spaced location thereof.

Abstract: Illuminated characters or graphic symbols for external fixing to vehicles are constructed as active illuminating bodies and each includes a character shaped element, two deformable insulating layers and a cover formed to retain the shaped element and insulating layers together.

Abstract: A device for illuminating numbers being connected to a conventional low voltage transformer, preferably, across the contacts of a typical switch (momentary type). When the switch is closed, the short circuit bypasses the device's load (low power consumption) to activate the annunciator. The device includes a bracket assembly that slidably holds one or more number or letter assemblies. Opposite electrodes are positioned on the front of the bracket assembly in the upper and lower parts thereof and in cooperative electrical contact with the L.E.D. circuits defining those numbers or letters through contact pads disposed in opposite corners of the numeral or letter assemblies.

Abstract: An illuminated sign letter structure made up of an extruded plastic strip having a metal foil encased therein. One end of the strip is enlarged and has a ledge projecting outwardly from the strip. The opposite sides of the ledge are parallel and smooth for receiving the edges of a letter-form. The extruded plastic strip is formed into a letter shape and a letter-form of the letter shape is fixed in the frame to engage either the inner or the outer parallel, smooth ledge side. The metal foil may be straight or the end of the foil at the enlarged end of the extruded strip may be bent inwardly into the enlarged end.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.