Abstract: Pool stands, trays, devices, and methods for supporting beverage containers on the edge of a swimming pool while supporting a pool umbrella. One embodiment of the stand can be generally disc shaped with a lower front step portion, and a through-hole passing through the stand to allow an umbrella post to be supported therein. A clamping screw knob can lock the umbrella post to the stand. The stand can be positioned on the edge of a swimming pool so that shade from the umbrella can be provide to person(s) in the pool. Another embodiment can have a generally rectangular configuration with a lower front step portion that can also be positioned on the edge of a swimming pool so that shade from the umbrella can be provided to person(s) in the pool. The interior of the stands can be hollow, and can be filled with a ballast, such as sand or water.

Abstract: A linear luminaire includes a three-sided enclosure with a top that is at least translucent and a pair of depending sidewalls spaced apart by the top. The three-sided enclosure may be extruded from a plastic or, in some cases, co-extruded with two different materials so that the pair of sidewalls can be made of an opaque material. The three-sided enclosure may be open along a bottom aspect. An elongate rigid printed circuit board (PCB) carrying LED light engines is installed between the pair of sidewalls in slot structure defined on respective inner faces. The PCB may carry connecting structure staggered along the length of its underside. The PCB may also carry circuit components on its underside.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a hearing aid is disclosed. The hearing aid includes a housing, a light guide member, a first light source, and a second light source. The housing includes electronic components configured to generate a perceivable modulated signal in response to a received sound. The perceivable modulated signal is configured to produce a hearing sensation to a user of the hearing aid. The light guide member is arranged proximal to and/or within the housing. The first light source configured to emit a first colored light and a second light source configured to emit a second colored light. The first light source and the second light source are positioned within the housing and arranged in relation to the light guide member such that a substantial amount of the first colored light and a substantial amount of the second colored light are adapted to travel through the light guide member.

Abstract: An illuminated address display for a building and residence having a housing with a front wall with an inclined upper portion and vertical lower portion, solar cells on the inclined upper portion and a group of small rectangular panels suspended from the lower portion of the housing. On the small rectangular housing there is an address identifier consisting of alphanumeric digits which disclose the address of the residence or building. The alphanumeric digits have segments which extend through the panels and are backlit by light emitting diodes which are mounted on a removable cover on the bottom of the housing. Inside of the housing are batteries and a solar charge controller to prevent overcharging of the batteries and an “on/off” switch.

Abstract: A light bar for illuminating a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the light bar includes an elongated housing extending along an edge of the surface to be illuminated. The housing has a wall adjacent the surface to be illuminated, and at least portions of that wall are transparent. A series of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted within the housing and spaced along the length of the housing for illuminating the surface, and a connector couples the LEDs to an electrical power source for energizing the LEDs to produce light that illuminates the surface.

Abstract: An illuminated sign having a housing unit with a frame and one or more light emitting arrays to provide visible indicia and a backlight module for mounting a transparent backlight panel which is held in close contact with a reflection panel and optically positions a light emitting unit to emit light through the backlight panel for emission from the front of the sign. The replaceable sign member accommodates the display of visible indicia and is backlit by the light emitting unit. A light sensor is mounted on the backlight module for measuring ambient light. The light emitting unit can be driven by a signal from the light sensor to automatically set a contrast level of illumination to optimize the information presented by the illuminated sign.

Abstract: A lighting device configured for projecting a unique lighting to illuminate letters, figures and shapes displayed on the top of the device is disclosed. The letter and figures are interchangeable and maybe customized to individual tastes and interests. The lighting device comprises a chamber containing a light source and a plurality of reflector strips disposed in the inner portion of the chamber. The letters and figures are inserted into a longitudinal aperture at the top of the chamber and snapped onto a lip that protrudes from an aperture wall. An inclined reflector strip comprising of a plurality of flat portions and angled portions directs the light toward the bottom and sides of the letters and figures that permeates through the substantially transparent material the letters and figures comprise to produce the unique lighting effect. Alternatively, angled reflector tabs are used in lieu of the inclined reflector strip.

Abstract: A lighted sign having a front translucent surface surrounded by a skirt defining an opaque contour. A light diffuser is located behind an opaque zone of the skirt. Light is radiated from an internal light source through the light diffuser to provide an illuminated background for the opaque contour thereby increasing the contrast of the silhouette of the sign on a mounting surface. The front translucent surface is preferably back lit by the same internal source of light.

Abstract: An illuminated sign, internally illuminated by a source such as one or more LED'S generally located at one end, and having a character panel with at least partially transmissive portions to define the characters of the sign. The character panel is curved so as to face the source more squarely at distances further from the source. By this arrangement, the geometric fall-off of illumination with increasing distance from the source is compensated for by the curvature of the character panel, such that more uniform illumination is provided than with prior art flat panels. Power management systems for solar charged illuminated signs are also described, in which the illumination level of the sign is adjusted according to the ambient solar flux and according to the charge-holding capacity of the battery. The system also warns of the impending end of battery life without interrupting the sign functionality.

Abstract: A sign panel made of light transmitting material, has a front displaying side and a rear side, the sign panel has a background portion that is preferably a flat surface and a protruding portion that forms a sign character, wherein a lighting blocking layer attached to said background portion of the sign panel, and a highlight coating coated on said protruding portion of the rear side of the sign panel. Light can go through the protruding portion with a highlight coating. The sign panel can use without a complicated neon light tubes, and the sign panel contains no mercury versus argon based neon tubes. This is a huge win from the environmental side as there is no use for mercury inside LED signs.

Abstract: An illuminated sign having front, back and side surfaces. A plurality of first cavities are formed into the back surface of the sign. A plurality of light emitting modules are disposed in the plurality of first cavities. The modules each include a light emitting diode having an emission axis and for producing at least some light output generally parallel to the emission axis, an optical device disposed adjacent the light source having a reflective surface for reflecting the light output in directions that are generally perpendicular to the emission axis, and a guide element disposed adjacent the optical device for coupling the reflected light output into the interior of the sign. The guide element includes a second cavity formed therein in which the optical device is disposed. The front surface is illuminated by the coupled light output from the light emitting modules by reflection and/or diffusion inside the sign.

Abstract: An illuminated sign having an LED as a light source as claimed. A housing has a plurality of internal surfaces wherein at least one of the internal surfaces is a translucent surface. A reflective layer covers each of said internal surfaces except the translucent surface. At least one LED is positioned between the internal surfaces such that the illumination field of the LED is in a direction substantially opposite that of the translucent surface.

Abstract: A linear array of light emitting diodes with a lens stripe for evenly illuminating signs, which includes a linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for producing a light output, and an elongated lens stripe. The linear array of LEDs includes an elongated mounting member and a plurality of LEDs mounted along the length of the mounting member. The elongated lens stripe is attached to the linear array of LEDs, and includes a reflector portion and a lens portion. The reflector portion has two elongated and opposing side walls that form an elongated channel. The side walls are light reflective. The LEDs are disposed inside the channel. The channel side walls reflect the light output from the LEDs toward the elongated open end of the channel. The lens portion has an elongated lens disposed along the open end of the channel for focusing the light output from the LEDs.

Abstract: Flexible, fire resistant, layered reflecting and photoluminous material is provided which combines the advantages of a light reflective component and a luminescent component in a fire resistant structure which meets National Fire Protection Association standards for inclusion in firefighter's protective clothing. The material includes a first layer of microspherical glass bead or prismatic light reflective plastic material having an underlying surface formed with a plurality of minute prism-like formations projecting therefrom at regular spaced intervals and an overlying substantially smooth light transmissive surface; a second layer containing a homogeneous blend of a resin containing effective amounts of fire retardant, photoluminescent and, optionally luminescent additives; and a third layer which is a fire retardant fabric. The layers are joined at a first region such that the prism-like formations are substantially disabled or destroyed.

Abstract: The new framing system for signs provides a method of stretching the flexible sign material across the opening of a frame. The tensional devices are installed manually from the outside of the sign at regular spacings on the edges of the flexible sign material. The tensional devices are installed by closing the device on, and by the same movement, puncturing retaining holes on the edges of the flexible sign material. The adjustment of the tension of the flexible sign material is done by pushing inwardly on each tensional device to engage it onto a series of serrations inside a slot facing outwardly along the edges of the frame. The outside edges of the frame are held rigid with frame members extending from the bottom of the sign, and thus eliminating the need for support members, between the flexible sign material and the lamps, which normally transmit shadows to the face of the sign.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing a message comprises an elongated housing defiing an open front for releasable positioning of a first message panhel having opaque and transparent portions constituting the message of one's choice. A stationary fluorescent light tube is positioned within said housing. A multi-colored, translucent tubular sleeve is positioned for rotation about said light tube such that light passes through said sleeve to emit a seemingly moving array of colored lights. A trough-shaped reflective panel is positioned behind the light and sleeve within the housing such that light impinged upon its reflective surface is reflected to impinge upon the message panel to thereby appear through the transparent portions of the message panel and visually enhance the message. A second message panel which is translucent and textured may be placed behind the first message panel to make the light appearing therethrough seem patterned.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique banklight apparatus and a method for uniform diffuse illumination of large photographic subjects. The banklight includes a reflecting panel, multiple lines of light source rows and diffusing panels for providing uniform illumination of subjects.

Abstract: The realty sign lighting and display assembly includes a generally inverted U-shaped housing which fits over the horizontal arm of a realty sign, a lock releasably holding the bracket to the arm, with or without springs spacing the bracket from the arm. The solar panel is connected to a storage battery, in turn connected to lights, all borne by the light assembly which also carries a light-responsive switch and timer so that the lights operate only at a suitable low light level. The assembly can be provided in kit form or fully connected together, is light in weight and is fully portable and efficient.

Abstract: An illuminated information display including a standard planar active display, such as an LCD display, covered by a rigid transparent plate with fixed graphics on its rear surface illuminated by light transmitted laterally through the plate.

Abstract: Frame structure for support and display of a stained glass work of art or the like that includes a metal structural frame assembly; an opaque reflector panel secured to the rear of the structural metal frame assembly; a perimeter assembly secured to the metal frame assembly that defines a sight area for the planar, light-transmitting work of art and a series of compartments that extend about the periphery of the metal frame assembly, together with a work of art support within the sight area, and a diffuser panel secured to the perimeter assembly and extending beneath the sight area between the work of art and the reflector panel. Disposed in the series of compartments and located rearwardly of the diffuser panel are a plurality of light sources. Light from the light sources passes through the metal frame assembly and through the diffuser panel and the work of art.

Abstract: An illuminated sign with an opaque sign plaque employs a light source overlying the sign plaque embraced by a concave downward facing reflector, and a flat lower reflector underlying the sign plaque, providing both direct and reflected illumination over the face of the sign plaque. In its preferred form, the concave reflector is compoundly curved over the ends of the sign plaque and the flat lower reflector is tilted toward the sign plaque.

Abstract: A hollowed frustum display device for photographic artwork, the hollowed frustum having an optionally closed end opposing an open end, and being defined by a light transmitting material, a circumference of the open end being greater that the circumference of the closable end. Photographic artwork is applied preferably to inner surfaces of the hollowed frustum, with the photographic artwork being embodied upon a light transmitting material.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a display surface. Light is introduced through an end surface of a transparent substrate having front and back plane parallel opposed surfaces and thereby directed into the interior of the substrate. The back surface is textured with a multiplicity of shallow depressions such as grooves or dimples which have shallow sloped sides. These sides are configured so that light is selectively directed from the interior of the substrate through a limited angle out of the substrate towards a display surface adjacent and coextensive with the back surface of the substrate and away from a viewer observing the display surface through the substrate. The device provides uniform, high contrast illumination of underlying large area graphic displays such as maps, photographs, charts, and the like.

Abstract: A decorative display, including a shallow box mounted in a picture frame, a first picture being on the front side of the box rear wall, and which is visible from a directly front direction by the line of sight passing through a grate inside the box, the grate consisting of a series of spaced-apart thin strips, one side of the strips having sections of a second picture, so as to form a composite picture when viewed from an angle, and the other side of the strips being likewise illustrated with sections of a third picture for view from an opposite angle, and the display including electric lamps for the picture illumination. A fourth and fifth picture is provided by a slidable grate over the strips.

Abstract: Display apparatus including a display surface containing advertising and/or other informative or decorative matter and having at least portions thereof slotted or transparent. Diffraction grating means are positioned to the rearward side of the display surface and means are provided for illuminating the diffraction grating in order to create a color spectrum effect which is projected through the aforesaid transparent openings or slots, creating a highly aesthetically-pleasing effect, the distribution of the colors being changed with changes in position of the viewer. The openings may preferably be in the form of symbol or a composite thereof. The opaque regions of the display surface may, in one preferred embodiment, be reflective.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oblong sign board casing comprising a reflector sheet provided with parallel embossings extending in planes substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The profiled reflector sheet is curved about 90.degree. round a longitudinal axis, whereby a self-supporting construction is obtained. This construction renders it possible to provide the front plate with a flange and a sharp edge at the bottom. The embossings cause an effective diffusion of the light, also towards the bottom face.