Abstract: A changeable letter for signs is provided as a part of an illuminated sign or copy board system which provides different appearances when the changeable letters are alternately backlit or frontlit. The letter, understood to include letters, symbols and numerals, includes a translucent plate and first, second or additional layers of opaque, indicia-defining material applied thereto. The second layer is preferably of a lighter color than the first layer, and when superposed thereon, presents the appearance of a lighter colored letter surrounded by a darker border. However, when the letter is backlit as it would appear at nighttime positioned on an illuminated sign, the letter presents a black or otherwise darkened appearance surrounded by the lighted portion of the sign.

Abstract: A frame is attachable to a vertical wall of a building and includes a plurality of arms which extend outwardly from the wall. An attraction board is supported at the distal ends of the outwardly extending arms, and an awning is extended across the arms and attached thereto.

Abstract: An improved illuminated sign is provided for names and the like which consists of a housing. Transparent indicia is on the housing. A device is within the housing for producing light. The indicia can be illuminated on the housing to be easily seen at increased distances therefrom.

Abstract: A house number plate and lamp assembly includes a housing having an opening; a window plate fastened inside the housing behind the opening and having a plurality of view windows; a plurality of number plates fastened to either view window, each number plate having a plurality of small through holes made around the border of a white-colored numeral being printed on a black-colored front surface thereof, a holder frame on a back surface thereof, a light emitting device mounted on the holder frame at the top, a plurality of optical fiber tubes fastened to the holder frame at the bottom and respectively inserted in either small through hole; and an electric circuit board fastened inside the housing and controlled to provide power supply to the light emitting device on each number plate causing it to send light through the optical fiber tubes in illuminating the numeral.

Abstract: An illuminated sign comprises a housing containing a light source and having a sign face defining a side of the sign. The housing has upright end members and cross members extending between the end members, each member defining an inwardly directed locating channel and an undercut locating channel. The edge portions of the sign face are received in the locating channels. Right angle corner brackets are provided for location in the connecting channels to join the frame members.

Abstract: The invention consists of an open enclosure with pairs of spaced and parallel horizontal channels extending between end members front and rear and having a source of illumination therein. Cartridges are slideable from one end between adjacent tracks and these cartridges carry replaceable opaque plates having transparent indicia thereon. The plates slideably engage the cartridge from the upper side of the cartridge and between spacer bars. One piece gates close off all of the tracks so that a single lock such as a padlock for the front and rear gates can lock the entire assembly against tampering or unauthorized removal of the cartridges and plates. An alternative embodiment permits loading of the cartridges from the upper longitudinal side for substantially permanent signs with limited side access and the gates are then situated along the upper edge. If ony one side of the sign is to be used, then a blank plate or panel is inserted on the other side spanning the entire rear side of the sign.

Abstract: A display board assembly, which includes a start unit connected to an end unit with a variety of intermediate display units set in therebetween in a line. By means of color contrast and diaphaneity difference the symbols on the intermediate which show a certain meaning collectively can be clearly seen in the day. When in the dark, a photosensor automatically triggers the light emitting diodes of the intermediate display units to illuminate the symbols thereon.

Abstract: A solar house-number indicating device comprises a box-like body having a front opening and an inner space for receiving a solar-powered battery, a digital L.E.D. device with its control circuit for presetting a series of number corresponding to the house number, a door member pivotally attached to the box-like body for closing its front opening and having means for retaining and displaying a house-number plate and a road-name plate and a sensor unit for automatically turn off the L.E.D. device in bright time and turn on the L.E.D. device in dark time to produce a digital light sign of the house number.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an improved display sign system including a sign face and a plurality of vertically spaced longitudinal ribs defining tracks located on the sign face. The longitudinal tracks are designed to support indicia elements adjacent the sign face. In a preferred embodiment, the sign system further includes two side frame members disposed on opposite lateral sides of the sign face, each including a curved surface which is substantially flush with the sign face at its lateral side edge. The curved surface extends outwardly and away from the lateral side of the sign face to provide a guide for inserting indicia elements within a longitudinal track from the front side edges of the sign.

Abstract: An illuminated sign for residence street address to be connected across the terminals of the button of a house bell. The sign comprises light emitting diodes (LED) which project light on a reflector and through a plate displaying opaque digits. The LED's are constantly energized by a suitable direct current obtained by the rectification of the alternative current existing of the terminals of the house bell.

Abstract: A suspension and power connector for illuminated house number signs includes an apertured mount plate which receives and is supported by a power connector body. An apertured anchor plate receives the body and bears against the mount plate. Suspension brackets underlie the anchor plate with fasteners connecting the brackets and anchor plate to the mount plate. The body at one end includes a threaded connector adapted for support, assembly into an electrified socket on a porch ceiling. The body at its other end has an electric socket adapted to receive an incandescent bulb. A housing for a house number sign has a transparent front wall and an open top which extends over the bulb, engages the anchor plate and is secure thereto by the brackets.

Abstract: An edge-lighted neon sign, which is comprised of a one-piece slab of light-transmitting material having spaced, substantially parallel faces and comprising a front parallel face and a back parallel face, wherein integrally connected to the back parallel face are at least two horizontally-extending light-transmitting channels which are comprised of transparent, light-transmitting material.A first horizontally-extending channel is disposed on an edge of said back parallel face of the slab of light-transmitting material and a second horizontally-extending channel is disposed on an edge of the back parallel face of the slab of light-transmitting material which is opposite the edge on which the first horizontally-extending channel is disposed.The sign of this invention is also comprised of at least two neon lamps, wherein at least one of the lamps is so disposed so that it is substantially contiguous with an edge of the second horizontally-extending channel.

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 building number assembly (10) includes a one-piece box-like housing (12) constructed of hard molded opaque resinous plastic material and a separate one-piece front panel (14) of molded hard resinous opaque plastic. The front panel covers a housing opening (32) and includes vertical tracks (38a-e) with stops (46) at the bottom ends thereof on each side of the housing opening which allow the insertion of translucent number plates (16) from the tops thereof. A fluorescent light bulb (18) is mounted in the housing along with energizing equipment. When the front panel is mounted at the opening of the housing, the vertical tracks extend into the housing so that the number plates are prevented from moving upwardly by a top wall of the housing. Removable hard plastic mounting strips (20) are attachable at a rear wall (28) of the housing for allowing the housing to be attached externally on a building wall.

Abstract: A changeable copy sign assembly comprising a plurality of wafers each bearing a single indicium on a relatively opaque background. The wafers and a backing strip are removeably retained to a face plate of the assembly at an elongated, window-like opening, and the backing strip comprises opaque makings for preventing the leakage of light between adjacent wafers.

Abstract: An illuminated location sign characterized by an open faced housing typically made from a molded plastic resin receiving a light bar on the rear inner surface thereof and including a series of light emitting bulbs disposed on the latter. The face of the housing is arranged to selectively receive and retain a releasable front plate, indicia bearing segments, and a cover member, where the latter serves indicia weathering and/or protective purposes. The light bar is defined by two main power lines onto which the pigtails of the respective light emitting bulbs are secured.

Abstract: A display panel comprising a structural layer of rigid material having a plurality of holes extending therethrough, a plurality of laminate sections fastened to the structural layer in parallel relationship, a fastening material fastened to the structural layer in an area between the laminate sections, and an attachment cleat affixed to the side of the structural layer opposite the laminate section. The fastening material is a VELCRO-type material that covers a linear array of holes in the structural layer. The structural layer is a sheet of pegboard material. The laminate sections extend longitudinally across the surface of the structural layer. The attachment cleat is fixedly attached to the side of the structural layer opposite the laminate sections. The attachment cleat has an angle cut along its lower edge for engaging a complementary angle cut in a support structure.

Abstract: An illuminated information display apparatus comprising: a rectangular frame member having top, bottom and side walls defining an elongated housing having at least one open face; grooves provided in opposing marginal edges of the top and bottom walls of the housing and extending the length thereof; a plurality of interlocking indicia bearing plate members sized to be slidably received in the opposed grooves, the plate members having light transmitting and blocking portions thereon; a source of illumination mounted interiorly of the housing; and a photoelectric cell connected to the source of illumination and exposed to ambient light conditions for selectively activating and deactivating the source of illumination at predetermined states of ambient light.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign structure wherein the message is formed by interchangeable panels.

Abstract: A price chip support strip of simplified construction has positive engagement with guide and retention tracks of a strip support frame. Individual price chips are conveniently removed and inserted at the front of the price chip support strip. An effective light seal is assured by the structure.

Abstract: A display letter mounting arrangement for use in an open face sign having a flat forward, or display, surface is disclosed. Each letter, or alphanumeric character, is provided on an individual flat panel which is inserted between generally horizontally oriented, parallel, upper and lower tracks. A high contrast, or illuminated, background screen is provided aft of the planar arrangement of letter panels which are positioned immediately adjacent one another. Each panel includes an opaque partition secured to a lateral edge of the panel along the length thereof so as to be positioned between immediately adjacent panels on the sign in an overlapping manner. Each partition, or inter-panel strip, has a cross section in the form of an "h", with the recessed portion thereof securely attached to the lateral edge of a panel permitting the extended portion of the partition to engage and overlap the proximal edge portion of an immediately adjacent panel.

Abstract: An illuminated module connectable with similar modules to form an illuminated sign, especially an address or like location sign, comprises an enclosure for an illumination source having an indicia-bearing surface and a plurality of electrical and mechanical interconnecting means on at least two surfaces to permit the assembly of adjacent modules into different configurations.

Abstract: The parallel rails have a double tee cross section and the leg of the rear T fits into slots in the sides of the frame. When the frame is welded, the rails are captured with the front slots ahead of the frame so menu strips and price modules can be mounted from either end and will mesh with each other or lie over the frame to prevent light leaks.

Abstract: A menu board is provided which utilizes members carrying interchangeable numbers, letters or other characters, and possesses special features which render the menu board highly legible. The menu board is provided with window-like openings and means for replaceably mounting the interchangeable character members behind the board openings. The character members include appendages selectively engageable with end stops provided on the board, or with slots provided on the board for positioning and locking the members in place. In one embodiment, the characters are each of a selected length and are overlaid one upon the other within the board openings, but so that the characters themselves are not overlain as viewed from the front of the menu board. Alignment means is provided for controlling the registration of the characters with respect to one another within the windows, and locking means is provided for securing each group of character members in place.

Abstract: A warning and distress signal light for a disabled vehicle has a vertical cylindrical body having at its lower end a rubber suction cup and three folding legs with magnetic feet attached thereto for supporting the body. Attached at the upper portion of the cylindrical body are four illuminating arms which fold out horizontally from the vertical body spelling out the words CAUTION, AUTO, ACCIDENT and TROUBLE.

Abstract: This invention is an electrically illuminated sign, consisting of a rectangular box containing therein a fluorescent light; a cover for said box in the form of an open frame containing therein interchangeable and interconnectable plates which are stamped into stencil type numbers, letters, or designs, and blank plates which serve as spacers; and a translucent plate located behind said stenciled plates, through which the fluorescent light passes, to illuminate the stenciled characters.

Abstract: An illuminated sign for outdoor use is provided which is a frame enclosed by a transparent cover. Grooved tracks are utilized to receive and retain display plates which have light transmitting portions therein in the shape of letters or numbers. A central light source provides illumination and a translucent sheet diffuses the light so that a uniformly bright message appears when the light source is energized and the selected plates are abutted end to end in the tracks. The sign can have a display on more than one side and the display can be in more than one level.

Abstract: A back-lighted display sign having a protective outer face panel, a copy frame positioned behind the face panel, and a number of retaining members affixed to the rear of the copy frame to receive and retain replaceable copy inserts and color filters behind the copy frame. In one disclosed embodiment, the copy inserts include a number of transparent overlays bearing characters defined by regions of contrasting transparency.

Abstract: A modular display system having a plurality of display modules, a plurality of display signs, a plurality of insertable digit panels, a plurality of insertable spacer panels, and one or a plurality of insertable colon panels. The display system is mounted to a wall and can be reconfigured as different predetermined configurations both as to the number of signs and modules. Each module can be changed to a variety of predetermined configurations. A thumbwheel switch is provided on each module so that with each different configuration, a different setting is entered on the thumbwheel switch thereby reconfiguring control information to display the data properly on each module.

Abstract: A device for selectively displaying alphabetic or numeric characters has a housing which contains several stacked prefabricated subassemblies of any required number of units, each unit having an opaque front plate with a rectangular layout of light permeable spots; and there are film receiving slots with guides at both sides of each unit so that a selected part of a film member associated with a unit may abut the front plate while the rest of the film member is curved rearwardly through the slots. One type of film member has a geometric pattern of matching and contrasting elements which cooperate with light permeable spots forming a block number 8 to define any desired arabic numeral from 0 to 9; while another type of film member has a similar geometric pattern that cooperates with light permeable spots in several parallel vertical columns to define any letter of the alphabet.

Abstract: An intelligence display apparatus comprising:(a) an envelope comprising a substantially transparent faceplate:(b) illumination means for directing light toward said faceplate:(c) an intelligence selection element disposed between said faceplate and said illumination means, said selection element comprising first regions substantially transparent to said light and second regions substantially opaque thereto, said first and second regions having respective widths in the ratio of about 6:7 to about 8:9;(d) an intelligence storage element comprising a plurality of discrete and different sets of intelligence, said storage element being disposed between said selection element and said illumination means, said sets individually comprising a plurality of bits respectively embodying different portions of said intelligence, such that said bits of each set collectively comprises a composite of the intelligence of said set, each one being totally opaque, totally transparent, partially opaque and partially transparent to