Abstract: An electroluminescent panel and method of making the same includes a plurality of layers on a transparent electrode in which each layer is formed with the same compatible polymer carrier resin base material so that the individual layers have an integrated uniformity. A polyester laminating resin is disclosed for the resin base material of each layer which is activated by a small amount of diisocyanate sufficient to provide temperature stability, but insuffient to transform the base material into a urethane. Also disclosed is an electroluminescent lamp which emits light only in discrete areas such as to produce a pattern of light in which the phosphor is applied in a pattern corresponding to the discrete areas which are to be illuminated. Similarly, the electrodes are restricted to the illuminated regions or areas, thereby conserving material as well as reducing the power requirements of the lamp.

Abstract: Flexible, electroluminescent panels or lamps employ a phosphor which is embedded in a coating formulation, in which a polyester laminating resin has been activated by a catalyst containing toluene diisocyanate or diphenylmethane diisocyanate, to provide a relatively high dielectric constant and to provide a flexible panel which is resistant to shorting, due to trimming, cutting or puncturing. The panel is characterized by relatively high efficiency and high light output.

Abstract: DC operated power supplies for electroluminescent lamps are self-inhibited from further oscillations and thus are current limited in the event that a failure occurs in an EL lamp which results in the EL lamp being shorted. Single ended and push/pull transformer power supplies are disclosed, and a transformerless solid state power supply is disclosed utilizing a voltage multiplier, and an inhibitor circuit at the output of the voltage multiplier responsive to substantial voltage drop upon the occurrence of a shorting of the EL lamp, to inhibit further oscillations and operations of the circuit.