Abstract: A method of manufacturing a luminous sticker having heterogeneous pasteboard 1, double-faced adhesive paper 2, and a luminous layer 3, wherein the sticker has a luminous layer 3 by adding light condensing material, which has good brightness and has long luminous time, to plastics which is a family of polyurethane, and has a surface protection layer 4 by attaching a transparent plastic film, on which a decorative pattern is printed on the back surface, to the upper of the luminous layer 3.

Abstract: A sign plate for an edge-illuminated sign including a transparent sheet with a front face, a rear face and a transparent edge that connects the front face to the rear face, wherein the transparent edge is positioned to receive light from a light source for transmission along the transparent sheet. The sign plate further includes a front image layer disposed on a front face of the transparent sheet, wherein the front image layer has a reflective surface. A rear image layer is disposed on a rear face of the transparent sheet substantially in registry with the front image layer, wherein the front image layer and the rear image layer are positioned so that the light within the transparent sheet is reflected from the reflective surface onto the rear image layer thereby to enhance illumination of the rear image layer. The sign plate has a structure such that a portion of the light within the transparent sheet forms an image of a halo or aura of light surrounding the rear image layer.

Abstract: An evacuation route indicator includes a carpeted strip extending in an elongation direction and having direction-indicating indicia formed thereon at spaced intervals along the elongation direction. The indicia include a photoluminescent material and are formed so as to define a surface which is either recessed below or raised above the remaining surface of the carpeted strip, or a surface texture which is different from the surface texture of the remainder of the carpeted strip. Thus, the indicia are discernible both visually and tactilely in the absence of light. The indicator may also include a photoluminescent marker extending substantially continuously in the elongation direction on the carpeted strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self light-emitting retroreflective sheet including a light-transmitting retroreflective element including a plurality of prismatic projections, a lining film, and an electroluminescence device. The lining film includes a light-transmitting film which has sealing projections on one of its surfaces so that the prismatic projections are confined within a plurality of sealed cells formed by the sealing projections. In the sealed cells, a surface of the prismatic projections interface with air so as to increase light-emitting luminance and improve its uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superior light-storing printed article, which includes a light-storing printed layer comprising 50-80 wt % of light-storing pigment having D50=22-35 .mu.m and D90=58-80 .mu.m based on the total amount of the light-storing pigment and the binder, and the thickness of the printed layer being 50-150 .mu.m.

Abstract: A resinous member with a character visually arranged therein, including a resinous body, a character formed by a laser beam machining on a surface of the body, and a light transmittable coating arranged on the surface of the body for covering at least the character. The light transmittable coating is provided with a generally uniform thickness to form a roughened outer surface substantially corresponding to a machined surface of the character. The light transmittable coating may be formed through a spray coating process. The resinous member may be used as a key top member of a key in a keyboard of an electronic machine. The key top member comprises a resinous body, a character arranged on a surface of the body, and optical means arranged in association with the character for highlighting the character in an optical manner using an external light. The optical means may comprise a phosphorescent or fluorescent member.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system for an aircraft has photoluminescent strips mounted on the floor rather than a string of electrical lights. This is a better fail-safe since there is no possibility of a failure in power supply. A channel extrusion is secured to the floor of the aircraft and a photoluminescent strip is held between the channel and a transparent cover member. The photoluminescent strip has two thin layers of photoluminescent material rather on a base layer, rather than being a calendered product. This increases the light output.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent funeral symbol (10) comprising a hollow religious ornament (12). A source of chemiluminescent light (14) is within the hollow religious ornament (12). A structure (16) is for hanging the hollow religious ornament (12) from a rearview mirror (18) within a motor vehicle (20). The hollow religious ornament (12) illuminated by light from the source of chemiluminescent light (14) can be seen through a front windshield (22) of the motor vehicle (20) during a funeral procession.

Abstract: A marker suitable for use under conditions of sudden darkness comprising at least one phosphorescent indicium which provides a relatively high level of illumination for a relatively short period of time following exposure to light, sufficient to permit a person's eyes to adjust to darkness and at least one tritium illuminated indicium providing a relatively low level of illumination for a relatively long duration, which level of illumination is sufficient so as to be seen by a person once the person's eyes have adjusted to darkness.

Abstract: Retroreflective glass or plastic beads have fluorescent properties when irradiated with ultraviolet light and are emplaced in signs in patterns indicative of alphanumeric characters, or embedded in a hot melt comprising road stripes or embedded in the road asphalt or aggregate during construction of the road, to provide effectively bright and clear indications of signs or the extent and direction of the road. The glass beads comprise spherodized soda lime, borosilicate, phosphosilicate or aluminosilicate glasses with low levels of rare-earth dopants mixed therein, such as compounds containing one of the rare earths, or lanthanides. The plastic beads may have fluorescent materials mixed therein, typically organic pigments or dyes based on coumarin and rhodamine or the like.

Abstract: A sign plate for an edge-iluminated sign including a transparent sheet with a front face, a rear face and a transparent edge that connects the front face to the rear face, wherein the transparent edge is positioned to receive light from a light source for transmission along the transparent sheet. The sign plate further includes a front image layer disposed on a front face of the transparent sheet, wherein the front image layer has a reflective surface. A rear image layer is disposed on a rear face of the transparent sheet substantially in registry with the front image layer, wherein the front image layer and the rear image layer are positioned so that the light within the transparent sheet is reflected from the reflective surface onto the rear image layer thereby to enhance illumination of the rear image layer. The sign plate has a structure such that a portion of the light within the transparent sheet forms an image of a halo or aura of light surrounding of the rear image layer.

Abstract: An artistic display device includes a shell having a substantially flat front wall through which an optical image is to be transmitted. A body of liquid-absorbing material essentially in the shape of a flat layer disposed parallel to the front wall and having a perimetrical portion that is disposed adjacent the front wall. A flat light control member disposed between the body of liquid-absorbing material and the front wall of the shell. The shell further having a rear wall disposed substantially parallel to the front wall. The walls are secured together by impervious seal. The rear wall also having a perimetrical portion positioned in supporting relationship to the perimetrical portion of the body of liquid-absorbing material. The rear wall being also rearwardly recessed inside its perimetrical portion to form at least one compartment containing a set of frangible vials having separate chemiluminescent liquids therein.

Abstract: A phosphorescent article having a first transparent resin layer, a phosphorescent layer, and a second transparent resin layer sequentially superposed in the order mentioned on a supporting layer possessed of a reflective surface. The phosphorescent layer is coated in a tightly sealed state with the first and second transparent resin layers. Preferably the second transparent resin layer has a projecting part so formed as to protrude from the surface of the part thereof which covers the phosphorescent layer, namely in the part which corresponds to the underlying phosphorescent layer, and a surface layer (printed layer) is printed or applied on the part of the surface other than the projecting part, namely on the surface of the part in which the phosphorescent layer does not exist. SrAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 is used as a phosphorescent pigment to be contained in the phosphorescent layer and a transparent resin containing no ultraviolet absorbent is used for the first and second transparent resin layers.

Abstract: A illuminated safety guide is made up of a fixture including a housing and a super thin lighting element in the form of an electro-luminescent strip, a photo-luminescent panel, or a combination of an electro-luminescent strip and PL panel. When the EL strip and PL panel are combined, the resulting illuminated safety guide can still be seen even when power to the EL strip is cut-off, the patterns formed by the EL and PL strips being negatives of each other.

Abstract: Ultraviolet luminescent retroreflective sheeting includes a retroreflective portion containing retroreflective elements and an ultraviolet luminescent portion to facilitate nighttime viewing by persons not located at or near a source of light being retroreflected by the retroreflective portion. At least part of the ultraviolet luminescent portion is provided as the bonding lines for bonding the transparent cover sheet to the support sheet to form a series of sealed cells in which the retroreflective elements, which may be of the encapsulated lens-type or the encapsulated cube-corner-type, are disposed. The ultraviolet luminescenct portion includes fluorescent agent which emits light when irradiation by ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to source of photoluminescence that attaches to a building structure, providing back-up lighting. A source of photoluminescence constructed in a accordance with the present invention consists of a base member which attaches to the building structure, a support member which releasably attaches to the base member, and photoluminescent material affixed to the support member so as to be visible to an occupant escaping from the building structure. The support member is formed with a cover member that in cooperation with the building structure hides the base member from view when the source of photoluminescence is attached to the building structure. The photoluminescent material is affixed to the outer surface of the cover member.

Abstract: A phosphorescent article which has a phosphorescent layer and a transparent resin layer sequentially superposed on a reflective layer. It uses SrAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 as a phosphorescent pigment to be incorporated in the phosphorescent layer and a transparent resin containing no ultraviolet light absorber is used for the transparent resin layer. Further, for the convenience of use, an adhesive layer and a release layer may be sequentially superposed on the surface of the reflective layer opposite to the surface thereof contiguous to the phosphorescent layer.

Abstract: A low power consumption illumination device includes a housing, with a display forming at least one surface of the housing. The display bears at least one inscription formed of a non-radioactive luminescent coating. An activation device for the phosphor-containing luminescent coating includes a battery or storage capacitor powered light which is programmed to emit a flash of light on appropriate intervals for periodic reactivation of the phosphors. The light is preferably in the UV frequency range. The display it thus enabled to emit light over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A fluorescent foil is formed from a translucent/transparent foil material having admixed therewith coloring matter and fluorescent matter. A translucent layer substantially impermeable to ultraviolet rays is provided on one side of the foil material. A translucent adhesive layer is also applied to the fluorescent foil, preferably to the translucent ultraviolet barrier layer. A sign board is formed on translucent/transparent substrate by attaching fluorescent foils so formed to opposite sides of the substrate. The translucent foils have different colors and are cut to the form of letters, figures, logograms, emblems, etc. in a complementary manner. The sign board may be illuminated by ultraviolet light from either or both sides to provide an attention getting, multi-color display.

Abstract: An artistic display device includes a shell having a substantially flat front wall through which an optical image is to be transmitted and a rear wall disposed substantially parallel to the front wall. A body of liquid-absorbing material essentially in the shape of a flat layer. The front and rear walls of the shell have perimetrical portions that are positioned close together in a parallel relationship with the flat body of liquid-absorbing material having a perimetrical portion that is disposed between and supported by the perimetrical portions of the walls. The rear wall being also rearwardly recessed to form a compartment.

Abstract: A picture-combined fire extinguisher is characterized by a glass-shelled extinguisher having a frame, to which a show window is pivotally connected. The show window consists of a clear panel, and an outer frame which extends backward and inward to form a space allowing a picture to be inserted therein behind the panel. Luminous and protective pads are provided at corners of the frame of the extinguisher so that the extinguisher may be easily and timely identified and accessed even in a dark place or in the nighttime without lighting. Meanwhile, the picture-combined fire extinguisher functions not only as a fire extinguisher but also as an aesthetic article.

Abstract: A display is constructed from translucent fluorescent plastic sheet material providing an ambient light capturing and intensifying light conduit. Area dimensions are selected appropriate to a sign or other display and a thickness is selected for structural support of the display and for capturing, intensifying and conducting ambient light along the thickness of the light conduit to intensify captured light as in a wave guide. A substantially opaque reflective layer is formed on one side of the light conduit. A decorative layer is formed over the reflective layer and is selected to provide a desired sign decor. Grooves are formed in the light conduit through the reflective decorative coating in the pattern of the selected display. The grooves are formed to a depth to intercept light captured in the light conduit. The grooves provide angled surfaces which refract, capture and illuminate light out of the light conduit.

Abstract: Active light-emitting components are integrated into a thin flexible plastic-wrap like film to provide an exceptionally large continuous display in which the film contains densely distributed light emitting elements addressed by a grid of transparent conductors. Inexpensive bulk processing techniques are used to produce plastic wrap with embedded components completely through the film to permit activation via a row column matrix. This topological layout provides mass redundancy of components, spatial decorrelation of component yields, and dramatic reduction in registration problems of metallic interconnects. The subject panel is especially well adapted to inexpensive flat panel TV screens or exceptionally large flat panel displays whose geometry is not limited to flat surfaces, but may take on curved or cylindrical configurations.

Abstract: An octagonally-shaped, orange colored sign display (10) having intelligible, informational indicia (20) thereon, such as "CALL 911," using chemi-luminescence to provide illumination from within the indicia in emergency situations. The indicia consist of a series of separate, hollow, formed containers, which are made of at least translucent, if not transparent, material and contain a special, generally isolated chemical, which is ultimately mixed with another special chemical located in an upper, horizontally disposed, reservoir tube (30/330), with the tube connected to the indicia containers by connector lines (40). A membrane divider (31/331) extends across the bottom portion of the reservoir tube, isolating the upper chemical from the lower chemical, until steps are taken to break or rupture it. The two chemi-luminescent chemicals are mixed by breaking the membrane by bending the tube until the membrane breaks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively lightweight elongated staff having a particularly well arranged strobe light and sign which provides an enhanced warning while maximizing its ease of transportability for the carrier and use.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an element and method for preparing phosphorescent colored indicia comprising providing a phosphorescent substrate; applying to said phosphorescent substrate a colored translucent media; exposing said colored phosphorescent substrate to excitation energy; and viewing said colored substrate and media in the dark.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle is disclosed comprising a plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces to complete a design on the surface of the puzzle pieces. Each of the plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces comprising a base member, a luminous sheet containing a luminous material provided on the base member, and a design layer having a portion of a design provided on the surface of the luminous sheet so that a design is formed on the surface of the plurality of puzzle pieces when each of the plurality of puzzle pieces is inlaid at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A display scissors having two elongate luminous members which are movable with respect to one another. The first elongate luminous member has one end portion configured to represent a first blade element of a scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a first loop element of the scissors. The first loop element is curved in a clockwise direction. The second elongate luminous member has one end portion configured to represent a second blade element of the scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a second loop element of the scissors. The second loop element is curved in a counter-clockwise direction. The second blade element is positioned generally parallel to the first blade element and points in a similar direction to that of the first blade element.

Abstract: A key pad having phosphorescent portions which provide the user with the ability to read the key pad in dark environments, thereby ensuring that the key pad is utilized without error. Information indicia on the key pad, or areas immediately adjacent thereto, are provided with phosphorescence. The key pad may be manufactured with this property, or phosphorescent informational indicia may be sold in kit form to be selectively applied via an adhesive to a conventional key pad.

Abstract: A sign plate for an illuminated sign having a light source includes an opaque layer on one of its faces which layer is broken by zones corresponding to a configuration of text or figures to be communicated, the zones being covered with fluorescent material, and the surface of the fluorescent material facing the viewer and opposite the light source being covered with a light reflective layer.

Abstract: Illuminated characters or graphic symbols for external fixing to vehicles are constructed as active illuminating bodies and each includes a character shaped element, two deformable insulating layers and a cover formed to retain the shaped element and insulating layers together.

Abstract: A luminous gas-discharge sign panel devised so that the brightness of sign is made constant throughout the entire length of the gas-discharge path irrespective of the positional width variations of the luminous sign patterns.

Abstract: A display surface for long-lasting fluorescent markings comprises a generally planar sheet of colored fluorescent film which is electrostatically charged and placed against one (front) side of a clear plastic panel member, with an airtight seal created between the two. The back side of the clear plastic panel is similarly electrostatically charged and placed against a sheet of photoreflective film, again with an airtight seal created between the two. The reflective surface of the photoreflective film is oriented outward towards the clear plastic panel and fluorescent film. These assembled layers are then sealed around their perimeter edges to prevent introduction of air and to preserve the induced electrostatic charges. The layers can then be mounted on a mounting board or other suitably strong, rigid material to enable them to be used as a writing surface, preferably with fluorescent-type writing markers such as pens or crayons.

Abstract: A member, such as a sheet of paper or plastic, is coated with phosphorescence glow on the dark material and then layered or coated with photographic emulsion so that an image can be produced on the surface of the member by a photographic process, and thereafter, an image can be produced on the surface by illumination means. In another form of the invention, a sheet of paper or plastic has luminescent material incorporated therein to cause one side of the sheet of material to glow in the dark. The sheet is assembled onto a clipboard and thereby provides means by which a written message can easily be formed in the dark.

Abstract: A lamp unit comprising a box-like body which is provided with one or more apertures covered with a sheet of material transparent to visible light and which houses a light source. In accordance with the invention the side (10) of the sheet (6) or sheets facing inwardly of the body (1) is, or are, covered totally or partially with a layer of a substance which fluoresces when irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the light source (7) is arranged to transmit ultraviolet light. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention the sheet (6), or sheets, is, or are, made of a material which is transparent to visible light but impermeable to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A luminous decorative display apparatus to be employed in setting off the design of a Christmas tree or commodities. The apparatus is provided with a plurality of two-sided flat luminous display elements each having an electroluminescent layer formed contiguously between opposite transparent electrodes and capable of shining in a specific color and a specific shape when a voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes. Each display element is connected through the electrode terminals extending from the transparent electrodes respectively, in parallel connection to power supply lines. The display elements are distributed on an article to be decorated and made to shine for decorating the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminated display which includes a light-transmitting member having at least one face, a light source adjacent to the member, and an image applied to the face. The image is formed by adhering a plurality of light-transmitting particles to the face by means of a light-transmitting adhesive in the shape of the image, whereby, when the light source is lit, the image appears to be brighter than the rest of the light-transmitting member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a means for more efficiently and more safely providing self-luminous lighting devices for use in signs, markers, indicators and the like. Said invention provides self luminosity by means of a plurality of glass microspheres containing both a light emitting phosphor and a radioactive gas. The "soft" emission of electrons from the beta emitting gas can not penetrate the glass wall of the microspheres, thereby constituting no radiation hazard. The containment of the self-luminous system within an envelope which does not pass any radiation prevents the deterioration of nearby organic materials. A further advantage of said invention is that the plurality of individual containment envelopes minimize the escape of radioactive gas in the event of any physical damage to an assembly of such envelopes. A still further advantage of my invention is that the radioactive gas completely surrounds the phosphor particles, thus causing light emission from 100 percent of the surface of said particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal display for the displaying of characters and symbols, having a liquid crystal cell 1 and polarizers 8 and 10, one arranged on the viewing side and one arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal cell 1. Furthermore, a reflector 9 is arranged behind the rear polarizer 8. A surface of the viewing-side polarizer 10 is inclined to the plane of the liquid crystal cell 1. The surface of the viewing-side polarizer facing the liquid crystal cell 1 serves as a deflection surface 15 for light incident thereon approximately transversely to the plane of the liquid crystal cell 1.

Abstract: A decorative item comprising a transparent sheet of plastic material having front and back sides with the material to be reproduced being positioned on the back side of the sheet. A coating of paint covers the back side of the sheet and the reproduced material. A protective backing sheet is positioned adjacent the painted back side of the sheet. The reproduced material is visible from the front side of the sheet with the paint creating a background for the reproduced material. The item is produced by first making a master copy of the material which will appear on the item. A transparency is then made of the master copy so that the material to be reproduced is positioned on the back side of the transparency. The back side of the transparency is then painted so that a colored background is created for the reproduced material. An optional protective backing sheet may then be placed on the painted back side of the transparency after the paint has dried.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas discharge point of purchase display device. This device utilizes two flat vitreous glass plates, one of which contains a continuous channel of any desired shape, and together which form an ionization chamber. These vitreous plates are transparent; however provision is made for the incorporation of an opaque cover layer that conforms to the desired final illuminated geometry and which thus serves to obscure specified channel regions. The simple design of this sign makes possible the construction of these devices in quantity and at a relatively low cost by mass production methods.

Abstract: A sign includes fluorescent pigment-containing indicia protected from fading from solar ultraviolet radiation by a transparent, ultraviolet-absorbing shield spaced apart therefrom. An artificial source of ultraviolet radiation is interposed between the indicia and the shield, and permits excitation of the fluorescence for nightime use of the sign.

Abstract: A phosphorescent escape route indicator having at least one protruding indicia formed within or attached to a sheet of material. The protruding indicia has incorporated therewith a phosphorescent substance capable of emitting a glow in the absence of light. An adhesive formed as part of the sheet is utilized to apply the indicator to the surface of walls or stairways thereby aiding in delineating escape routes or access routes to emergency equipment during time of emergency.

Abstract: A passive display device particularly useful for signs and reflectors and not requiring any light source characterized by a device for entrapping light and then emitting entrapped light at given positions at an increased intensity. The device for entrapping light includes at least one transparent fluorescent member having an index or refraction greater than 1 and containing fluorescent particles which collect impinging light by fluorescent scattering with subsequent reflection on the boundary surface of the member and the device has output coupling zones which are disposed on one of the members such as the fluorescent member in a desired pattern for uncoupling light from the device in a desired pattern. The device may include phosphorescent particles, which will emit light during periods of darkness and which may be either scattered through a member or applied at the uncoupling zones so that the light being uncoupled is a phosphorescent light.

Abstract: Display arrangements useful as art forms and useful in advertising applications can be constructed by coating areas of the surface of a support with differently colored compositions, each of which is capable of appearing as being of one color at one temperature and as being of another color at a different temperature. The compositions should be differently colored at at least one temperature. The color-temperature effects achieved are obtained through the use of what are termed reversible thermochromic compounds or compositions. Elements may be provided on the support for regulating the temperatures of the various areas.

Abstract: Sheet wall covering imprinted with one scene or artistic representation in ordinary ink for viewing under natural or artificial lighting conditions is overprinted with another scene or artistic representation that is visible only in total darkness after first having been exposed to visible light by the use of inks comprising visible-light-actuated, pigmented phosphors in a transparent vehicle. The two scenes or artistic representations printed are interrelated to carry out a common theme when viewed sequentially.