Abstract: A nonrotating adjustable solar panel for optimizing cell charging of a portable message sign, comprising a movable frame, a message sign, a solar panel, a support post attached to the underside of the solar panel by a universal joint, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle and position of the solar panel comprising a pair of outwardly extending arms, a pair of threaded support rods, each rod extending through an aperture in the arm, and a handle for turning the rod. Each rod is coupled to the underside of the solar panel by a ball or universal joint. As each rod is turned, it raises or lowers a portion of the solar panel, providing tilting and pivoting, but not rotating motion for adjustment of the solar panel angle.

Abstract: A portable message sign having a housing and a front surface angled with respect to a rear surface and an array of light emitting devices (such as LEDs) being angled so that the LEDs are parallel to the horizon. The LEDs are mounted at an angle to a printed circuit board (PCB), which is mounted between the front and rear surfaces. In one embodiment, the pins of the LEDs are of different lengths so that when mounted to the PCB the lens of the LED directs light at an angle with respect to the PCB. In another embodiment, a strip of hard material is laid down next to the holes in the PCB that through mount LEDs are inserted, which cause the LED to mount at an angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a solar panel to track a solar or other energy source, comprising a panel; a mast; a first collar slidingly receiving the mast; a sleeve slidingly receiving the mast and the link tube; a controller second collar slidingly receiving the mast; a universal joint comprising a first section and a second section, both sections pivotably joined, the first section fixedly attached to one end of the mast; a first arm fixedly attached to the controller second collar; a second arm fixed attached to the first collar; a link pivotably joining the first arm and the second arm; a first stop associated with the first collar; wherein the mast is capable of vertical movement within the first collar such that the panel can tilt and be displaced angularly.

Abstract: A low loss optic lens cell the cell comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of light sources such as LEDs mounted to a board and capable of being electrically connected to a power source. A lens is attached to the board in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Each lens has a flat portion, least one and preferably a plurality of convex portions, and an aperture defined in each convex portion in a generally collinear arrangement relative to a corresponding LED. A plurality of the cells may be combined into an array, arranged in a housing, and connected to an electric control for operating the cells to form lighted patterns. Low intensity light rays are maximally utilized by refracting the rays back toward the LED axis and high intensity light rays are maximally utilized by allowing them to pass through the aperture without refraction and with little or no optical losses.

Abstract: A power management system for the control and operation of distributed power has a controller operatively connected to a plurality of monitors, switches, control devices, and a visible light emitting array. The monitors, switches, and control devices provide the means for the controller to modulate the power to the visible light emitting array using a current modulator. The current modulator produces a variable power duty cycle that is received by the visible light emitting array. The visible light emitters of that array have a selected perceivable brightness. That brightness is held constant but power is conserved due to the controller modulating the power.

Abstract: A removable trailer tongue for use with a towing vehicle and a trailer frame equipped with hydraulic brakes. The trailer tongue (10) can be removed without disconnecting any of the components of the hydraulic system. A first guide (20) and a second guide (22) slidingly receive a tongue (10). A first end (12) of the tongue (10) is equipped with a non-active hitch (18) that connects to the towing vehicle. The second end (14) of the tongue (10) has an aperture (38) defined therein. A brake assembly (24) attaches adjacent to or on the second guide (22), and the assembly (24) has an aperture (36) defined therein. The tongue (10) is inserted through the guides (20, 22) until the aperture (38) aligns with the aperture (36) in the brake assembly (24). In order to connect the tongue (10) to the trailer frame (16), a pin (40) is inserted through the apertures (36, 38) in the brake assembly (24) and the tongue (10).

Abstract: A portable display signage for all weather and ambient lighting conditions has dual matrices of character generating elements. One matrix is provided by a multiplicity of passive display units arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each of the passive display elements comprises a flat disk having a reflective side and a non-reflective side. An electromagnet on each display element rotates the disk to display its reflective or non-reflective side to form an information display from the first matrix. The second matrix is formed from active display elements including light emitting diodes arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each active display element is co-located with a passive display element to form a set and are positioned to be visible between gaps in the first matrix. A display is built from a plurality of modules containing subsets of the two matrices.

Abstract: This power supply system for a D.C. electrical load, such as an illuminated sign, is normally energized by batteries. A central processing unit monitors the battery voltage and when it falls below a predetermined magnitude, the central processing unit then activates a starter motor which cranks an engine coupled to it. The central processing unit also actuates a valve and fuel pump to pass fuel to the engine. The engine drives an alternator which produces A.C. voltage which is then rectified by aa rectifier to recharge the batteries. When the batteries are fully charged the central processing unit stops the engine. The central processing unit employs a microprocessor chip to control operations of the system.