Abstract: An apparatus comprises a display backlight having a substrate and a plurality of light-receiving channels formed in that substrate. At least some of these channels have a depth that varies as a gradient along a longitudinal axis of the channel that is substantially axially aligned with a light-receiving input for the channel. These channels can be formed substantially parallel to one another. The aforementioned light-receiving inputs can, if desired, be formed at either end of each such channel and can be disposed inwardly of an edge of the substrate. Also if desired, at least some of these channels can be disposed other than at an orthogonal angle with respect to such substrate edges. So configured, light rays that orthogonally enter the light-receiving inputs will have an opportunity to contact the edges of the channels and be reflected outwardly of the channel to provide the desired backlighting effect.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a display backlight having a substrate and a plurality of light-receiving channels formed in that substrate. At least some of these channels have a depth that varies as a gradient along a longitudinal axis of the channel that is substantially axially aligned with a light-receiving input for the channel. These channels can be formed substantially parallel to one another. The aforementioned light-receiving inputs can, if desired, be formed at either end of each such channel and can be disposed inwardly of an edge of the substrate. Also if desired, at least some of these channels can be disposed other than at an orthogonal angle with respect to such substrate edges. So configured, light rays that orthogonally enter the light-receiving inputs will have an opportunity to contact the edges of the channels and be reflected outwardly of the channel to provide the desired backlighting effect.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for semi-automatically feeding and inserting spherically and non-spherically shaped members into pre-drilled holes on an architectural sign face corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the cylindrical storage tube to a delivery end whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by pressure from the user in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for semi-automatically feeding and inserting spherically and non-spherically shaped members into pre-drilled holes on an architectural sign face corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the cylindrical storage tube to a delivery end whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by pressure from the user in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automating the insertion of spherically and non-spherically shaped members on an architectural sign face into pre-drilled holes in the sign corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the reservoir pan to a spindle and hammer assembly whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by the spindle and hammer in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automating the insertion of spherically and non-spherically shaped members on an architectural sign face into pre-drilled holes in the sign corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the reservoir pan to a spindle and hammer assembly whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by the spindle and hammer in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.