Abstract: The present invention provides perforated film constructions, sign faces including the film constructions, and signs including the sign faces, all of which are capable of having one appearance under light ambient lighting conditions, and another appearance when backlit under dark ambient lighting conditions. The construction is generally planar and includes perforations that occupy, e.g., about 10-35% of the major surfaces of the construction. The perforations are separated by an opaque land area. The back surface of the film construction in the land area (i.e., the surface that is adapted to face the interior of the sign) reflects, e.g., at least about 50% of normal light incident thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides perforated film constructions, sign faces including the film constructions, and signs including the sign faces, all of which are capable of having one appearance under light ambient lighting conditions, and another appearance when backlit under dark ambient lighting conditions. The construction is generally planar and includes perforations that occupy, e.g., about 10-35% of the major surfaces of the construction. The perforations are separated by an opaque land area. The back surface of the film construction in the land area (i.e., the surface that is adapted to face the interior of the sign) reflects, e.g., at least about 50% of normal light incident thereon.

Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided with a diffuse reflective film that is selected based on its reflectivity and luminance uniformity in order to reduce power consumption required for a given luminance while also increasing luminance uniformity. A method of using such film is also provided.

Abstract: An illuminated sign system provides uniform illumination over the lamp face by using partially transmissive lamp masks located between the lamps and the sign face. The sign face itself also diffusely reflects at least a majority of light incident on its second surface back towards the interior of the sign. The lamp spacing ratio in the illuminated signs can be increased, e.g., to a ratio of 3:1 or more, and, possibly, to a ratio of 4:1 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides perforated film constructions, sign faces including the film constructions, and signs including the sign faces, all of which are capable of having one appearance under light ambient lighting conditions, and another appearance when backlit under dark ambient lighting conditions. The construction is generally planar and includes perforations that occupy, e.g., about 10-35% of the major surfaces of the construction. The perforations are separated by an opaque land area. The back surface of the film construction in the land area (i.e., the surface that is adapted to face the interior of the sign) reflects, e.g., at least about 50% of normal light incident thereon.

Abstract: A low-loss, diffuser film is provided for translucent surface(s) of lighted signage. The film has little absorptivity and has partial transmissivity and partial reflectivity. Luminance efficiency and brightness are significantly improved over conventional films used in backlit signage. A luminance efficiency prediction equation is also provided to aid in selection of diffuser films and interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity. A combination of effects of diffuser films and a diffuse reflective films lining the interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity is unexpectedly greater than their sum of effects operating alone.

Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials attached to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

Abstract: A method of screen printing water-based chemical compositions is provided, where the water-based chemical compositions are virtually solventless, that is, having less than 12% volatile organic solvents when press ready, and the method produces screen printed substrates that are weather-resistant and have excellent color retention.

Abstract: A light fixture providing normalized output. An undirected light source is located in an optical cavity having an optical window. A film with a smooth surface and a structured surface is placed in the optical window with the smooth surface facing the interior of the optical cavity. The structured surface has a plurality of triangular prisms thereon.

Abstract: A sign cabinet having a scroll movably mounted on rollers for movement past a display opening in the cabinet. A torsion spring acts on one of the rollers to compensate for differences in the rate of movement of the scroll at the two rollers. An electronic control circuit automatically senses the position of the scroll and is actuated by the position information for controlling the operation of the scroll. The modes of operation include: continuously moving back and forth between preselected end points within the scroll; moving back and forth within a predetermined section within the end points, stopping at preselected frames within the section; and, advancing from one frame or section to another.