And Illuminator Patents (Class 40/627)
  • Patent number: 11238760
    Abstract: Vehicle operation safety related indicia (VSRI) displaying apparatus(es) disclosed display, adjacent or proximate a vehicle surface at least generally vehicle operator facing, VSRI on a vehicle operator facing surface of a VSRI display member, slidably positionable between a VSRI non-revealed and a VSRI revealed state displaying VSRI extended outwardly from a side of the apparatus. VSRI subject-matter, optionally-illuminated and/or electro-mechanically positioned, depicts one or more objects extending outwardly from at least one side of a vehicle having an in-use VSRI display apparatus, or from a vehicle rack or towed device. VSRI display apparatus variants include a housing or body appearing and/or shaped like the vehicle, or side(s) thereof, having an in-use apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Trampas Allen Thompson
  • Patent number: 8551379
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The method includes manipulating digital images of a subject into a single image; printing the single image onto a media; and thermoforming the media with the single image using a generic mold. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: receive images of a subject; display the images; stitch together the images to form a single image; adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image; register the single image with points on a mold; and print the single image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Lyle S. Simons
  • Patent number: 6748681
    Abstract: An illuminated badge system has plastic top and bottom plates limited flexibility. The top plate has a front face and a side wall extending inwardly and with a lip extending radially outward from the wall. The bottom plate has a rectilinear rear face and a peripheral wall extending inwardly from the rear face with a lip extending radially from the peripheral wall thereby forming a recessed back portion whereby when the front plate and the bottom plate are coupled together a top chamber and a peripheral space with a dam portion are formed. Upon breaking of an ampule located within the top chamber, a first chemiluminescent liquid located within the peripheral space intermixes with a second chemiluminescent liquid located within the ampule and the intermixed liquids fill the peripheral space, excluding the dam portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Dorney
  • Patent number: 5646596
    Abstract: An interactive window display enables a person to activate one or more electrical devices located inside an enclosure from outside of the enclosure. Each electrical device is electrically connected to an infrared sensor located inside the enclosure. Each infrared sensor emits a light beam through a window of the enclosure. A person on the outside of the enclosure can manually place a small reflective card against the window in the path of the light beam of a selected infrared sensor. The light beam is reflected back to the infrared sensor. Upon sensing the reflected light beam, the infrared sensor produces a signal that energizes an electrical circuit and activates the associated electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: IDC, Inc.
    Inventor: Darryl M. Gumm
  • 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