Abstract: Example metering apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a stencil and a housing having a display area. The display area has a recessed cavity defining a front surface of the display area. A front surface of the stencil is to be flush mounted relative to the front surface of the display area defined by the recessed cavity when the stencil is positioned in the display area of the housing. A cover is removably coupled to the housing to enable access to the display area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planar light source and an illumination apparatus which have higher design property than that of conventional ones. The planar light source includes: a planar light emitting panel which has a light emitting surface; and a decorative member which covers the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting panel. A light emitting region which emits light when the planar light source is turned on and a non-light-emitting frame region which surrounds the light emitting region are provided on the light emitting surface. The decorative member has a pattern forming section. The pattern forming section includes a frame shielding section which covers entirety of the frame region in the front view, and a light-emission shielding section which extends from the frame shielding section so as to divide the light emitting region into a plurality of regions.

Abstract: A sensor and control module is provided that includes an antenna formed as an integral component of a lens fastener or a housing of the module. A lens may be attached to the housing by the lens fastener. The module may further include a light responsive detector located in the housing so as to receive light through the lens, circuitry configured to generate a control signal dependent on the light sensed by the light responsive detector, and a wireless radio-frequency transmitter coupled to the antenna and configured to wirelessly transmit the control signal via the antenna. The sensor and control module may be incorporated in a luminaire within a wireless lighting control system.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of the proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field, determines a rate of change in signal amplitude for each signal, and generates an adaptive time delay based on the control circuitry. The control circuitry further detects a peak amplitude of the signal and determines activation of the switch after expiration of the time delay following the peak amplitude detection.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided for displaying a jersey with a three-dimensional view with a vision effect of floating in mid-air in an enclosed environment. The display apparatus comprises an outer casing body, a front and a back clear screen, an inner support member, an optional desk support and an opening means. In particular, when a jersey is supported by the inner support member as provided, the support member is invisible such that it contributes to the mid-air floating visual effect. The display apparatus may further comprise components to achieve visual, audio and/or video effects controlled by sensors.

Abstract: A portable advertising system well suited for outdoor advertising at night includes a body adapted to be secured to a transportation vehicle and may include a universal attachment system for that purpose. An advertisement may be displayed on an advertising surface mounted on the body. An illumination source is directed towards the advertising surface and may be integrated into an electronic display unit or may be directed at an advertising sheet such as a vinyl sheet. When the advertising sheet is used, a sheet tension system typically maintains tension on the sheet, and an openable protective cover may protect the sheet when not in use. The illumination source may be controlled based on environmental light conditions, sheet tension and/or position of the protective cover. The body may be part of a cargo container such as an ISO container suited for securing to a railroad car or other vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a solar powered flower of dynamic simulation comprising a stem, a solar power supplier, a connecting base, a driving unit, a movable tray, and plurality of swinging members as well as petals. Wherein, the connecting base fixed on the top end of the stem and peripherally provided with multiple inlaying slots, in which the swinging member is pivoted. Each swinging member provides an upper arm to install a petal, and a lower arm to pivot the movable tray, on which contacts an output terminal of the driving unit for the movable tray to move up- and downward to motivate the vacillation of the swinging member as a seesaw. The petals then swing conforming to the swinging member to bloom and close achieving a dynamic simulation of the reality.

Abstract: When detecting that a display unit (3) of a vehicle-mounted display device (2) mounted to a vehicle ceiling (1) is placed in a use state 3a, a display unit opening and closing detector 101 sends out a use detection signal. A lighting control circuit (102) limits light emitted out of an indoor lighting device (6) and incident upon the screen of the display unit (3) according to the use detection signal from the display unit opening and closing detector (101).

Abstract: A motorized display using transistor oscillation to impart motion to point-of-purchase displays or other items is disclosed. A transistor oscillator movement, is used to rotate the display. A transistor oscillator motor has a drive train including a drive shaft and a battery as a power source. The drive shaft rotates when the motor is powered, a holder for a sign or merchandise item is connected to the drive shaft exterior to a motor housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be positioned vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of display being used. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either continuous one way or a 360 degree two-way revolution.

Abstract: An improved address display device that can automatically adjust its light output intensity to ambient light conditions and is readily changeable to any address. The device can be remotely turned on by either a bright light or radio signal from an emergency vehicle. An LED 7-segment display with numerals and letters, 7-segment lamp tubes, a dot-matrix LED, electric bulbs or tubes, or any other display means produces a display visible and readable to a person with normal vision at a distance of exceeding 50 feet and preferably over 100 feet both day and night. A photocell or other ambient light sensing device automatically adjusts intensity for various ambient conditions such as bright sunlight, night, fog, or other conditions. The device contains a circuit that allows immediate adjustment or change of the address. There are at least two embodiments of this feature: 1) the ability to set each digit with switches, and 2) a counter circuit that causes the address to count when a button is depressed.

Abstract: A motorized display using piezoelectricity to impart motion to point-of-purchase displays or other items is disclosed. A quartz movement, otherwise used for rotary movement of anniversary clocks, is preferably used to rotate the display. According to preferred embodiments, the motor has a drive train including a drive shaft and a battery as a power source. The drive shaft rotates when the motor is powered, a holder for a sign or merchandise item is positioned on the end of the drive shaft exterior to the motor housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be positioned vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of display being used. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either continuous one way or a 360 degree two-way revolution.

Abstract: The display device has a free standing structure or it may be incorporated into a building wall. The display device primarily consists of a banner having a series of panels mounted in a plurality of display areas provided in a movable frame. A selected panel may be moved into position of a display frame. Each panel bears a different display. The display frame consists of a generally rectangular frame having a light projection display screen mounted at its rear side. The panels moved over the display screen. One display area is an empty area and does not contain any panel such that when this empty panel is located at the display frame a light display projected onto the screen with a video or slide projector is visible in the display frame.

Abstract: An optical shutter operated device includes a reflector to reflect incident light and a liquid crystal light shutter interposed in front of the reflector. A photovoltaic cell is disposed behind the shutter and is illuminated by the incident light thereby supplying a control voltage to the liquid crystal light shutter for causing it to alternate cyclically between a relatively transparent state and a relatively opaque state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a music poster which includes a sound generating system disposed in a rectangular case combined with a poster. A PC board assembly includes an insulating board and a conductive minute hand mounted thereon, and is coupled externally to a sound generator and an LED assembly. Responsive to the minute hand passing through a sound operative interval, a variety of musical sounds are generated through the sound generator, and the LED assembly is operative to produce a flashing light effect, simultaneously. When the minute hand reaches and passes through a non-effective interval, the audio-visual operation is stopped immediately. As an alternate form, the PC board assembly is replaced by a photoelectric or acoustic sensor which controls the operation of the sound generator and the LED assembly, so as to let the sound generator and the LED assembly begin to operate when people are detected as passing by the poster, by a change in light levels, or sound.

Abstract: A display assembly particularly for the point-of-purchase field utilizes a light source to power the display. A solar cell is electrically connected, through a simple flashing circuit, to an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The diodes have a current usage of about 2 ma or less; e.g., they may be double heterojunction AlGaAs/GaAs material. The circuit has a current drain of about 0.1 ma or less. The solar cell may be mounted between an artificial light source (such as a fluorescent bulb) and a surrounding metal housing by sheet material having an undulating (e.g., accordion) configuration. Transparent UV inhibited plastic film tape may attach the solar cell to a central undulation of the sheet material while magnets strips attach side edges of the sheet material to a metal housing, so that the solar cell is in close proximity to (e.g., touches) the light source.

Abstract: A display panel device includes a display panel having a sensor sensitive to light, sound, heat and so on and a recorder/playback combination attached thereto. As an object transparent to or shielding light and generating sound or heat approaches the panel, the sensor is automatically actuated to give an automatic actuation to the recorder/playback combination, thereby reproducing music or sound from the surface of the display panel.

Abstract: An illuminated information display apparatus comprising: a rectangular frame member having top, bottom and side walls defining an elongated housing having at least one open face; grooves provided in opposing marginal edges of the top and bottom walls of the housing and extending the length thereof; a plurality of interlocking indicia bearing plate members sized to be slidably received in the opposed grooves, the plate members having light transmitting and blocking portions thereon; a source of illumination mounted interiorly of the housing; and a photoelectric cell connected to the source of illumination and exposed to ambient light conditions for selectively activating and deactivating the source of illumination at predetermined states of ambient light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for animating illuminated signs and displays comprises sequentially illuminating with at least one source of radiant energy of a particular wavelength range at least two planar scenes, or three-dimensional objects, visibly responsive to radiant energy of the particular wavelength range used. Means are provided for shielding a non-selected planar scene or object from illumination during the time a selected planar scene or object is illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, invisible ultraviolet illumination is used to cause a plurality of scene-views to fluoresce visibly in a timed sequence which produces a visual sensation of apparent motion from one scene-view to another of an object depicted by the scene-views. Subjective brightness of scene-views may be enhanced by modulating the illumination of a scene at a perceptibly low frequency.

Abstract: An emergency exit sign utilizes an EL lamp in combination with a pilot light which is connected to the EL lamp via a photoelectric link. The photoelectric link monitors the brightness of the EL lamp and keeps the pilot light on so long as the EL lamp is lit. The pilot light is necessary because the illumination provided by the EL lamp may be less than the illumination of background brightness making it difficult to tell by looking at the EL lamp whether or not the EL lamp is energized. Since the pilot light provides a "point" of illumination, it is easy to see when it is on so that one can tell whether or not the sign is lighted by simply looking at the pilot light.In order to see the exit sign even if power to the EL lamp is interrupted and the room is dark, a translucent sheet of phosphorescent material is placed over the EL lamp to transmit light from the EL lamp while at the same time storing energy so as to "glow in the dark" should the EL lamp be extinguished.

Abstract: An improved selection panel having a plurality of touch-actuated capacitive switches thereon. Each capacitive switch in the panel includes a transparent glass substrate having transparent conductive coatings on opposite sides thereof to form a capacitor. A display support is positioned behind and adjacent to the plurality of capacitive switches, and provides a separate display card support for each capacitive switch. A removable display card is positioned in each separate support in a manner such that each of the display cards may be changed periodically.

Abstract: A device in the form of a greeting card, display card, or the like, for producing a visual and/or a sound effect which includes a panel member or the like onto which is applied pictorial and/or printed matter in association with an effects generator, an electronic circuit mounted on the panel member but not visible to the reader of the matter but to which the effects generator is connected, and an activator on the panel member which, when actuated, causes triggering of the electronic circuit to energize the effects generator.

Abstract: The pedestrian traffic control system of this invention utilizes an endless belt to successively display visible painted WALK, DONT START, and DONT WALK signs in a window of a display unit. The control unit may be employed with an ordinary three-state power system of the type that now operates flashing neon signs, but has the advantage that electric power operates the signs only when a sign is being moved into display position. Three distinct WALK, DONT START, and DONT WALK signs are used thereby avoiding the ambiguity of present systems in which a flashing DONT WALK sign cautions the pedestrian not to start, but to continue on his way. The movement of the endless belt is controlled by detecting markers, such as perforations, on the endless belt, thus assuring proper registration of the signs in display position. Electrical energy that becomes stored while the sign is energized drives the sign to display the DONT WALK sign, if the power fails.