Abstract: A portable light intended for mounting on a garment as support includes two LED light sources spaced apart towards the rear of the portable light. A clipped base below on anchor facilitates locating a garment between the anchor and the base, and a spring action urges the base toward the anchor. A hingedly movable head for the LEDs is mounted on the housing to move to and form the housing. An opening of the housing causes a switch in the housing to move between an opened and closed position such that a circuit actives or de activates the LED lights when the head opens or closes relative to the housing.

Abstract: System and method for displaying information in low ambient light. A display includes a support backing to provide structural support, an illuminated backing coupled to the rigid backing, an information sheet coupled to the illuminated backing, a power source coupled to the illuminated backing, and a switch to control the power source. The illuminated backing provides a substantially even and diffuse light across a surface of the illuminated backing. The information sheet containing information to be illuminated by the illuminated backing and the power source to provide electrical power to illuminate the light. The light provided by the illuminated backing illuminates the information to enable reading of the information in situations where there is low ambient light.

Abstract: A document illuminator includes first and second cover portions, first and second illumination sources, and a power source. The first and second cover portions are connected and foldable along a spine portion. The first and second illumination sources are secured to a corresponding one of the first and second cover portions. The power source is electrically connected to the first and second illumination sources to selectively power the first and second illumination sources when a power switch is activated. When first and second translucent documents are secured to corresponding ones of the first and second cover portions and power is supplied to the first and second illumination sources, each of the first and second illumination sources direct illumination through a corresponding one of the first and second translucent documents.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved book cover and removable reading light, the book cover having a central spine section having a longitudinal pocket therein and two outer covers each pivotally connected to opposite edges of the central spine section. An elongated reading light is removably mounted in the pocket of the central spine section, the reading light having a housing including a battery compartment for receiving batteries and a second compartment for receiving an extendable supporting arm for the reading light. The supporting arm and reading light are disposed for movement relative to the second compartment between an open position in which the supporting arm extends out of the second compartment and a closed position in which the supporting arm is disposed within the second compartment. In addition, the reading light is movably mounted relative to the supporting arm for directing light in different directions, as desired by the user.

Abstract: A device for use in a restaurant as a source of light for the table area comprising a housing, a power circuit and at least one light source. The housing has an integral base that is configured to support the housing on a table. The power circuit has a power source positioned therein the housing and a pressure switch. The at least one light source is positioned therein the housing proximate an aperture in the base and is electrically coupled to the power circuit. The pressure switch is configured to selectively open and close the power circuit such that the at least one light source can be selectively energized by either placing the housing on the table, such that the at least one light source is in a de-energized position, or lifting the housing upwardly away from the table, which energizes the at least one light source.

Abstract: A clipboard has a light assembly built into a clip on the board. The light assembly includes a light head adapted to fit into a recess on the clip. The light head may have a curved top surface matching a curved top surface of the clip head. When in the stored position, the light assembly sits generally flush with the clip. Accordingly, when the light is not needed, it can fold compactly out of the way, and the clipboard can have the shape and size of a conventional clipboard. The light head may be attached to the clip by a link or arm having pivot joints at each end, to allow the light head to be aimed.

Abstract: A magnification apparatus that includes a foldable base, battery-powered lighting and an attached magnification sheet which can positioned over a book placed on top of the foldable base. The base has a left backing and a right backing which are connected to one another via a rubber hinge. The magnification sheet is connected to the top end of the base by a flexible bar and is capable of being placed over and above a book that is placed on top of the base for reading purposes. Both the left backing and right backing have separate light compartments that will provide lighting when the magnification apparatus is in use, with each of these lighting compartments being battery-powered through a separate battery compartment. Also, each of the backings has a set of teeth designed to prevent a book or other reading object from slipping off of the backings, with the teeth also interlocking to allow the left backing and right backing to be folded against one another.

Abstract: A folder has a detachable illumination device disposed on an upper cover of the folder so that the illumination device, such as a lamp, can be momentarily inserted into a specific power socket to provide illumination, or can be detached and placed in a predetermined slot formed on an inner surface of the folder to facilitate the carrying. Thus, the folder can break the limitation in use in various occasions where no sufficient light source is provided, and can thus enhance the utility and the convenience thereof.

Abstract: A lightening ornament with a mirror, the ornament is used as a mirror when not in lightening, ornamental articles loaded in the ornament can be seen by irradiating of light rays through the mirror when in lightening of the lightening unit. The ornament at least comprises: a bottom plate with a receiving groove, an upper lid used to cover the bottom plate from above and is provided on its top with a mirror frame, a mirror provided in the mirror frame, at least a lightening unit, at least an electric power supply unit supplying electric power for the lightening unit, a switch and an ornamental article received in the receiving groove. When in lightening of the lightening unit, the mirror has a function of mirror image forming originally can give an effect of displaying the ornamental article loaded in the receiving groove; the ornament can be used as a key-ring ornamental pendant, an ornamental pendant for a mobile phone, a picture frame or a liquid crystal timer etc.

Abstract: A device for illuminating single or multiple page reading material in dimly lit locations, includes two hinged-together cover panels each having a holder for the reading material. The panels completely enclose the reading material in a closed condition and permit reading of the material in an open condition. An additional panel is hinged to one of the cover panels and a wireless or rechargeable lighting module with a programmable microprocessor is retained to the additional panel for moveably directing light onto the reading material. One panel may be used with a flexible strap connected to the panel and retaining the lighting module. A lanyard may be used to connect the panel to the lighting module. The panel may have a cavity and a reel on which the lanyard is wound and connected to the lighting module. The panel may have a channel for a flexible strap retaining the lighting module.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved book cover and removable reading light, the book cover having a central spine section having a longitudinal pocket therein and two outer covers each pivotally connected to opposite edges of the central spine section. An elongated reading light is removably mounted in the pocket of the central spine section, the reading light having a housing including a battery compartment for receiving batteries and a second compartment for receiving an extendable supporting arm for the reading light. The supporting arm and reading light are disposed for movement relative to the second compartment between an open position in which the supporting arm extends out of the second compartment and a closed position in which the supporting arm is disposed within the second compartment. In addition, the reading light is movably mounted relative to the supporting arm for directing light in different directions, as desired by the user.

Abstract: An integrated illuminating reading material holder and system for recharging the holder(s) that uses an electro-luminescent sheet positioned parallel to and under a top flat transparent surface. The reading material is adapted to be supported on top of the transparent surface. A multi-slotted recharging station includes contacts in designated slots for recharging the battery of the holder when received in a respective slot.

Abstract: A booklight comprises a housing having an elongated opening, a retractable arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and adapted to be telescopically received in said elongated opening, and slideable between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a light source mounted at the distal end of the retractable arm, and a clip on the housing adapted to mount the housing to a book.

Abstract: A machine for magnifying a check with a freshnel lens, a front cover and back cover hingably connected, to hold a credit card bill or restaurant check, to hold a credit card, to hold a writing utensil, and to illuminate the credit card bill or restaurant check.

Abstract: An illuminated menu book has a menu book having at least one cover. At least one flexible electroluminescent lighting sheet is coupled to the menu book. The electroluminescent lighting sheet will illuminate when excited with a voltage at a set frequency. A lighting circuit is coupled to the electroluminescent lighting sheet and positioned in an interior of the menu book. The lighting circuit is used for controlling illumination of the electroluminescent lighting sheet. A power supply is coupled to the lighting circuit and the electroluminescent lighting sheet for powering the lighting circuit and the electroluminescent lighting sheet.

Abstract: An illumination device for illuminating a guest check presenter has a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface connected by a sidewall; an adhesive element disposed on the bottom surface and adapted to mount the device on the guest check presenter; the sidewall separating the top and bottom surfaces by a distance (D) that is small enough to enable the guest check presenter to be closed when the illumination device is mounted on the guest check presenter; an illumination LED mounted adjacent the sidewall for illuminating the guest check presenter; a battery mounted within the housing; and a switch operably connecting the battery with the illumination LED.

Abstract: A wand configured to have two light sources capable of emitting light at different wavelengths to detect a plurality of indicia on a substrate such as a book. The wand and the substrate may be part of a kit.

Abstract: A luminous source (10) for reading material includes a light source (20), a light guide plate (40), and a frame (60). The light guide plate is adjacent the light source, and converts divergent light beams received from the light source into substantially parallel light beams emitting from a main surface (42) of the light guide plate. The frame defines a support space (62) and has a switch (61). The light guide plate and the light source are secured in the support space. The switch electrically connects with the light source and controls switching of the light source on and off. The parallel light beams illuminate a page of the reading material from underneath the page.

Abstract: A backlight module with two translucent faces applicable to operations of scanner is used for scanning of transparent documents. The backlight module has a shell and a light source unit disposed in the shell. The shell has a first translucent portion and a second translucent portion corresponding to each other. The light source unit in the shell can emit light via the first translucent portion and the second translucent portion. When the backlight module is used for scanning of a transparent document and the transparent document is placed outside the first translucent portion, the user can preview the content of the transparent document before scanning via the second translucent portion.

Abstract: A magnifier for use by people with low vision includes a large LCD display upon which an enlarged image appears. Light from an LED is directed in a first direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a diffuser that bends it so that it illuminates an object upon which the magnifier is placed. The light is then reflected by the object, through the diffuser, and onto a mirror positioned at an angle relative to the object. The mirror directs the light onto a camera lens and the lens focuses the light onto a sensor that drives the LCD display so that the image appears on the LCD screen. The camera is slideably mounted so the user can make the image larger or smaller by sliding the camera toward or away from the mirror, respectively.

Abstract: A box-like illuminator includes a top wall having a flat sheet of clear material through which an illuminated image is viewed. A bottom wall of the illuminator is also formed of a flat sheet of clear material and is positioned atop the object to be illuminated. Light from an LED is directed in a first, downward direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a substantially horizontal plane, substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a horizontally-disposed diffuser that bends the light about ninety degrees so that it travels though the diffuser a first time in a first direction and illuminates the object atop which the illuminator is positioned. The light is then reflected by the object, travels upwardly through the diffuser a second time in a direction opposite to the first direction, and is viewed by the user through the clear material.

Abstract: A book light that is removably mounted to a book spine, has a flexible lamp support arm, and provides a rotational device that enables full 360 degree rotation of the lamp support arm about a longitudinal axis of the book spine such that a reader can comfortably hold and read a paperback book folded back upon itself with one hand, a page facing the reader is well illuminated, and subsequent pages can be illuminated by turning the folded book over to a new page and simply rotating the lamp support arm and lamp over the new reading page, all without having to remove and re-mount the book light from the book.

Abstract: A guest check presenter has a top cover and bottom cover hinged together along a common binding to define a booklet. A holder is provided on the inside of the booklet for placement of a check for delivery to a patron, such as at the end of a meal in a restaurant. A magnifying sheet movable in overlying relation to the check and a light-emitting device are provided to enhance viewing information printed on the check, particularly in poor lighting conditions. A calculator for totaling items on the check includes tip calculating buttons of graduated values for selecting the tip amount according to the quality of service and/or the generosity of the patron paying the check. A mirror is provided on the inside of the guest check presenter booklet for the convenience of the guests at the table. Signaling lights on the light-emitting device alert the waiter to pick up the check when the patron is ready to pay.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stationery holder includes a base having an upper portion, which defines first and second compartments for respectively receiving a roll of adhesive tape and a pen and a card receptacle between the compartments, and a lower portion, which forms a battery chamber for receiving and retaining a battery. An illuminator is mounted in the first compartment and is electrically connected to the battery by a switching device arranged in the receptacle. The switching device includes a fixed conductive contact and a deformable conductive plate that has a spring section engaging a sidewall of the receptacle and floatingly supporting a switching section that is spaced from the contact for a small distance. When a card is inserted between the sidewall and the conductive plate, the spring section deforms and moves the switching section to physically engage the contact thereby forming a closed electrical loop among the illuminator, the battery, and the switching device for powering the illuminator.

Abstract: Electric appliance stand with simple telescopic support rod, including a telescopic operable arm. A lower end of the operable arm is pivotally disposed on a base seat and an upper end of the operable arm is pivotally connected with a connecting seat. The base seat is composed of a locating block and a support arm. A hinge member is disposed on the locating block for pivotally connecting with the lower end of the operable arm. A support arm is fixed on the locating block and outward extends therefrom to form a stable seat body. A small-size electric appliance can be replaceably connected on the connecting seat and supported by the stand. In use or after folded, the stand has small volume and can be conveniently carried.

Abstract: An object holder/illumination system for holding and/or positioning a first object with respect to a second object and illuminating the first object by accessing power from the second object. The system is especially useful as a copyholder/illumination system used in conjunction with a computing system such as a laptop computer, desktop or other portable electronic device.

Abstract: A multi-function customer satisfaction survey device, system and method. A plurality of stackable tip trays in a restaurant each include a survey device and a calculator. Survey questions are presented on a display screen, and a survey keypad is used by the customer to enter responses. The responses are stored in a memory in the tray. The trays stack on a base unit that simultaneously collects the responses from the stacked trays, simultaneously programs the stacked trays with survey questions, and simultaneously recharges a battery in each tray.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a generally flat surface essentially without emitting significant light beyond the surface is particularly adapted for use as a book light. The device comprises a battery-operated light source contained within a housing to which a transparent light-conductive illuminating body is mounted in close adjacency to the light source to transmit the light through the illuminating body. The device may be placed with the illuminating body over a book or other flat surface for illuminated viewing through the transparent illuminating body. The illuminating body is tapered in a wedge shape to deflect the conducted light onto the underlying surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.

Abstract: An attachable book mirror device enables the reader of a textual document to view the facial expressions of the young adult, child, toddler, or baby who is listening in close proximity to the reader. The listener can also view the mechanical lip movements of the reader to thereby shorten process of learning to read. The attachable book mirror includes a shell for housing the optically human visual spectrum reflective material that is pivotally connected to a base used to attach to the covers of books or any other suitable document. The reflective material can be adjusted in any allowable position, holding its last position due to certain equal but opposite forces that are generated by certain internal components such as a spring contained within the base that helps create a lasting static contact frictional force. An adjustable light may be pivotally attached to the book mirror.

Abstract: A transaction tray comprises a surface having a first writing portion, a display screen and communications means for receiving information to be displayed on the display screen, wherein the information which is received by the communications means is received from a source remote from said apparatus. The communications means may be a wireless communications means, a two-way communications means or a hard wired communications means. Further, a transaction tray comprises a tray portion and a hinged lid portion, lighting means associated with the tray portion, a first transparent window is provided in the outer surface of the lid and a second transparent window in the inner surface. A first translucent advertising substrate is displayed in the first window and a second translucent advertising substrate is displayed in the second window.

Abstract: A magnifying and illuminating apparatus which can both be fitted onto existing lecterns or used as an integral part of an improved lectern and which combines a light source and a magnifying element in order to improve visibility of the viewable material placed under it.

Abstract: A self-illuminating book having an integral light source and at least one page having a portion thereof “notched out”, or “cut out”, to receive at least a portion of the light source therethrough, thereby enabling light from the light source to illuminate the page and other portions of the book and to improve lighting conditions for reading or viewing of the book. Preferably, the light source is attached to the inner surface of the book's back cover and is transitioned between on and off positions by depressing and subsequently releasing a lens cover thereof, thereby allowing a person having minimal dexterity to easily turn the light source on or off as necessary.

Abstract: A light for use with computers containing light emitting diodes, which may be directional, on one or more movable supports which is powered via the computer's USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices to be connected through the same port powering the light.

Abstract: A restaurant billfold is disclosed with an illuminated signaling beacon for signaling a server that the billfold and payment are ready to be collected. The signaling beacon is mounted on the front of the billfold and includes a pressure-actuating electrical or mechanical switch that turns on and off a light source such as an LED, The light source is enclosed in a housing comprising a bracket mounted on the front of the billfold and a back plate mounted on the inside of the billfold, where the bracket and back plate cooperate to sandwich a front panel of the billfold therebetween.

Abstract: A magnifying and illuminating apparatus which can both be fitted onto existing lecterns or used as an integral part of an improved lectern and which combines a light source and a magnifying element in order to improve visibility of the viewable material placed under it.

Abstract: A combination magnifier and illuminator comprised of a rigid rectangular housing that encloses a swing out lens retaining frame. The lens is a fresnel type which is very thin in nature that allows the entire thickness of the present invention to be less than one quarter of an inch thick. An ultra light white LED automatically turns on when the user swings out the magnifying lens allowing the user to see items such as a map or menu in low light conditions. The LED is powered by a button type battery that is housed in the circular space located at the pivot point of the swing out magnifier frame.

Abstract: The invention is a small, portable illumination device which is used to illuminate reading material or other material. The device contains a clip which a user can employ to attach the device to a book or other reading material. The clip holds the illuminating device in place relative to the material. The device uses either battery or alternating current as power and can be switched from one to the other by insertion or removal of a male plug of a 120V AC/DC adapter into or from a jack in the device. The device can be turned on or shut off when a user switches the ON-OFF switch. In addition, there is a countdown timer which the user can set to a desired number of minutes. Once the countdown timer starts, the device will illuminate the material for the number of minutes to which the user set the countdown timer. When the countdown timer reaches zero, the device shuts off automatically. A buzzer sounds when the countdown timer reaches two minutes.

Abstract: A wand configured to have two light sources capable of emitting light at different wavelengths to detect a plurality of indicia on a substrate such as a book. The wand and the substrate may be part of a kit.

Abstract: A laptop computer support board with lamp for supporting a laptop computer and providing light over the computer. The device has a support board on which the keyboard bottom surface rests, a lamp assembly, and a vent portion for allowing dispersion of the heat emitted from the computer. The support board has stoppers secured to the board top surface for wedging the computer in place. The vent portion is positioned between the stoppers, having venting holes extending through the board, and a raised platform extending upward from the board top surface. The lamp assembly is secured to the board top surface and is adjustable and collapsible. Once collapsed, a lamp cover may be placed over the lamp assembly.

Abstract: An illumination device has a base portion, a neck portion attached to the base portion, a power source and an illumination panel has an electroluminescent light source or a light guide that produces a diffuse light. The illumination panel may have roughly the thickness of a credit card and may be positioned via the flexible neck portion. The illumination device is particularly suited for use as a book light or task light due to its uniform, diffuse light, and compact size.

Abstract: A restaurant menu more easily read in reduced ambient lighting by the added lighting provided by LEDs which are battery operated when a circuit is completed through the hands of a patron in gripping engagement with the edge of the menu, a hand position known to be assumed preparatory to reading.

Abstract: A luminescent book includes a frame. A luminescent panel, a film switch, a circuit board and a back plate are sequentially mounted on the frame. The circuit board is electrically connected with the luminescent panel and the film switch for providing information in several modes. The luminescent panel includes a plurality of areas each of which is formed with a pattern and can be activated regardless of the other. A speaker is electrically connected with the circuit board. In a first mode, the patterns are highlighted sequentially. When a pattern is highlighted, sound is provided. The process repeats once if the first button is pressed within a period of time after the last pattern is highlighted and ends if otherwise. In a second mode, one of the patterns can be pressed so that it is highlighted before sound representative of the pressed pattern is provided. The process repeats if any of the patterns is pressed within a period of time after the sound is provided and ends if otherwise.

Abstract: An attachable book mirror device enables the reader of a textual document to view the facial expressions of the young adult, child, toddler, or baby who is listening in close proximity to the reader. The listener can also view the mechanical lip movements of the reader to thereby shorten process of learning to read. The attachable book mirror includes a shell for housing the optically human visual spectrum reflective material that is pivotally connected to a base used to attach to the covers of books or any other suitable document. The reflective material can be adjusted in any allowable position, holding its last position due to certain equal but opposite forces that are generated by certain internal components such as a spring contained within the base that helps create a lasting static contact frictional force. An adjustable light may be pivotally attached to the book mirror.

Abstract: A utility light includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and a headlamp coupled to the arm. The headlamp itself includes an LED, a power source to power the LED, and a switch to control the LED. The base can be adapted to be clipped to a page and adapted to support the arm and headlamp when the base is placed onto a flat surface.

Abstract: A portable reading light device utilizing an LEDs as the source of light mounted in a housing having a single lens through which light from the LEDs is projected, the power to the LEDs being controlled by Pulse Width Modulation.

Abstract: A compact, light weight and energy-efficient illumination module is described for inclusion into a variety of portable products such as an organizer, a book and a handbag. The illumination module allows for convenient, energy-efficient viewing, reading or writing with the portable products. The illumination module comprises a light source, a standalone electrical power source such as a battery, a switching electrical circuit having an integrated user-operated switch, an enclosure and a mechanically adjustable attachment for including the enclosure into the portable products. Upon activation, the light source of the illumination module emits a locally directed spatial illumination light pattern onto the portable product for reading.

Abstract: An illustration illuminator has a leg arrangement and a frame connected to the leg arrangement and extending upwardly and at a slant rearwardly away from the leg arrangement. A support surface is arranged at the front side of the frame for supporting an illustration to be illuminated. A light assembly is connected to the frame remote from the leg arrangement for illuminating the support surface. The light assembly has lamps emitting light rays and further has a front end with an outlet via which the light rays exit and impinge on the support surface. The light assembly has a reflector arranged relative to the lamps such that the light rays emitted by the lamps pass through the outlet only after having been reflected at least once on the reflector.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a generally flat surface essentially without emitting significant light beyond the surface is particularly adapted for use as a book light. The device comprises a battery-operated light source contained within a housing to which a transparent light-conductive illuminating body is mounted in close adjacency to the light source to transmit the light through the illuminating body. The device may be placed with the illuminating body over a book or other flat surface for illuminated viewing through the transparent illuminating body. The illuminating body is tapered in a wedge shape to deflect the conducted light onto the underlying surface.

Abstract: A combination magnifier and illuminator comprised of a rigid rectangular housing that encloses a swing out lens retaining frame. The lens is a fresnel type which is very thin in nature that allows the entire thickness of the present invention to be less than one quarter of an inch thick. An ultra light white LED automatically turns on when the user swings out the magnifying lens allowing the user to see items such as a map or menu in low light conditions. The LED is powered by a button type battery that is housed in the circular space located at the pivot point of the swing out magnifier frame.