Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) device achieves a significant increase in the lifetime of EL light sources by using a driver with a controlled duration of intervals between rectangular pulses and between packets is variable, causing changes in the duty cycle, and is determined by a signal passing through a feedback circuit having the EL light source connected to a feedback device including a sensing a resistor, and a programmable pattern generator, which may include a microcontroller, fed by the output of the feedback device. The use of the programmable pattern generator allows for precise control over the required waveform; adjustment of the waveform per a specific EL device to maximize its lifetime; storage of profiles of known EL devices, taking into account their behavior/performance under standard conditions of input voltage; and precise control over not-to-exceed parameters, such as maximum output voltage, current, and overall dissipated power.

Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) device achieves a significant increase in the lifetime of EL light sources by using a driver having a standard DC-to-AC inverter generating a high-frequency quasi-sinusoidal signal, and a generator of low-frequency rectangular pulses. The inverter and the generator are connected so that the quasi-sinusoidal signal is fed to the EL light source in packets. The duration of a packet is equal to the duration of the rectangular pulse. The duration of the rectangular pulses and of the packets remains constant during the entire operating cycle of the EL light source. The duration of intervals between rectangular pulses and between packets is variable, causing changes in the duty cycle, and is determined by the signal passing through a feedback circuit having an EL light source, a photosensitive element, an amplifier, and an input of the rectangular signal generator.

Abstract: A display unit, typically intended for placement on a table, includes a plurality of flexible elongated electroluminescent light sources connected to the individual display elements. The individual display elements may typically be balloons or flowers. The color emitted by the electroluminscent light source is dependant upon its particular electroluminophor powder. Hence, several different colored flexible elongated electroluminescent lights sources may be used within an individual display unit. The electroluminescent light source may extend into the balloon, such that it will exhibit a change of color between that portion within the balloon and outside of the balloon.

Abstract: An eyeglass frame includes an elongated flexible electroluminescent light source extending along a perimeter extent of the frame. A self contained voltage source is also carried by the eyeglass frame, together with a manually operable switch. When the switch is placed in the On position a continuous source of electroluminescent light will be emitted along the entire perimeter extent of the frame which includes the electroluminescent light source. A reflective surface may be provided along the rear of the eyeglass frame so that all the rays of the electroluminescent light source are forwardly directed.