Having Multiple Function (i.e., Illumination Per Se) Patents (Class 40/553)
  • Patent number: 11073263
    Abstract: An installation assembly for a lighting fixture comprises first and second loading bars. The first loading bar is slidably connected to a first side of the lighting fixture and configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first loading bar. The first loading bar comprises a first projecting portion. The second loading bar is connected to a second side of the lighting fixture opposite to the first side and comprises a second projecting portion. The troffer has first and second recessed portions respectively on two opposite inner side walls thereof. The first loading bar is configured to slide to a first position to allow the first and second projecting portions to pass through an opening of the troffer, and configured to slide to a second position, to enable the first and second projecting portions to respectively fit into the first and second recessed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: CURRENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Shouyong Zhou, Honglei Gao, Cuijuan Zhou
  • Patent number: 10935216
    Abstract: An external display may support bias lighting via lights located on the rear of the display. Embodiments provide a baffle connected to the rear of the display such that the baffle redirects light output from the rear-facing bias lights. Rather than redirect bias light output off a surface behind the display, embodiments provide a known surface for redirecting bias light output towards the front side of a display. A multi-segment baffle may be adjusted by articulating segments of the baffle and modifying the angles of redirection of the bias light output. Such adjustments modify the size of an opening between the baffle and the display and thus alter the characteristics of the bias light output. An inner surface of the baffle may be coated with a reflective material to improve efficiency. The baffle may be formed from a portion of a rear cover of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Guentaek Oh, Daehyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10276072
    Abstract: An illuminated sign for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base, an upright member extending from the base and having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a head portion connected to the upper portion of the upright member. The illuminated sign includes at least one light source having a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is associated with a first group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The second mode is associated with a second group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The sign includes a sign controller in communication with the at least one light source. The sign controller is configured to enable the first mode in response to detecting a selection of the first group of vehicle wash services. The sign controller is also configured to enable the second mode in response to detecting a selection of the second group of vehicle wash services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater, Jerry A. Kotrych
  • Patent number: 8878666
    Abstract: An emergency exit sign having a beacon module for indoor positioning and an indoor positioning system using the same are provided. The emergency exit sign includes a power supply unit, an AC/DC converter, an indoor positioning beacon module, an LED lamp, and a charger. The power supply unit receives an input of a power source and supplies the power source. The AC/DC converter converts the power source supplied and supplies a driving power source. The indoor positioning beacon module periodically wireless transmits a beacon signal including a beacon ID through a built-in antenna. The LED lamp is installed within the housing such that the lamp is positioned in rear of the display. When a power source is not supplied from the power supply unit, the charger supplies a driving power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Winitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyo Koan Chu
  • Publication number: 20140259828
    Abstract: An improved fire exit sign is installed at the floor-level threshold of an emergency exit doorway, and is provided with a set of Light-Emitting-Diodes (LEDs), preferably red, embedded in transparent epoxy. The lights would be wired into the emergency illumination system in a building, and may optionally be configured to blink. The epoxy, and the cover and frame, would be strong enough to sustain the weight of persons moving through the doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Olson
  • Patent number: 8479424
    Abstract: A sign for the displaying of a number of characters in either a first orientation or at least one additional orientation. The sign includes a frame and a series of characters, including at least one variable position character, mounted to the frame. The variable position character is movable relative to the frame such that it may be read in different positions, to display a message when the variable position character is either in a first orientation or a second orientation. The variable position character may be interconnected with the frame via a pivoting mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the variable position character. The pivoting mechanism may include a latching mechanism that secures the variable position character in a selected orientation. The characters may each include a source of illumination, such as LEDs, that are interconnected with a power supply for selectively illuminating the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: C-M GLO, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Martin, Aaron W. Smith, Chamy Chiachen Lutz, Lisa M. Small
  • 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: 8371052
    Abstract: An illuminated sign that includes a base configured to face a front direction and configured to be placed in a first orientation and a second orientation when the base faces the front direction. A first character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between a first position facing the front direction and a second position facing the front direction. A second character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between the first position facing the front direction and the second position facing the front direction. A rotation mechanism is configured to enable at least one of the first character and the second character to rotate between the first and the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Everbrite, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Boyles, Beth Donnelly, Robert Mathson
  • Patent number: 8232896
    Abstract: A traditional pedestrian signal housing with a video display screen mounted to a pedestrian side of the traditional pedestrian signal housing is disclosed. The video display screen is mounted to the pedestrian side of the pedestrian signal housing by way of a face plate. Tunnel visors may be attached to the traditional pedestrian signal housing to prevent cross traffic from being distracted by the visual images displayed on the video display screen. The information displayed on the video display screen may be advertisements, information, directions, etc. Local or national entities may pay for advertisements to generate revenues for the cities or governmental entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Keller
  • Publication number: 20120180349
    Abstract: An illustrative electrical system device includes a mountable electrical system device body defining a retaining region between first and second retaining surfaces for retaining an indicia-bearing body. The retaining region extends to at least one of first and second opposite sides of the electrical system device body to receive the indicia-bearing body from the at least one of the first and second opposite sides, indicia-bearing bodies, and a kit including an electrical system device and an indicia-bearing body, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: William James Ekins
  • Patent number: 8109020
    Abstract: An illuminated sign that includes a base configured to face a front direction and configured to be placed in a first orientation and a second orientation when the base faces the front direction. A first character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between a first position facing the front direction and a second position facing the front direction. A second character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between the first position facing the front direction and the second position facing the front direction. A rotation mechanism is configured to enable at least one of the first character and the second character to rotate between the first and the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Everbrite, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Boyles, Beth Donnelly, Robert Mathson
  • Patent number: 7857484
    Abstract: A lighting panel includes a structural panel, a plurality of inserts containing microminiature light sources, such as LEDs, mounted in openings in the panel or in an appliqué applied thereto, a plurality of electrically conductive traces written on the upper surface of the panel so as to make electrical interconnections with respective leads of the light sources, and a decorative film applied over a bottom surface of the panel and the light sources, the decorative film being translucent or transparent or containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, each corresponding in location to a respective one of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Marshall, Gregory W. Nelson, Bradley J. Mitchell, Brock J. Prince
  • Publication number: 20100299983
    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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Lingli Wang
  • Publication number: 20100275478
    Abstract: A combination exit sign and emergency light is provided, wherein the emergency light is disposed along a bottom, portion of the exit sign. The bottom portion of the housing is formed with a recessed section intermediate opposing side flange portions, with a light bar incorporating LEDs being mounted in the recess section to provide emergency lighting during power outages and emergency situations. The bar is white in color on the outside, except a bottom portion of the bar is left clear for the free transmission of light. With this construction, at least a substantial majority of fight generated by the LEDs will be directed out of the bottom portion, while the side portions are also preferably lit thereby providing a more intense light out of the bottom portion to assure adequate illumination leading to a suitable exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: BEST LIGHTING PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ping Shuo Kuan, Jeffrey S. Katz
  • Patent number: 7824074
    Abstract: A display with illumination function, comprising: a display body, including a display screen; a support, have a top and a base, said top includes at least one of the pivot member joint to one side of display body allow the display body to rotate freely; a light source disposed around the display screen; and a stand connected to the base of the support. When the surrounding environment has insufficient lighting for reading or using the display, the user can simply turn on the light source to illuminates the display screen and work area, without the needs of additional lamps or other lighting devices which can occupy extra desk space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Stephen Tsai, Li-Li Lai
  • Patent number: 7757419
    Abstract: A holding device for attaching a ceiling sign to a ceiling structure contains a base for attaching the ceiling elements and an adapter part for attaching the ceiling sign, the adapter part can be folded down from the base together with the ceiling sign in order to remove the ceiling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Horst, Stephan Röpke
  • Publication number: 20090241390
    Abstract: Provided are apparatus, methods and systems for providing lighting and communication. An apparatus may include a solid-state lighting panel including multiple solid-state light emitters and an input module that is configured to receive an input signal from a lighting panel group controller that is configured to collaboratively control multiple solid-state lighting panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: John Roberts
  • Patent number: 7406787
    Abstract: An illuminated sign (2) comprises a sign panel (5) and at least two elements of electroluminescent material (14, 15) each element being individually selectively actuable and arranged to emit light so as to illuminate the sign panel. Each element may be used as a photodetector or a photo-emitter. A retro-reflective strip (10) may provide additional visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Stephan Trevor Smith, Mark Southgate Walter, Mike Bodeckyj
  • Patent number: 7287347
    Abstract: An exit sign for use in hazardous atmospheres including an explosion-proof housing and a sign panel with indicia thereon. The housing prevents the ignition of gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure due to sparks, flashes or an explosion of the gas or vapor within the enclosure by providing an ample heat sink surface along any flame path to cool gases escaping from the housing. The sign panel preferably includes one or more transparent sheets which are edge lit from a light source contained in the explosion-proof housing that shines through a window in the housing into the top edge of the sign panel to illuminate the face(s) and the indicia thereon. The light source utilizes a number of long life light emitting diodes. The exit sign preferably includes a sealed maintenance-fee rechargeable battery for powering the light source when externally supplied power to the exit sign is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Rig-A-Lite Partnership Ltd.
    Inventor: Syed Q. Hasan
  • Patent number: 7246911
    Abstract: A display device having a display background and a light. The display background has a decorative field into which an indicator is disposed. The light is disposed rearwardly of the display background such that illumination of the light illuminates the indicator to permit a viewer to distinguish between the indicator and a remainder of the decorative field. The indicator forms a portion of the decorative field and is indistinguishable from the remainder of the decorative field when the light is not illuminated. A method for forming a display device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Fong
  • Patent number: 7014061
    Abstract: A household-use receptacle has a one-piece glass body having a side wall forming an annular upper edge defining an upwardly open mouth and having an inner surface and an outer surface and a floor unitarily joined to a lower edge of the side wall and forming with the side wall an upwardly open and laterally closed interior. The side wall is formed with at least one horizontally throughgoing hole having an annular inner edge. A decorative jewel is fixedly secured in the hole and projects horizontally past one of the side-wall surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Herner Glas Bernd Hoffbauer GmbH & Co. Leuchten und Industrieglas KG
    Inventor: Bernd Hoffbauer
  • Patent number: 6968640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a half mirror reflector having an LED road sign, which can be used as a reflector in the daytime and as both a reflector and a road sign in the nighttime. The half mirror reflector comprises: a support plate attached to a support rod; a half mirror fixed to the support plate; an LED road sign mounted on the support plate under the half mirror and having a plurality of LEDs; a PCB substrate mounted on the support plate under the half mirror to control the operation of the LED road sign; and a solar battery module provided at the upper part of the support rod to generate a voltage for operating the LED road sign and supply the voltage to the PCB substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Kil Suo Lee
  • Publication number: 20030208938
    Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling display that has a generally rectangular panel. A lip is attached generally around a portion of the perimeter of the panel. The lip is receivable by the grid of a suspended ceiling. An advertisement attached to the panel serves to promote the attributes of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Tracy Cink, Edouard D. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20030204976
    Abstract: A lighting fixture is disclosed which projects light along the wall on which it is mounted. The fixture also illuminates a frontal, multi-colored informational and/or decorative display. The frontal display consists of a variety of sandwiched light transmitting colored elements such as marbles that permit creation of customized and adjustable illuminated signage/decoration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Lee A. Doerr, Janice M. Doerr
  • Patent number: 6637904
    Abstract: A wireless quick release lighting system with portable tripod support powered by either disposable or rechargeable batteries. The tripod is easily collapsed and stored with the light, mounts and accessories and includes a quick release connection for attaching brackets that support a plurality of accessories which include various light designs, gun support, gun mount, window mount, and magnetic mount. The tripod includes reflectors attached to the legs, and lighting accessories attachable to one or more of the tripod legs. The light designs may include flashing or blinking emergency lights and/or strobes for emergency scene use, utility lights, spotlights, flashing spotlight, text and warning lights. The accessories attachable to the mounting brackets include gun barrel support and gun mount for hunting purposes law enforcement, military, in combination with a binocular support, night vision scope or spotting scope mount and light for target practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Refugio E. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6629766
    Abstract: An illuminating mailbox address indication device includes a generally rectangular shaped housing mounted on a top portion of a mailbox wherein at least one longitudinal wall is removable. Enclosed within the housing is a light means powered by at least one rechargeable battery energized by a solar cell mounted upon the housing top wall in a recess formed therein. A photosensitive cell operates a switch to permit the light means to illuminate when a pre-determined threshold has been exceeded relevant to the amount of ambient light present around the mailbox (i.e., at night). At least one of the longitudinal housing side walls is translucent and further supports indica stenciled thereupon which represents the address of the property associated with the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne Cathel
  • Publication number: 20030172569
    Abstract: A back illuminated ceiling mounted display panel attaches to the outside of the framework of ceiling panels and overlaps the grid of the framework to include a total covering of the ceiling light fixture with the panel on and or the panel off. The display attaches to the outside panel ceiling framework, and covers the actual frame of the ceiling fluorescent light box, or can attach to the frame of the light box. The attachment mechanism is a strip that clips the outer length of the framework of the ceiling panel to the frame of the fluorescent light box. When properly mounted, the strips are flush mounted on the ceiling grid system and attaches securely between the light box and the ceiling grid system, and or framework of the suspended ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas E. Wickwire
  • Publication number: 20030024143
    Abstract: The advertising display module of the present invention, in its broadest aspect, can be utilized in combination with a suspended ceiling as a ceiling panel to provide a decorative or ornate ceiling appearance. However, the module is particularly unique in its application as an advertising display module for use with such suspended ceilings, in that it provides a simple planar surface upon which advertising indicia can be placed. The advertising display module is formed of translucent material and can be removably substituted for any one of the ceiling panels, so that they may be strategically substituted for the ceiling panels at any location within the ceiling. More particularly still, the advertising display modules can be utilized in combination with the lighting fixtures normally provided in such suspended ceilings or, alternatively, can themselves be provided with lighting means, so that a lighted advertising display module is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Floyd E. Mount
  • Patent number: 6473002
    Abstract: A split-phase pedestrian head traffic signal having directional light beams and a variable beamwidth. The pedestrian heads are selectively controlled such that half-way through a control cycle, a pedestrian half-way across the street may see a “walk” signal, while a pedestrian still at the far side of the street will actually see a “stop hand” signal. A pair of pedestrian heads each having a split-phase facilitate the beam steering such that the appropriate walk or stop hand signal are viewed by the pedestrian at the appropriate location. An area array of LEDs in combination with a Fresnel lens is selectively controlled such that light generated from the respective head can be directed toward different positions of the street for informing pedestrians at different locations attempting to cross the street.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Power Signal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 6397531
    Abstract: Relatively thin collectibles such as movie posters and sports jerseys, as well as relatively thin works of art and the like are displayed through transparent bottom wall regions of relatively thin protective enclosures that are sized the same as and substituted for selected ceiling tile in a suspended ceiling. Each of the protective enclosures has a top wall that overlies at least a transparent region of the enclosure's bottom wall. Preferably the protective enclosures are generally square or rectangular to correspond with the size and shape of the ceiling tile they replace, and have top and bottom walls that extend substantially the full widths and lengths of the enclosures for being connected near their perimeters to cooperate directly or with short upstanding side walls to define thin display compartments that are closed to minimize the circulation of ambient air therethrough for protectively housing collectibles that are to be displayed through transparent central regions of the bottom walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel R. Martin
  • Patent number: 6299325
    Abstract: An illuminating mailbox address indication device includes a generally rectangular shaped housing mounted on a top portion of a mailbox. Enclosed within the housing is a light means powered by a set of batteries which are rechargeably energized by a solar cell mounted upon the housing. A photosensitive cell operates a switch to permit the light means to illuminate when a pre-determined threshold has been exceeded relevant to the amount of ambient light present around the mailbox. The housing walls are translucent and further include indica stenciled thereupon which represent the address of the property associated with the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne Cathel
  • Patent number: 6271814
    Abstract: A dual message advertising display system having a variable electronic display and a fixed printed display formed on a shared display screen. The display screen includes fixed information printed thereon, such as an advertisement, logo, or other message. The display screen further includes a plurality of apertures formed there through to provide visual access to an electronic display positioned behind the display screen. The apertures are formed a predetermined spacing apart from each other so that the fixed information printed on the display screen remains easily perceivable and non-distorted to an onlooker. The predetermined spacing of the apertures is also selected to cause the message appearing on the electronic display to obscure the fixed printed information on the display by causing the onlooker to focus upon the electronic display message when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Andy K. F. Kaoh
  • Patent number: 6135622
    Abstract: An improved changeable visual display lamp, having the ability to accept single piece cylinder sheets of artwork, or other items for display, where the cylinder is able to be inserted into the confines of an annular tubing through the removal of a single piece of the lamp. The two variations of this lamp allow cylindrical items to either be inserted through the bottom of the lamp by the removal of a single plate, or through the top of the lamp, through the removal of a single ring, where the ring covers a circular gap that extends around a centrally located socket. No tools are necessary to change the item or items being displayed, the person changing the display is not exposed to electrical shock, and the time required to change the display is reduced to a nimum. Benefits of the ring are seen where the ring may be removed, and single piece cylinder artwork is removed or inserted, without even unplugging or disassembling the lamp, other than manipulation of the single ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: George M. Downing
  • Patent number: 6009649
    Abstract: A promotional amusement device including a handle element which includes a grip portion at its lower end, and a spherical globe portion at the upper end. A series of three telescopically arranged tubular members are arranged to be nestled within the handle member, and including a spring member associated with the tubular members in order to extend the tubular members into a fully extended position. A transparent stretchable boot is provided and arranged to be nested within the upper spherical globe portion of the handle, and includes a top cap mounted on the inner most tubular member and which also provides a rest point for the transparent stretchable boot. Upon release of the spring member, the tubular members are fully extended to the open position and carry with it the transparent stretchable boot to its fully extended position. The boot, spherical globe portion and handle member are all adapted to carry promotional indicia thereon which are displayed when the boot is fully extended by the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Bianchi
  • Patent number: 5598652
    Abstract: A lamp base comprising an external transparent sleeve and an interior, outwardly tensioning rigid or semi-rigid thin flexible sleeve or sheet which bears upon the interior of the external transparent sleeve due to outward tension. The rigid or semi-rigid thin flexible sleeve or sheet is capable of securing decorative materials such as wall paper or upholstery or items of specialized sentimental value such as photos or any other pliable flat materials of special interest to the owner. The decorative materials may be easily and repeatedly changed as desired by the owner of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: David F. Nurre
  • Patent number: 5572819
    Abstract: A light bulb or lighting element protector apparatus is disclosed which comprises a socket assembly, a cage assembly, wherein the cage assembly further comprises a means for protecting a light bulb, a message area wherein the message area is located on the cage assembly, a word, a message or a logo wherein the word, message or logo is located on or in the message area, and a means for latching the cage assembly to the socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Ferdinand Topinka, John A. Jeneral
  • Patent number: 5536558
    Abstract: A display is constructed from translucent fluorescent plastic sheet material providing an ambient light capturing and intensifying light conduit. Area dimensions are selected appropriate to a sign or other display and a thickness is selected for structural support of the display and for capturing, intensifying and conducting ambient light along the thickness of the light conduit to intensify captured light as in a wave guide. A substantially opaque reflective layer is formed on one side of the light conduit. A decorative layer is formed over the reflective layer and is selected to provide a desired sign decor. Grooves are formed in the light conduit through the reflective decorative coating in the pattern of the selected display. The grooves are formed to a depth to intercept light captured in the light conduit. The grooves provide angled surfaces which refract, capture and illuminate light out of the light conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: K. David Shelton
    Inventor: K. David Shelton
  • Patent number: 5420763
    Abstract: A lighting fixture disclosed is designed for installation in a cove of a public transit vehicle providing ready access to a space behind it, without requiring a variety of specially designed fixtures for special access requirements. The fixture comprises a pair of battens extending generally vertically to support the fixture, a longitudinally extending card panel supported in movable relationship by the battens and having a groove adapted to mount an advertisement card, a socket connected to each of the battens cooperating to mount a fluorescent lamp, and a bezel supported by the battens and supporting a lens covering the mounted lamp. Access to the space is obtained by releasing a lower edge of the card panel and rotating it about pivot pins to an open position. Similarly, the bezel is pivoted to provide access to the mounted lamp. An advertisement car card placed on the card panel is retained at a lower edge by the card panel throughout the pivotal displacement of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Gulton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy I. Vanderhoof
  • Patent number: 5365378
    Abstract: The invention is a convex mirror for surveillance purposes, in combination with an advertising message, and the method of fabricating same. A removable mask is attached to the interior of the surface to be mirrored, and a non-reactive removable liquid mask is applied to the openings in the removable mask. The removable mask is removed, and a mirror material is applied to the surface. The liquid mask is allowed to solidify, then removed, leaving one or more transparent areas in the surface of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Paul Sorko-Ram
  • Patent number: 5282331
    Abstract: A display module for attachment to the framing members adjacent a lighting fixture. The module is comprised of a light transmissive trough which is suspended beneath the lighting fixture and receives its light from the fixture without substantially impairing the illumination available to the area beneath the light fixture. The modules may be used individually or combined with other modules to create different geometric patterns of display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: M & M Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Fell
  • Patent number: 5025355
    Abstract: A combination lighting fixture and graphic display means is disclosed for suspension from a ceiling having a concealed raceway for wiring and lighting transformers, while at the same time having an integral lighting track to which may be mounted track lights and which also produces direct downward lighting, and indirect uplighting, while providing illuminated display panels to which graphics may be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
  • Patent number: 4969282
    Abstract: An illuminated display or sign includes a hollow glass block defining a closed chamber. One or more block walls are severable for access to the chamber. A neon display or other light source of any configuration is mounted upon the glass block and includes tubular extensions sealed through one wall of the block enclosing electrodes within the chamber. A transformer is enclosed within the chamber with output leads connected to the electrodes. A switch is mounted upon the block and projects into the chamber with a exterior control. Electric leads are connectable to a power source then into the block and are connected to the transformer with a switch interposed in one of the electrical leads within the chamber. As a modification, a display sign is supported within the chamber. As a further modification, two or more glass blocks are arranged in a row or intersecting rows to form a panel, with an independent display in each block or a unit display extending into and enclosed by a plurality of adjacent blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Wolfgang R. Eberhart
  • Patent number: 4947570
    Abstract: A display unit having at least five translucent panels on which messages can be printed, including end panels, side panels and bottom panels. The side panels are adapted to support the bottom panel and the end panels are adapted to support both the side and the end panels are adapted to support both the side and bottom panels. The side panels are further adapted to fit into the support grid of the suspended ceiling over a fluorescent light fixture. Such a display unit can be easily installed on the ceiling of a store, with no tools, in order to display advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Wesco Promotions, Inc.
    Inventors: Proctor May, Jack Hughes
  • Patent number: 4940301
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a holographic image in order to create an eerie spiritual visual image which can be used in conjunction with religious pictures in hologram form or an eerie visual image of decorative scenes for home or office furnishing purposes or Halloween or other scary situations. A holographic film incorporating an image therein is placed between two plates of optically transparent material such as glass. A direct source of illumination of the image through candlelight set at the focal point distance in front of the hologram film, within its focal plane and at a location no lower than the lowermost point of the holographic image creates the enhanced image and eerie effect in a dark room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Katalin Sallai
  • Patent number: 4924363
    Abstract: An attention-attracting device for use e.g. beneath a supermarket shelf has light-emitting diodes at the front of the device for presenting a visually noticeable signal to persons in the vicinity of the device, the light-emitting diodes being intermittently energized to cause the signal to be flashing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Dapopp Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Bradley F. Kornelson
  • Patent number: 4901461
    Abstract: A system for identifying a house includes a display unit mounted outside the house, the display unit housing a plurality of bulbs for back lighting a translucent panel, with numbers affixed thereto. A combined control module/power pack within the house and in electrical communication with the display unit. The power pack includes an electronic control circuit for selectively providing a plurality of modes of operation, including an automatic operation (e.g. the display unit goes on at dusk and off at dawn), manual operation, blinking white display, and blinking red display, plus an override in any mode, including an off mode. The blinking display signals an emergency condition. A separate status display enables a home owner to give a status signal to a person outside the house to give warning of such thing as the presence of a home invader, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Light-House Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Edwards, Kevin S. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4837569
    Abstract: An improved traffic signal directional indicator device comprises a housing which may be mounted onto a conventional traffic signal and be illuminated to provide indicia pertaining to a motorist's particular direction of travel, i.e. North, Northeast, South, etc. The improved traffic signal directional indicator device may be rapidly retrofitted onto existing traffic signals and function without adversely affecting the normal operation of the traffic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Fred C. Sproul, Sr., Patents, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred C. Sproul, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4805329
    Abstract: A self-powered computerized advertisement board is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of wind-driven illuminating units to provide the requisite electrical power. The invention includes an electrical power handling circuit and a control circuit to store and distribute the electrical power and to control the illumination of the bulbs associated with the wind-driven illuminating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Hung-Chie Tsai
  • Patent number: 4638605
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism for connecting a light box to a telephone enclosure includes a first bracket, a second bracket and an optional back plate. The device permits installation of a light box in the field by one individual working alone, using no tools other than a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Redyref-Pressed & Welded, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Rosa
  • Patent number: 4611265
    Abstract: An emergency light (48) is mounted within a central rear portion of a housing (12). The emergency (48) is positioned closely adjacent the central portion of a planar reflective surface (52) which is parallel to a translucent wall (30) of the housing (12) on which address indicia appears. The housing (12) also includes a light (44) which is turned on when it becomes dark, and which stays on to illuminate the address. A remote control circuit is provided for the emergency light (48) so that the light can be turned on by a person inside of a house or building on in front of which the lighted address display is located, so that such person can signal to a neighbor or a passer-by that help is needed in the house or building, or that an intruder is inside the house or building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Inventor: Dennis G. Davis