Signs Patents (Class 362/812)
  • Patent number: 8267554
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) device comprises a base and a cover packaging of a rectifier diode chip and a light emitting diode chip connecting in series with a metal wire. The LED device can be plugged directly into the socket of the LED light string without any other external rectifier circuits. Moreover, the device has advantages of small size, easy-to-use and easy-to-change. By adopting different connection methods with the LED device, it can achieve anticipative functions, such as half-wave, full-wave and bridge rectifier, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Qinghaun Sun
    Inventor: Tianming Liu
  • Patent number: 8247980
    Abstract: There is provided an LED driving circuit. The LED driving circuit according to an aspect of the invention may include: at least one ladder circuit including: (n?1) number (here, n is a positive integer satisfying n?2) of first branches provided between first and second junction points, and connected in-line with each other by n number of first middle junction points, (n?1) number of second branches arranged in parallel with the first branches, and connected in-line with each other by n number of second middle junction points between the first and second junction points, and n number of middle branches connecting m-th first and second middle junction points to each other, wherein at least one LED device is disposed on each of the first, second, and middle branches. Here, the number of LED devices included in each of the first and second branches is greater than the number of LED devices included in each of the middle branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung LED Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Joong Kon Son, Hyung Kun Kim, Jung Ja Yang, Grigory Onushkin
  • Patent number: 8182113
    Abstract: An accessory that can be mounted over a mailbox has a base with a pair of sidewalls that are spaced to straddle the mailbox. A frame assembly mounted on at least one of the sidewalls has one or more indicia bearing members removably attached thereto. These indicia bearing members are installed and arranged to supply address information. A light mounted at the frame assembly is powered by a power supply that has a solar powered charger for charging a battery in order to illuminate the indicia bearing members at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: George Sharpe
  • Patent number: 8167461
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes separating a plurality of regions in a film with a thickness not greater than 0.5 millimeters to form a plurality of legs continuous with a body of film, folding the plurality of legs such that each leg terminates in a stack of bounding edges, disposing the stack of bounding edges proximate at least one light source such that light from the at least one light source propagates through the legs and the body by total internal reflection, and treating the film to form a plurality of light scattering features therein such that frustrated totally internally reflected light exits the light emitting device at a visible light emitting area and the light emitting area is at most barely visible when not illuminated by the at least one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Flex Lighting II, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony J. Nichol
  • Patent number: 8157425
    Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Winvic Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A Gutstein, Monita Liu
  • Patent number: 8099886
    Abstract: An improved illuminated airfield guidance sign of the type used for marking ground traffic routes on runways and taxiways employs LED-based lamps for even illumination of the legend panels. The lamps each employ an array of white LEDs mounted on a generally cylindrical turret, and oriented with the turret axis horizontal, so that the LEDs aim their beams up, down, or laterally, and not towards the legend panels. The illumination has to bounce at least once on an interior reflective surface before reaching the legend panels. These can receive power from storage batteries that are charged from solar panels or wind turbines, with back-up power coming from the standard runway-taxiway power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Airfield Guidance Sign Manufacturers, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew B. Ellerton
  • Patent number: 8081145
    Abstract: A display device for so-called façade displays is proposed which comprises several supports that can be affixed to the façade of an edifice, in particular a building, on the outside or the inside; a plurality of groups of light-emitting diodes that are provided on the several supports and serve as picture points of the display device; and a control unit for activating the plurality of the groups of light-emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lumino Licht Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Ronkholz, Rolf Aengenendt
  • Patent number: 8057078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly beacon or light for illuminating a pole-mounted flag, banner, pennant or the like that has a luminous source located in a laterally extending cover, is mounted on top of the pole, and is capable of continuously directing an umbrella shaped illumination toward the flag, banner, pennant or the like as the wind blows the same to rotate about the flagpole. The flagpole light of the present invention is designed to be installed as a retrofit in existing flagpoles having a shaft supported knob or sphere located a short distance above a rotatable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Gordon Ko
  • Patent number: 8024880
    Abstract: A combination exit sign and emergency light is provided, wherein the emergency light is disposed along a bottom, portion of the exit sign. The bottom portion of the housing is formed with a recessed section intermediate opposing side flange portions, with a light bar incorporating LEDs being mounted in the recess section to provide emergency lighting during power outages and emergency situations. The bar is white in color on the outside, except a bottom portion of the bar is left clear for the free transmission of light. With this construction, at least a substantial majority of fight generated by the LEDs will be directed out of the bottom portion, while the side portions are also preferably lit thereby providing a more intense light out of the bottom portion to assure adequate illumination leading to a suitable exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Best Lighting Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping Shuo Kuan, Jeffrey S. Katz
  • Patent number: 8016440
    Abstract: Disclosed are circuits that allow LED bulbs to be replaced regardless of color or construction of the LED element. When used for an LED light string, replacing an LED bulb does not affect the operation of the entire string. When used for other illumination purpose, for example, room light, the bulbs are interchangeable because they have the same operating voltage and current. A standardized input impedance is selected for all of the LED bulbs regardless of construction and color. A resistor circuit is used to create the standardized input impedance while optimizing the operating parameters of the LED element. The resistor circuit includes a bypass element so that if a LED element burns open, a series wired LED string will not go dark. This eliminates the necessity for parallel connected LED bulbs and allows enjoyment of other advantages and economies of series wired LED strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: 1 Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Jing Yu, Shengwang Du
  • Patent number: 7959316
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a trompe l'oeil skylight in a T-bar type hung ceiling system where a translucent panel with an image of a sky scene is elevated above a T-bar grid, by a frame, so as to eliminate shadows of the T-bar on the image panel and so as to simulate a casement-type skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: The Sky Factory, LC
    Inventors: Radim Schreiber, Skye Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 7946746
    Abstract: A surface light source device includes a plurality of light guide plates spliced together side by side and forming a plurality of jointing interfaces. A plurality of LEDs is attached to a side face of each of the light guide plates. The LEDs are arranged in a linear LED array along the side face of each of the light guide plates. At most one linear LED array is arranged at the jointing interface between each two neighboring light guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Intergrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Hui Hsieh, Jyh-Ming Chen, Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 7938558
    Abstract: An LED apparatus including (a) a mounting board, (b) a plurality of LED packages thereon, (c) a lens member over each LED package, and (d) a safety barrier positioned over the mounting board, the barrier having sufficient thickness for enclosure of electrical elements on the mounting board and including a plurality of openings each sized to permit light from an LED package to pass therethrough and through a light-transmission portion of the lens member over such LED package to prevent finger-contact of electrical elements on the mounting board when the light-transmission portion is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Wayne P. Guillien
  • Patent number: 7914195
    Abstract: A display device has a light guide plate formed with a display pattern by a plurality of diffusion dots having translucency in a display pattern formed region, a light shielding layer, and a light source. A plurality of the light guide plates are arranged facing each other, and the light shielding layer is sandwiched between the light guide plates. Light from the light source is selectively introduced to one of the light guide plates to display the display pattern of the light guide plate. The light shielding layer has a surface facing an observer's side formed by a low reflectivity material and a surface facing a side opposite to the observer's side formed by a high reflectivity material. A region facing the display pattern of the light guide plate positioned on the side opposite to the observer's side than the light shielding layer is cut out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Sawada, Toshimitsu Fujiwara, Yuji Sakashita, Yusuke Akioka
  • Patent number: 7896522
    Abstract: A plurality of lamp arrays (30A-30N) provide uniform lighting across the copy area of a billboard sign. The arrays (30) are arranged end-to-end horizontally along the length of the copy area. Each array (30) comprises a plurality of LEDs (34A-34N) and a plurality of lenses (36A-36M). The various lenses (36) direct and focus the light from the LEDs (34) at the various parts of the copy area so as to minimize dark and light spots. A “TOP” set of LEDs preferably illuminates the top part of the copy area, a “MIDDLE” set of LEDs preferably illuminates the middle of the copy area, and “FILLER” LEDs preferably serve to illuminate the bottom of the copy area. The lamp arrays are preferably mounted to a catwalk (14) at the bottom of the billboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Formetco, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Heller, Dewey T. Pitts
  • Patent number: 7862220
    Abstract: A relatively thin printed LED backlight device with an integral diffuser may be integrated into an interior trim component using a molding process, such as injection molding, compression molding and reaction injection molding. The display portion may be placed behind a textile surface or molded grille or may form a portion of the outer surface of the trim component to provide light to low light areas of the vehicle. Electronic circuitry and components may be printed on to the substrate of the device as part of an in-line continuous process at the molding station to allow low inventory and customization of each backlight device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc
    Inventors: Carter Scott Cannon, Oliver Hierl
  • Patent number: 7845839
    Abstract: A light emitting display for generating a selectable character (number, letter or alphanumeric character) comprises a plurality of independently operable light emitting display elements (segments). Each display element comprises: a light guiding medium having a light emitting display face; at least one excitation source (LED) associated with the light guiding medium and independently operable to generate excitation light of a first wavelength range and couple the excitation light into the light guiding medium; and a pattern of at least one phosphor material provided on the light emitting surface and configured to define the light emitting element wherein the phosphor material absorbs at least a part of the excitation light and emits light of a second wavelength range. Each display element can comprise a discrete light guiding medium or display elements can be defined within a single light guiding medium by one or more light reflecting planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventor: Ian T. Collier
  • Patent number: 7841733
    Abstract: A display device such as a light box comprises: a housing; a light source accommodated in this housing; and at least one diffusely translucent display face illuminated by the light from this light source. Orienting means are added to the light source so as to obtain a directional characteristic of the light emitted by the light source such that the light source directly illuminates at least one wall almost exclusively. This at least one wall is diffusely reflective such that a part of the light incident thereon is reflected to the display face. This has an almost constant luminance as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Matthijs Dirk Meulenbelt
  • Patent number: 7832132
    Abstract: A sign device comprises a unitary body which is fully enclosed across a top and sides of a hollow interior so as to be weatherproof. A display supported within the hollow interior is arranged to display alpha-numeric information through a translucent display portion on the front wall of the unitary body in an active state and is arranged to be not externally visible through the display portion in an inactive state. The exterior surface is textured and arranged to resemble a natural rock to further disguise the inactive display. An indicator indicates on the rear wall which one of various modes is being displayed on the front wall by the active display. The display can display an alarm condition, for example a building alarm responsive to a fire or an unauthorized entry into a building or a personal remote alarm activated by a building occupant requiring assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory W. P. McLachlan
  • Patent number: 7827714
    Abstract: A lighting unit adapted to be mounted to a vertical member, preferably a pole for use at a checkout counter in a retail service location. The lighting unit includes a substantially polygonal housing secured to the pole. The housing typically includes at least three sides, a top, and a base; the top may have slots to promote ventilation. An opening is formed in the first side of the housing and defines a receiving location for the pole, situated between the top and base of the housing. A clamp plate is releasably engageable with the first side of the housing spans the opening adjacent to the pole, and releasably engages the pole to provide for easy vertical adjustment of the housing relative to the pole. Each flange can advantageously include at least one set of teeth for enhancing the gripping strength of the clamp plates and penetrating the vertical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Carol A. Howard, Daniel W. Marconi
  • Patent number: 7823580
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a range hood. The apparatus can include a housing and a lighting and control unit moveably coupled to the housing. The lighting and control unit can include a user interface and one or more lights. The lighting and control unit can be coupled to a motor that can move a first face of the lighting and control unit outward during use and can move the first face of the lighting and control unit inward when not in use. Some embodiments of the invention provide a fan mounted within the housing and a louver assembly coupled to the housing. The louver assembly can include one or more rotating louvers. In some embodiments, the louver assembly can be rotated downward to access at least one of a filter, a motor, and user interface electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Broan-Nutone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Paul E. Hsu, Jay F. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7824053
    Abstract: A baseball cap with a programmable tight emitting diode screen attached to the crown of the headgear. The sign would display the desired message either preprogrammed or input directly by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Wayne Maier, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7806549
    Abstract: The illuminated cabinet soffits and aprons each include at least one pocket formed therein for removably placing a panel capable of transmitting light therethrough. The pockets may be formed by cutting a saw kerf between the two opposite panel faces, by separating the front and rear sheets of the panel with spacers, or by adding spacers to the back of a front sheet and attaching a series of webs to the spacers. The front of each panel includes at least one light passage therein. The light passage may have any regular or irregular geometric shape, or may be in the outline of a caricature, an object or symbol relating to an occupation or hobby, etc. The light passage through the rear of the panel may be any desired shape. Various attachments may be provided for removably attaching the panels to the cabinets for interchanging the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7774965
    Abstract: An illuminated emergency sign comprises a main body, a rotary body, side covers, a circuit board, a LED lamp indicator, an acrylic sign panel, and a canopy. The acrylic sign panel is connected to the lower end of the rotary body. In the rotary body is disposed a LED lamp panel. The LED lamp indicator is disposed on the LED lamp panel. The rotary body is rotatably connected to the lower end of the main body. In the main body is disposed a battery. The side covers are connected to both ends of each of the main body and the rotary body. The canopy is disposed on the top of the main body. The sign panel of such an illuminated emergency sign can be rotated within 180 degrees and fixed at a proper angle under action of the friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Je Woo Corporation, Ltd., Hui Yang
    Inventor: Sung-Keun Lee
  • Patent number: 7762452
    Abstract: A validator with a lighted bezel having a series of spaced lighted segments to one side of a banknote slot provides functional information and also defines an attract mode for potential purchasers. The validator is designed to enhance and to complement the traditional advertising used by the associated equipment or systems such as a vending machine. Preferably, a pulsing light sequence for turning lighted bar segments of different lengths is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Crane Canada Co.
    Inventors: Sergiy Androsyuk, Dmitro Baydin, Yuri Rusakov, Oleksandr Lukonin
  • Patent number: 7758226
    Abstract: An exemplary billboard includes a backlight module, a light transmissive canvas, a pattern layer and a light converging layer. The light transmissive canvas is adjacent to the backlight module. The light transmissive canvas includes a first surface facing the backlight module and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The pattern layer is formed on the second surface. The light converging layer covers the pattern layer and comprises a plurality of microstructures formed thereon distal from the light transmissive canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Meng-Hua Wang, Feng-Cheng Chung, Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 7748148
    Abstract: A backlit display sign includes a rear sign enclosure element at the back of the sign with a forwardly facing wide mouth opening. Extending across the mouth opening is a front sign element or cover formed from an optically transmissive light guide which extends laterally across the mouth opening of the display. Light diffusing (scattering) reflective layers on the front and rear surfaces of the guide or within the guide itself make the guide a light propagation sustaining channel that serves to funnel light rays laterally and forwardly within itself to an image-producing opening where the light is allowed to be emitted for producing the image of a symbol, letter, number or other indicia that is visible on the front of the display. A light cavity between the front cover and the rear sign enclosure element contains at least one illuminating device, e.g. a light emitting diode (LED), to provide visible illumination that is transmitted from within the light cavity through the guide to the front of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: e-llumineering LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Reiland, Donald L. Robertson, Brian J. Randall
  • Patent number: 7722239
    Abstract: A logo display includes a light guide plate including a light emitting surface, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) optically coupled to the light guide plate, and a light-transmissive layer disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. A light-transmissive colored pattern is formed on the light-transmissive layer. The light-transmissive colored pattern is configured for filtering out a color component of the light incident on the light-transmissive layer same as a color of the light-transmissive colored pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Hui Hsieh, Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 7722237
    Abstract: A self-contained illuminating device for mounting on or in a closed container for illuminating both the enclosed space of the container and an area of the device which has an insignia or graphic imposed thereon, e.g. for advertising purposes. The device has a shell made of a translucent material and a miniature light source. The shell is adapted to function as an optical waveguide for propagating light emitted by the light source down the shell while simultaneously illuminating surfaces of the shell bearing the advertisement. Additionally, the shell may include a light scattering element for distributing light at a periphery of the shell. The illuminating device comprises a circuitry, including a position-sensitive switch, e.g. a tilt switch, for activating the light source dependent on the position of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Lumincity Inc.
    Inventors: David Alan Watson, Linda Lee Pond, Rhonda Renee Puckett
  • Patent number: 7708423
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an illuminating apparatus for rendering lighted images of different shapes in different directions. The illuminating apparatus comprises a lamp fixture, a perforated dish affixed to the lamp pipe, a lamp shade affixed over the perforated dish, and a dome cover affixed on top of the lamp shade. The lamp fixture comprises a light bulb socket, a lamp pipe, and a lamp base. A light bulb is affixed to the light bulb socket and enclosed within the lamp shade. The dome cover comprises multiple inscriptions. The lamp shade comprises a layered mesh. The layered mesh may comprise wires crossing at right angles. On lighting the light bulb, the light passes through the perforations of the perforated dish, the inscriptions of the dome cover, and between the wires of the layered mesh, thereby rendering the lighted images of the different shapes in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Seung-Beom Hong
  • Patent number: 7703968
    Abstract: A display unit includes a light source and at least one or more transparent display plates. Each transparent display plate has a plurality of fine dimples formed on at least one surface thereof Light rays from the light source are respectively made incident on the transparent display plates and are reflected by the plurality of fine dimples so that a pattern of at least one of characters, graphics, and symbols is made visually observed uniformly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonobu Kato, Toshimitsu Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7685753
    Abstract: An illuminated, shallow weatherproof signage character has individual three dimensional back-lighted/front/side and/or silhouette-lighting, with frosted areas of plastic, with virtually no limitation on the size or number of individual characters, which may be moulded or machined from solid plastic, which is U/V protected. Miniature, preferably LED lamps are concealed in the character. The life of the LED lamps is extended by limiting the applied voltage and the “on” time. The signage characters are usually elevated from their supporting surface, to effect back-lighting. Colored LED's or a RBG LED, can be used selectively to color the plastic signage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Darrel R. Slowski
  • Patent number: 7665874
    Abstract: An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, Michael T. Romanyszyn, John Vira
  • Patent number: 7654684
    Abstract: A solar-rechargeable light fixture. A preferred embodiment is adapted for attachment to the horizontal cross-bar of a yard-mounted real estate sign effective to illuminate both sides of the sign after dark. The light fixture includes a solar panel adapted to charge a battery which powers a plurality of lights, such as incandescent bulbs or LEDs. Sometimes, a microprocessor is included in-circuit to control operation of the light fixture, and may also provide diagnostic feedback to a user. Desirably, the light fixture can be switched into a storage mode to avoid discharge of the battery during periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: Robert M. Wight, James A. Rohbock, Darren C. Ashby
  • Patent number: 7637045
    Abstract: There are provided a surface light source having uniform and high brightness independently whether the light source is small or large while using semiconductor light emitting devices (LEDs), and an electrically illuminated signboard using the surface light source, which is thin and capable of uniform display and which operates with low electricity consumption. LEDs (12) of a dome type are arranged on four corners at a bottom surface of a box body (11) of a tray shape whose bottom surface is quadrilateral, whose upper side is open, on an inner surface of which a light reflection member (11b) is provided, and whose side walls (11c) are inclined outward. The LEDs (12) are arranged so as to mainly irradiate a region between a vertical plane on a diagonal line (N) of the bottom surface and one side wall (11c), and the region irradiated by each of the LEDs (12) of the dome type arranged on the four corners rotates individually and sequentially in a specific direction (same direction) in the box body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignees: Asagicreate Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 7635202
    Abstract: A banner includes a flexible display film having light-transmissive areas and a relatively opaque area surrounding the light-transmissive areas. A number of light sources are positioned at least behind each light-transmissive area. The light sources are attached to the flexible display film in such manner as to allow rolling up and folding of the banner without removal of the light sources therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Main Bright (H.K.) Limited
    Inventor: Minoru Awabayashi
  • Patent number: 7625095
    Abstract: A multi-purpose holiday display light box that is equipped with an interchangeable holiday indicia for use as a lawn ornament or decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Barry W. Ohs
  • Patent number: 7611261
    Abstract: A decoration device may include a backlit panel inside an interior space of an ornament structure. The panel may include a decorative scene that is viewable from outside the ornament structure, and one or more light sources may be substantially aligned with certain elements of the scene (e.g., candles, a fireplace, stars, or the like) so that those elements have the appearance of emitting light that illuminates other portions of the decorative scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Rebecca M. Richmond, Ronald L. Carlson, Therese F. Steiger, Brenda S. Klenke, Keri Lauderdale Olson
  • Patent number: 7602305
    Abstract: A feedback circuit for a display sign has a number of lights. A resistor is coupled in series with the lights. A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Skyline Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Lee Lindsay, Charles Hunter Bush
  • Patent number: 7585095
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides an illuminated motorcycle safety and vanity light bar for conveying an illuminated identification or vanity message. The safety and vanity light bar for a motorcycle includes a light bar having an outwardly facing message surface area for illumination from an internal light source and a plurality of transparent optical apertures disposed upon the outwardly facing message surface area of the light bar. A message is displayed upon the message surface area and illuminated with illumination from the internal light source through the plurality of transparent optical apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Sheriff
  • Patent number: 7578085
    Abstract: An address indicator has panels each displaying a translucent character surrounded by an opaque area. A frame with a channel slidably captures the panels and has an upper chamber above the channel and a rear chamber behind the channel. Stops at opposite ends of the channel keep the panels in the channel and lights such as LEDs are spaced in the upper chamber for casting light into the rear chamber. A translucent screen in the rear chamber defuses light for illuminating the translucent character of each panel. Solar cells charge replaceable, rechargeable batteries for powering the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: Albert Chao, Ethel Chao
  • Patent number: 7556403
    Abstract: A display and messaging sign includes a number of pixels and a hooded face plate. The hooded face plate includes a number of hooded apertures, with a hood over each of the pixels. Each pixel is aligned with an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Skyline Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Charles Stadjuhar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7549777
    Abstract: A waterproof heat dissipating structure is provided on an electronic signboard having a main body with a first surface as a display and an opposite second surface, and includes at least one through hole provided on the second surface of the main body of the signboard, and at least one waterproof breathable unit provided at each through hole as a protective layer. The waterproof breathable unit has an area not smaller than that of the through hole, and has the property of allowing gas but not liquid to pass therethrough. Therefore, air inside the main body heated by the heat produced by the display at the first surface of the signboard may pass through the waterproof breathable unit at the through hole to carry away heat from the main body to achieve the purpose of heat dissipation and maintain the main body at a pressure balancing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Agon-Tech. Corporation
    Inventor: Chiao-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7543976
    Abstract: A lighting system to be used as an architectural panel or wall or communication device. The system works as a decorative or marketing element comprising a structural framework. The framework comprises an apparatus to affix in the frontal and back sides, an apparatus for the generation of light and images, and a reflective element located in the back side of the framework. The apparatus for generation of light is a source of light located around the internal edge of the framework. The image display is a luminescent layer comprising an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface is intervened to allow the passage of the light produced by the source of light, and the light exits and is reflected on the reflective element to in turn be reflected on the internal surface of the luminescent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Comercial Luxia Limitada
    Inventor: Ximena Munoz Abogabir
  • Patent number: 7517103
    Abstract: A display includes a display lightguide, on which a shape of a display character is formed in three dimensions, a light source, emitting a light toward the display lightguide, and a light collection portion, provided between the light source and the display lightguide, and having a light reflection face formed like a parabolic face which employs a straight line perpendicular to a light receiving face of the display lightguide as an axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Furuya, Tetsuya Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7506463
    Abstract: A universal gaming machine topper sign (10) has a body portion (11), having a back wall (15), a side wall (16), an open front face (17) and a mounting base (18), a reflector carrier (13) mounted on the base (18) of the body portion (11), a cold cathode lamp (14) mounted in front of the reflector carrier (13), an annular printed circuit board (50) having illumination means (52) around its periphery which are mounted on the periphery of the reflector carrier (13) and a door (12) for closing the front face (17) of the body portion (11), the door (12) having an annular body portion (30) having light apertures (35) and a central portion (37) for receiving a display panel (51), the light apertures (35) of the door (12) being in alignment with the illumination means (52) mounted around the printed circuit board (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Bright Group Pty Limited
    Inventor: Barrie James Holst
  • Patent number: 7481550
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a trompe l'oeil skylight in a T-bar type hung ceiling system where a translucent panel with an image of a sky scene is elevated above a T-bar grid, by a frame, so as to eliminate shadows of the T-bar on the image panel and so as to simulate a casement-type skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: The Sky Factory, LC
    Inventors: Radim Schreiber, Skye Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 7478915
    Abstract: An illumination assembly allows quick and easy access to light fixtures that are mounted extended far enough away from a catwalk of a lighted sign such as a billboard as to be inaccessible to a worker on the catwalk. An elongate tubular member is pivotally mounted on a support affixed to the catwalk. A light fixture is mounted on the distal end of the member. A control mechanism enables the member to be fixed in extended position for use in illuminating the sign. The control mechanism enables the member to pivot to a position where the light fixture is adjacent the catwalk, for changing the light bulb or other maintenance. The control mechanism is accessible from the catwalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Charles E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7473003
    Abstract: Emergency lighting for an aircraft employs a photoluminescent substrate that is activated by exposure to light wherein the substrate has portions with different light emitting characteristics whereby, in the absence of activating light, a first substrate portion provides a higher light output than a second substrate portion for an initial period after which the second substrate portion provides a higher light output than the first substrate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Saf-T-Glo Limited
    Inventors: Peter David Stokes, Sean Patrick O'Kell
  • Patent number: 7472506
    Abstract: A lighted sign having a front translucent surface surrounded by a skirt defining an opaque contour. A light diffuser is located behind an opaque zone of the skirt. Light is radiated from an internal light source through the light diffuser to provide an illuminated background for the opaque contour thereby increasing the contrast of the silhouette of the sign on a mounting surface. The front translucent surface is preferably back lit by the same internal source of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Guy Lapointe