Abstract: A head cover includes a brim formed from a plastic sheet. The plastic sheet includes a first area with a material having a first degree of transparency to light and a second area at least partially surrounded by the first area, the second area including a material having a second degree of transparency to light different from the first area. The second area further includes a shape of a logo. At least one of the first area and the second area project an image of the logo onto a surface or object distantly located from the brim when a light impinges on the brim. The head cover is a cap, a visor, or a hat.

Abstract: An illuminated traffic sign that includes a signage print coupled with a reflective sheet, a sign body for securably receiving the reflective sheet thereon, a plurality of symbol apertures formed in the sign body, wherein the symbol apertures align with portions of the signage print to be illuminated, and a plurality of symbol lamps positioned inside a light enclosure secured to the sign body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a projector sunshade for projecting an image of a logo onto a surface. The projector sunshade includes a UV-treated sheet, a first area on the UV-treated sheet including a shape of the logo, the first area being substantially transparent to light from an illumination source; and a second area surrounding the first area and including a lower transparency to the light relative to the first area.

Abstract: A vehicle visual element includes a substrate defining a lamp cavity; at least one light source positioned within the lamp cavity; at least one of a holographic and a diffraction grating, disposed over the lamp cavity; a proximity switch positioned close to the lamp cavity; and a controller configured to activate the light source in response to a signal provided by the proximity switch.

Abstract: The present invention is a candle warming image display lamp (CWIDL) for use in displaying user selectable images while providing light such as to light a room brightly or as a night light, while also warming a preferably spill resistant wickless scented candle, without spilling hot molten candle wax.

Abstract: A poster clamp comprising first and second members, the members comprising first and second gripping surfaces, respectively, for gripping opposing sides of a poster or a like, and a poster mounting system comprising a hoarding and a plurality of such clamps, and a wire on which the clamps are to be mounted for tightening a poster within the frame of the hoarding.

Abstract: A rain gutter illumination system including an inverted U-shaped hanger, an illuminable surface attached to a stem of the hanger and including an aperture, an L-shaped base including a foot at one end, the end of the base opposite the foot being attached to the end of the illuminable surface opposite the hanger. A light source and one of various removable decorative inserts and optionally a diffusing panel are arranged so that the light source projects light through the aperture of the illuminable surface.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. The light resistant material has a first side and a second side. Substantially invisible holes penetrate between the first surface and the second surface in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern. The second surface is exposed to a side curing light that is substantially parallel to the second surface at the invisible holes thereadjacent. A light-conducting curable filler is applied into the invisible holes from the first surface. Surfaces of the light-conducting curable filler are cured in the invisible holes at the second surface with the side curing light. The remaining curable filler in the invisible holes is cured.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. Substantially invisible holes penetrate through at least a portion of the light resistant material in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. Substantially invisible, tapered, light-transmissive holes are penetrated in a light-transmissive pattern through at least a portion of the light resistant material using a laser beam having a focal width less than the smallest diameter of the tapered holes.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel is illuminated from behind to create an illuminated design (e.g., logo and/or lettering) includes a transparent layer and an opaque layer with an opening(s) in the shape of the design. An opaque or partially opaque design piece may be placed over the opening(s) in the opaque layer and be lit around its edges. The vehicle trim panel may be formed by forming a panel with a transparent layer and an opaque layer. An opening in the opaque layer may be formed by removing opaque material (e.g., by machining or laser etching) or by masking (the mask is placed between the opaque layer and transparent layer and removed taking a portion of the opaque layer with it). A design piece may be placed over the location of the opening in the opaque layer.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. The light resistant material has a first side and a second side. Substantially invisible holes penetrate between the first surface and the second surface in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern. The second surface is exposed to a side curing light that is substantially parallel to the second surface at the invisible holes thereadjacent. A light-conducting curable filler is applied into the invisible holes from the first surface. Surfaces of the light-conducting curable filler are cured in the invisible holes at the second surface with the side curing light. The remaining curable filler in the invisible holes is cured.

Abstract: A safety kick plate device and improved manufacturing thereof, wherein the safety kick plate device includes a base component including a communication element through which a light emission component is visible. A communication protection element provides reinforcement and strength to the communication element as well as mitigates damage to the light emission component.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. The light resistant material has a first side and a second side. Substantially invisible holes penetrate between the first surface and the second surface in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern. The second surface is exposed to a side curing light that is substantially parallel to the second surface at the invisible holes thereadjacent. A light-conducting curable filler is applied into the invisible holes from the first surface. Surfaces of the light-conducting curable filler are cured in the invisible holes at the second surface with the side curing light. The remaining curable filler in the invisible holes is cured.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. Substantially invisible holes penetrate through at least a portion of the light resistant material in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. Substantially invisible, tapered, light-transmissive holes are penetrated in a light-transmissive pattern through at least a portion of the light resistant material using a laser beam having a focal width less than the smallest diameter of the tapered holes.

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.

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, 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: An illuminating sign includes a base panel; an illuminating unit, and a front casing. The front casing includes a metallic light blocking frame attached on the base panel for enhancing a strength of the front casing, wherein the light blocking frame has a plurality of through slots spacedly formed thereon, a plurality of illuminating members securely supported in front of the base panel, and a highlighting element provided at the illuminating members, wherein when the illumination unit is operated for generating the light towards the front casing, the metallic light blocking frame not only blocks the light passing therethrough but also facilitates efficient and effective heat transfer from the illuminating unit to an exterior of the front casing for preventing the illuminating unit from being overheat within the front casing.

Abstract: An exterior address porch light, lantern, device, apparatus, and method of making the light, lantern. The light, lantern can be made from plastics, such as PVC and the like, and have a generally cylindrical configuration, that can be mounted alongside exterior doorways, and the like, where existing porch light type lanterns are located. The light, lantern can be solar powered, and/or battery powered, and/or adapted for 120 volt building power supplies. The top of the lantern, light can have a solar cell on a cap cover which overhangs a vertically oriented PVC pipe shaped type housing. Inside the light, lantern can be a light source such as a bulb, and the like. Across the front exterior face can be a rectangular cut-out portion with lettering and/or numbering that can be illuminated from the light source.

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.

Abstract: An exit device includes an electroluminescent exit sign assembly, preferably mounted on a push rail actuator of the exit device. An electroluminescent illuminator, an opaque material and a transparent protective cover form the electroluminescent sign assembly. The push rail actuator operates a latch mechanism and opens an associated exit door when pressure is applied. An inverter may be located within the exit device to power the electroluminescent illuminator with an AC or voltage. The electroluminescent sign assembly is preferably removable for repair or replacement without removing the exit device from the exit door and is located within a surface cavity in an electrically insulating touchpad on the exit device actuator. Additional transparent nonconductive material surrounds the electroluminescent material to provide further electrical insulation.

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 post assembly with illuminated information includes a hollow tube extending upwardly from a ground surface, the tube having a sidewall with textual or graphical information cut therethrough. A lighting assembly is disposed within the hollow tube, and a transparent or translucent sleeve positioned over the tube such that when the lighting assembly is activated, the textual or graphical information is visible through the transparent or translucent sleeve. The lighting assembly may include a flashing light. In the preferred embodiment the hollow tube is metal, and the transparent or translucent sleeve is constructed of plastic. The lighting assembly preferably comprises one or more fluorescent tubes. The textual or graphical information may be traffic-related, or it may concern other directives. The post preferably has a circular cross-section in the range of 2 to 10 inches, and an optional base may be provided for mounting to a ground surface.

Abstract: A signage device (10) in which a housing (12) receives a circuit board (30) having a plurality of spaced-apart light sources (38) to define at least one symbol and overlaid by a message plate (42) having a projecting channel (46) with a translucent light emitting side (54) aligned with the light sources and a light blocking overlay sheet (60) defining an open slot (62) configured for mating reception of the projecting channel, whereby light from the light sources communicates from the light emitting surface of the channel extending from the overlay sheet.

Abstract: A mold for stepwise molding, using two different plastics, signage composed of a plurality of symbols surrounded by a continuous matrix including a first mold member having a first cavity defining surface including at least one first gate for admitting a first plastic, and a second mold member movable with respect to the first mold member having a second cavity defining surface confronting the first cavity defining surface. The cavity defining surfaces are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance to define a first cavity receiving the first plastic. The second mold includes lateral surfaces defining at least some of the plurality of symbols. At least one second gate is provided in the first mold member, each second gate admitting a second plastic only when a second cavity is defined so that at least a portion of the lateral surfaces defining at least some of said plurality of symbols are retained in position as the second plastic is injected.

Abstract: An outer housing of a household appliance, preferably, in cupboard form, includes an inscription concerning the origin of the appliance on the front side of the housing in the form of a trademark formed from a glass body. To increase the conspicuousness of the mark, the trademark is presented from a structural element or assembly of transparent or translucent material and is connected to at least one light source provided on an inner side of the housing such that an outer surface of the trademark radiates light in a forward direction when the light source is switched on.

Abstract: An indicator including a transmittable indicator panel attached to a shielding holder (a housing), and a character or a graphic form indicated inside the indicator panel. The character or the graphic form is irradiated by a light emitting diode located inside the housing. The indicator panel is formed by a character indicating part that indicates a character or a graphic form and transmits light, a masking part that intercepts light by surrounding the character indicating part, and a transmittable margin that surrounds the masking part and transmits light. With this configuration, a character or a graphic form becomes conspicuous during the daytime, and at night is never more conspicuous than is required. Thus, the visibility of the indicator can be improved. Moreover, the configuration of the transmitting light from the light source of the indicator allows it to be accommodated in the limited space available on the indicator panel.

Abstract: An address illumination assembly includes at least one alphanumeric element and has a housing with a front and a rear. A solar panel, an alphanumeric character, and at least one rechargeable battery are in the housing and are electrically interconnected with the solar panel and the alphanumeric character. At least one light emitting diode (LED) and lighting circuitry are in the housing, and a cover is interconnected with the housing. The alphanumeric character may be configured as an optic light guide in the form of flexible transparent cable that includes at least one LED inlet, and at least one refractor along the length of the optic light guide. Alternatively, the alphanumeric character may be carved or etched in a surface of a flat rectangular plate-like member, and the solar panel may be positioned on the top of the housing and extend perpendicular to the housing, or vertical to the housing.

Abstract: An address illumination assembly includes first and second end elements, a sensor element, and at least one alphanumeric element. The first and second end elements are configured to secure together the sensor element and the alphanumeric elements. The sensor element includes a sensor cover, a sensor base, and a sensor printed circuit board positioned therebetween. The sensor base includes electrical contacts to pass electric current from the sensor element to another element. The sensor printed circuit board includes an electrical circuit that includes a photo sensor, a bipolar switch, a potentiometer switch, and associated electrical elements and wiring. The alphanumeric element includes an alphanumeric cover, an alphanumeric base, and an alphanumeric light board positioned therebetween. The alphanumeric base of the alphanumeric element includes electrical contacts to pass electric current from the alphanumeric element to another element.

Abstract: An illuminated identification system comprises a light chamber, a lighting means, an opaque identification stencil, a flashing means, a power on/off switch for the lighting means, and an on/off switch for the flashing means. The light chamber is environmentally sealed, and has one surface which is non-opaque. The lighting means is in series with a power source, and is located in the light chamber. The opaque identification stencil is placed over the non-opaque light chamber surface. When the power switch and the flashing means are both on, the flashing means causes the lighting means to flash on and off. Further, the power switch, and/or the on/off switch for the flashing means, may be operated by remote control.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for displaying at least one image by applying the image to a transparent substrate and portraying the image using one or more colored translucent substances limited to specific wavelengths of the visible light spectrum substantially matching the color of the transparent substrate and treating the non-image area on the transparent substrate with an opaque substance.

Abstract: An illuminated identification system for providing efficient identification of a building structure in various light conditions. The illuminated identification system includes a housing unit, one or more light bulbs positioned within the housing unit, an identifying plate containing an indicia, a transparent cover plate, and a photocell switch unit electrically connected to the light bulbs. The light bulbs illuminate the interior of the housing unit when the photocell switch unit detects reduced outdoor lighting. The indicia may be formed within the identifying plate by coloring or by cutting out one or more slots forming the indicia.

Abstract: An emergency sign including a vertically extending sign body having a lower panel portion and an upper container portion. The panel portion includes laterally spaced right and left panels where at least one of the panels has a stencil forming the sign display. The upper container portion is in optical communication with the display and forms a longitudinally extending container. A light module disposed within the container portion of the housing has multiple light emitting diodes for illuminating the display. A swivel mounting assembly pivotally connects the container portion of the housing to a mounting plate assembly which receives a mechanical mounting member of the external electrical supply to mount the sign to a structure.

Abstract: A hidden rib for the reflector of an LED display is disclosed, wherein a hollowed optic displaying section is formed in a reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section is connected by a hidden rib, the rib is installed at a plane lower than a surface of the reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section on the reflector can be filled with diffusion agent (or adhered with diffusion film on the reflector) so that the surface of the reflector is formed as a flat smooth plane. When light from the light emitting diode radiates out through the optic displaying section and the epoxy. The light can be diverged to the whole optic displaying section so that the continuous text or pattern optic displaying section does not be interrupted for presenting a beautiful appearance and a clear text or pattern.

Abstract: An illuminated sign, readable during the night or day, and suitable for use as a house number display, uses a single illuminatable panel, on which a number of stencils are plac critical flicker frequency ed. Each stencil is a rectangular piece of opaque material, such as plastic or metal, in which a central cutout is made in the shape of a number. Several of these stencils are arrayed in front of the illuminatable panel, so that only the light coming through the central cutouts is visible through the stencils. The illuminatable panel is made of an array of LED's, with a diffuser to produce a uniform illumination, and is powered by one or more batteries. A light detector senses the onset of dusk, which activates the illuminatable panel, turning it on, and leaving it on for four or more hours. A constant-current electronic system powers the LEDs, which are pulsed on and off at a speed greater than 90 Hz, which makes the sign appear to the human eye as constantly illuminated.

Abstract: An illuminated sign, readable during the night or day, and suitable for use as a house number display, uses a single illuminatable panel, on which a number of stencils are plac critical flicker frequency ed. Each stencil is a rectangular piece of opaque material, such as plastic or metal, in which a central cutout is made in the shape of a number. Several of these stencils are arrayed in front of the illuminatable panel, so that only the light coming through the central cutouts is visible through the stencils. The illuminatable panel is made of an array of LED's, with a diffuser to produce a uniform illumination, and is powered by one or more batteries. A light detector senses the onset of dusk, which activates the illuminatable panel, turning it on, and leaving it on for four or more hours. A constant-current electronic system powers the LEDs, which are pulsed on and off at a speed greater than 90 Hz, which makes the sign appear to the human eye as constantly illuminated.

Abstract: A display device resembling neon tubing includes a transparent substrate with one or more elongate, continuous grooves formed in the substrate from a rear surface thereof. The groove is shaped to represent an informational image, such as a letter, symbol, character or design, for communicating a message to a viewer. A layer of a roughness is formed within an arcuate groove surface of substantially constant diameter along the length of the groove to thereby uniformly disperse light that may be incident on the groove toward the front surface of the substrate in an arcuate path. A blocking layer covers the rear surface of the substrate adjacent the groove for permitting the transmission of light only through the groove to thereby create a sharp contrast between light incident on the groove and the blocking layer. The diameter of the groove is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of conventional neon tubing.

Abstract: A clear casing (10) for an electronic component (12) comprising an enclosure (14) made out of a transparent plastic material (16) which extends about the periphery of the electronic component (12), so as to enhance the esthetic appearance of the electronic component (12).

Abstract: An illuminative display device for use in an electronic apparatus including a cabinet with a metallic color surface and having at least a main function and a subsidiary function. The display device comprises a light source and a transparent sheet spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance, wherein a colored layer composed of a thin film and being the same or substantially the same in color as the metallic color of the cabinet is formed on one side of the transparent sheet opposed to the light source, and a backing layer with cutout characters is formed on one side of the colored layer opposed to the light source, so as to display the characters relative to the subsidiary function. And other display characters relative to the main function are shown on the surface of the transparent sheet at positions not overlapping with the display characters relative to the subsidiary function.

Abstract: An emergency sign includes a body having a top, two spaced apart sides, and a bottom defining a cavity, a front cover having an inside surface and cut out portions extending through the cover forming indica, a light source disposed within the cavity, and a diffuser coupled to the cover and covering the indicia, the diffuser having cut away portions for permitting light from the light source to reflect off of the inside surface of the front cover. The diffuser may include pigment therein, which pigment is color matched to correspond to the wavelength of the light from the light source. The light source may include an array of LEDs where some of the LEDs are of a diffused type and some of the LEDs are of a unidirectional type.

Abstract: A display device is describes which forms contained formed figures such as symbols, letters or numbers, ideograms, and which can be a sign, billboard, signal, message board, etc. Each figure is formed as a narrow but high projection which stands out of the external face of a sheet which permits the passage of light originating from a source behind the sheet. Each figure is surrounded by a sector of this same sheet capable of intercepting at least part of the light, so that the figure stands out in marked high relief. Also described is a mold particularly useful for production of the formed sheet, which includes a large number of very thin rigid straight rods, abutting one another within an adjustable frame, which are movable laterally among themselves in a slidable tight relation and able to stay locked among themselves by friction against sliding during vacuum or pressure molding.

Abstract: A traffic sign marker 1 has a display surface portion 2 for displaying a graphic symbol A related to a traffic sign. The display surface portion 2 is provided with a first light emitting portion 3 arranged along an contour of the graphic symbol A, and a second light emitting portion 4 patterning the letters B corresponding to the graphic symbol A, and the sign marker 1 comprises an operation control portion for causing the first light emitting portion 3 and the second emitting portion 4 to emit light alternately. Whereby, the graphic symbol A related to the traffic sign and the letters B corresponding to the graphic symbol A are displayed alternately, so that it can be recognized accurately and immediately whether or not the sign is a traffic sign and what are the caution contents intended by the traffic sign, and then the sign can be visible clearly at an angle.

Abstract: An arrangement displays information and operating states on an apparatus such as a cooking apparatus having a plate made of glass and/or glass ceramic and defining a lower surface and a transparent upper surface area where the information is viewed by an operator. The arrangement includes an attachment member; an adhesive for fixedly mounting the attachment member to the lower surface; a display device for generating a light display of the information and operating states below the plate to permit an operator to view the information and operating states through the plate by looking at the upper surface thereof; and, a connecting device for connecting the display device to the attachment member.

Abstract: A multiple segment electro-luminescent panel includes a backsheet on which are formed lower electrodes and connection lines for a plurality of discrete electro-luminescent light segments, the segments being made up of the lower electrodes, an optional dielectric layer, a phosphor material coated, painted, or printed onto the lower electrodes, and upper electrodes and connection lines formed on the phosphor material and lower connection lines. A first frontsheet layer is provided over the light segments and connection lines and bonded to the backsheet, and a second frontsheet layer including windows or cut-outs for viewing the light segments is provided over the first front sheet layer.

Abstract: In an exit sign, an insertable battery pack module is designed to fit in the lower portion of the exit sign housing. This battery pack module incorporates a pair of lamps as well as a battery, battery charger and transfer circuitry. The module incorporates a pair of reflective surfaces so that light from lamp filaments tangentially hit at least a portion of the exit sign stenciled area along the bottom portion of the letters forming the word EXIT. If an exit sign is only to have utility AC power, then the module need not be installed within the exit sign. In this configuration, the bottom portion of the exit sign can incorporate a slidable panel which is removed if the battery pack module is later inserted. The battery pack module incorporates the indicator light and test button which then would show through the area where the panel formerly resided.

Abstract: A multi-color illuminated panel is made up of a decorative frontsheet having windows cut therein and which may include decorative patterns printed thereon, a transparent supporting sheet, which may also have decorative printing thereon, and a pre-wired backsheet in the form of a printed circuit board having multiple individual electro-luminescent light panel segments of different colors affixed thereto and electrically connected to traces on the circuit board, the electro-luminescent light segments of different colors emitting light which shines through corresponding windows and thereby provides a spectacular multi-color lighting effect.

Abstract: A sign (10') includes a sign housing (16') defining an internal cavity (32'). The sign housing (16') includes front and rear faces (18', 20') having indicia or an instruction thereon, and includes flashing lights (58) above and below the indicia. A recessed flange (86) defines an opening in the faces (18, 20), and a lens (87) is secured over the opening and to the flange (86) so that it is flush or planar with the faces (18', 20'). Light elements (28') are positioned within the sign housing (16') behind the lens (87). The sign housing (16') is sealed to protect the light element (28').

Abstract: An illuminated exit sign having at least one chevron-shaped opening on its outer surface and a replaceable directional arrow cover that is substantially similar in shape to the opening and removable from the opening in order to selectively indicate an exit direction. A shoulder which is formed in the cover is adapted to abut with a shoulder formed at the opening. At least two snap tabs located on opposite sides of the arrow cover fit securely within corresponding notches disposed in the shoulder formed at the opening. The opposing configuration of the shoulders and the corresponding configuration of the snap tabs and notches facilitate the removal and replacement of the arrow by a single, quick snapping action which secures the cover in a snug, flush fit.