Abstract: A system holds a panel in a held position adjacent to an opening, with the opening being defined by at least a first surface. The system includes a plurality of panel docks mounted on the at least first surface about the opening, with at least two of the panel docks being positioned on substantially diametrically opposite sides of the opening. Each of the panel docks includes: a base; an intermediate portion mounted on the base and having an aperture in which securing means is positioned to secure the base to the at least first surface adjacent to the opening; and an arm extending from the intermediate portion for applying a force to a respective portion of the panel to hold the respective portion between the arm and the at least first surface. The panels are secured by the panel docks to cover the opening without the need for fasteners or securing mechanisms directly engaging the panels and without the panel docks being visible.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the interior of a mass transit vehicle or other display, which includes emitting light from a light source into an elongated tubular member having a portion lined with a high reflectance film formed with longitudinal prismatic lenses, the tubular member having a light-transmissive opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector or a second light source at one end of the tubular member. The emitted light propagates in the inner tubular member by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening so as to project light against a sign or advertising card or like object. Several units may be placed end-to-end to provide a longer illuminating arrangement.

Abstract: A portable incandescent light assembly having a selectably interposable filter is disclosed. The light assembly is particularly applicable to night vision situations for airplane pilots. The light assembly comprises a housing in which a light source and a filter for filtering out infra-red light are located. The light assembly further comprises a mechanism for rotating the filter within the housing between a filtering position in which the filter is disposed across a light output axis and a non-filtering position in which the filter is disposed parallel to the light output axis.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or, for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transition opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transmitting opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.

Abstract: A method of fastening and a fastening assembly are disclosed, where a nut may be retained in a grooved channel by a resilient retainer. The retainer has a central portion with an opening in registry with the threaded opening of the nut and also has two wings extending in opposite directions outward from the central portion. The wings have sharp edges to grip into the channel. A tool with projections is used to disengage the wings from the channel and permit the assembly to be slid along the grooved channel to a desired position. Upon withdrawal of the tool, the sharp edges of the wings resiliently grip into the channel to releasably retain the nut in the channel.

Abstract: A combination orientable light and ventilating fixture includes a support and a ball housing adjustably mounted therein, the ball housing including front and rear openings and an inner chamber. A socket assembly for an electric lamp is mounted on the housing behind the rear opening and held in spaced relationship from the housing. A bezel element is removably secured to the ball housing at the front opening. A plenum or equivalent arrangement may be mounted on the rear of the support to cover the socket assembly and the rear opening of the ball housing, so that air may pass through the plenum and ball housing. A reflector for the electric lamp is securable to the removable bezel element at any of a plurality of locations axially within the chamber of the ball housing, so that its position relative to the electric lamp may be selected to vary the divergence of light emanating from the fixture.