Abstract: A plurality of battery packs is provided in communication with an energy monitoring and control system. Each battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells that collectively dictate the capabilities of the battery pack. The energy monitoring and control system determines a plurality of pack charging or pack discharging parameters for each battery pack that, when performed, achieve one or more performance metrics at a user level (e.g., performance metrics of each battery pack within a system of multiple battery packs). The battery pack further determines a plurality of cell charging or cell discharging parameters for each battery cell based upon the determined plurality of pack charging or pack discharging parameters for each battery cell that, when performed, achieve one or more performance metrics at a battery level (e.g., performance metrics of different cells of each battery pack).

Abstract: Multifunction assembly comprised of: an outer surface structure (CAR) containing a side door (D) that supports at least one exterior mirror assembly (RVM), an exterior door handle assembly (HE) of said door, and an exterior laser emitter (LE1) which emits a fixed and direct line of laser light (LL1) downwards on said ground adjacent to the vehicle, indicating an area (DA) where the doors open and combines functions associated with other indicator signal devices (BL), sensors and open door commands, and an ultraviolet light emitter device (EUV).

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided herein. The lighting system includes a roof rack including at least one side rail having a photoluminescent portion configured to illuminate in at least one distinct color due to being excited by at least one wavelength of light. A light source is configured to emit the at least one wavelength of light directed toward the photoluminescent portion. A controller is configured to control a light output of the light source.

Abstract: A sign holder for supporting electrified sign inserts that may vary in width, comprises a base having a groove into which the sign insert can be placed. In the preferred embodiment, two or more gaskets are positioned in the groove with each gasket including a resilient section adapted to engage the sign insert so as to retain the sign insert securely in place within the groove. Each of the gaskets also includes an electrical conductor, such as an electrical wire, which may be embedded in the gasket, in a position where it makes electrical contact with the electrical terminals on the sign insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively decorating a vehicle surface are disclosed. The apparatus is a removable applique with a front face including a graphic comprising ultra-violet responsive material and a back face including an attachment agent having the ability to be applied and removed from the surface of the vehicle without causing damage. The method includes receiving the removable applique on the surface of a vehicle. The method further includes sending an instruction to illuminate an ultra-violet source to direct ultra-violet light at the graphic of the removable applique to render the graphic visible. In one embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to the activation of a switch, button, control panel or other input means of controlling the ultra-violet source. In another embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to a vehicle state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively decorating a vehicle surface are disclosed. The apparatus is a removable applique with a front face including a graphic comprising ultra-violet responsive material and a back face including an attachment agent having the ability to be applied and removed from the surface of the vehicle without causing damage. The method includes receiving the removable applique on the surface of a vehicle. The method further includes sending an instruction to illuminate an ultra-violet source to direct ultra-violet light at the graphic of the removable applique to render the graphic visible. In one embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to the activation of a switch, button, control panel or other input means of controlling the ultra-violet source. In another embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to a vehicle state.

Abstract: A sign is combined with an electrical outlet plate which can mount near or to existing electrical infrastructure to provide information such as direction toward an exit. A protruding and/or outwardly visible surface of the sign may be painted or adorned with a sign appliqué, and can be illuminated and/or photoluminescent to provide maximum visibility with or without electrical power. Advantageously, the sign can be mounted at electrical outlets and/or electrical switches that are near the floor and away from the ceiling, such that the sign remains visible even when lines of sight within a building are impaired, such as from smoke. In one exemplary embodiment, the sign is integrated into a portion of a standard-sized duplex cover plate, which can be mounted to an existing electrical junction box to preserve the functionality of adjacent electrical outlets or switches.

Abstract: A lighting device, comprising at least one solid state light emitter and one (or more) optical device(s) which (each) comprises at least first, second and third optical structures, first and second surfaces of the second structure being in contact with a surface of the first structure and a surface of the third structure, respectively. The third structure has at least one optical feature. The light emitter is positioned, the optical feature is positioned, and the regions of the structures have indices of refraction, such that if the light emitter is illuminated, at least a portion of the emitted light will enter into the second optical device structure and exit from the optical feature on the third structure. Also, a method of lighting comprising illuminating a light emitter in such a device.

Abstract: An outdoor design panel that combines a number of plats and fluorescent pigments to create a displayed design, with an option to incorporate numerous lighting elements within the design itself. The design panel is pre-fabricated and can optionally be highlighted with a number of lighting elements incorporated into the panel. The lighting elements are powered by a battery linked to a solar cell, with a lighting sensor being utilized in between the battery and the lighting elements to control the flow of power to the lighting elements. The lighting sensor acts as a switch and will allow power to flow in between the battery and the lighting elements once the external light level falls below a certain level.

Abstract: A CHMSL (16) or other lighting system feature of an automobile (10) includes a feature for presenting personal expressions in the form of words or symbols but is automatically deactivated when the regular vehicle lighting system is in use. The personal expression is fixed in a tangible medium by way of phosphor-coated indicia (34) placed within a UV impervious housing (18). A secondary UV light source (36) selectively energizes the phosphor-coated indicia (34) so that the irradiated material glows and is visible through a light transmissive screen (20). The light transmissive screen (20) is provided with a UV blocking agent so that harmful UV rays do not escape the housing (18). The phosphor-coated indicia (34) can be mounted on a removable transparent plate (30), on light dispersion optics (24, 26), or on the inner face of the light transmissive screen (20).

Abstract: A sign frame having a rigid structure, the frame of which contains a mounting collar attached to a heat pipe extending vertically from the center of the lower horizontal member of the sign frame. An integrated solar heating means within the luminaire of the sign, and a means for timing the release of the stored heat to the fluorescent bulbs is provided. The internal illumination means for the sign includes a flexible vinyl sign face stretched over a the sign cabinet's rigid frame over, in which the flexible vinyl sign face material has sewn hems on all edges with inserted rigid rods and tension springs extended through the hems and hooked to the rods. The invention also provides a control method for determining the run time for loads utilizing solar power.

Abstract: There is provided a traffic sign apparatus that can improve the luminance of a sign surface which emits light by ultraviolet irradiation, and the uniformity ratio of illuminance, so as to enhance the visibility thereof in the nighttime. The traffic sign apparatus 10 includes a sign body 11 having the sign surface 14 which emits light by ultraviolet irradiation, and an irradiation device 12 for irradiating ultraviolet rays onto the sign surface 14. Assuming that the maximum incident angle of the ultraviolet rays be ?1, the ultraviolet rays being irradiated from the ultraviolet emission lamps 26 of the irradiation unit 12 onto the objective sign surfaces W1 and W2 on the sign surface 14 which is the irradiation object of the ultraviolet emission lamps 26; and that the minimum incident angle be ?2, the angle ?1 is set to more than 30° and less than 70°; and the angle ? 2 is set to more than 5° and less than 30°.

Abstract: A light-activated illuminating member having a support member and a phosphorescent material supported thereby. The phosphorescent material can form a luminescent image having a varying luminescent effect after the phosphorescent material is exposed to a light of constant intensity. One or more such light-activated illuminating members can be assembled with a light source, such as a UV-LED pen, and be formed into a book-type writing/drawing toy which is capable of providing a varying luminescent effect. When a plurality of such illuminating members are used in the book-type toy, such a toy is capable of providing a different, combined luminescent effect.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: A lighting system for use in conjunction with vehicles and road paint. The lighting system comprises having a black light/white light combination in each headlight well of a vehicle, along with having various sections of road signs that includes fluorescent paint, with the paint including a chemical known as phospors.

Abstract: The invention describes an article of manufacture that comprises an optimized phosphorescent laminate structure that produces much brighter light than previously disclosed phosphorescent laminates or coatings by enabling and capturing multiple emissions and reflections of light emitted by phosphorescent particles that are distributed through the thickness of a transparent layer. These multiple emissions are enabled by providing a transparent carrier layer that is many times as thick as the phosphorescent powder particle size. That layer is loaded with an amount of phosphorescent powder that is low enough to allow light emitted by the deeper layers of powder to escape, but high enough to provide a very large amount of emitting powder. This structure may be protected by surface films and backed by a reflective layer for efficient unidirectional light absorption and emission.

Abstract: A device (50) capable of selectively altering its appearance can include a housing portion (64) of the device having at least one photochromic compound and an ultraviolet light source (60) forming a portion of the device for exposing the portion of the device having the photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. A reaction by the photochromic compound can provide or serve as a status indicator for the device. The device can be any number of devices such as a portable communication device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a camera, a GPS device, a printer, a camcorder, a vehicle, a toy, a personal hygiene device, a watch, a calculator, and a writing instrument for example. The device can be formed so that reactions by the photochromic compounds within the device are controlled solely by the ultraviolet light sources (54 and 60) within the device.

Abstract: A display system includes at least one light emitting material having an absorption band carried on a support, wherein the support is a laminated article having a first ply and a second ply; and a projection assembly having an electromagnetic radiation source, the projection assembly configured to direct radiation of one or more selected wavelengths within the absorption band of the light emitting material toward the light emitting material to cause at least a portion of the light emitting material to emit light. The support can be an automotive transparency, a commercial window, a residential window, a commercial sign, an advertising display, and an insulating glass unit. The light emitting material is fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: A black-light display creates dynamic and animated imagery by employing a UV laser system (14, 16, 18) configured to scan a luminescent material (12) to produce a UV-excited static or dynamic image.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial stone molded product in which protrusions or embedded grooves for a figure or a pattern are provided integrally on or in a flat surface of a substrate, and a main composition comprises an aggregate of an inorganic material and a resin, characterized in that at least a part of the above-mentioned protrusions or embedded grooves are luminous or fluorescent, light-emitting portions which contain a luminous or fluorescent material having a luminescence or a luminousness accompanied by ultraviolet absorption and an aggregate of a transparent inorganic material, or an aggregate of a transparent inorganic material having a surface baked with the above-mentioned luminous or fluorescent material as at least a part of the aggregate of the inorganic material.

Abstract: A weather resistant flag is provided which includes a flagstaff, a flag cloth mountable on the flagstaff, solar cells mounted on at least one of the flag cloth and the flagstaff, and an energy storage device for storing energy generated by the solar cells. The solar cells can be in the form of solar cell strips and can be transparent in the event that they are mounted over business advertising symbols that may be provided on the flag.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus is capable of correcting color discrepancies of a color positive film. The color positive film can be an advertising signboard displaying body or as a medical diagnosis displaying body displaying in a same tone of color as the original object. The illuminating apparatus is constructed so that a color positive film made as an advertising signboard displaying body, etc. is set on a rear surface of a transparent plate disposed on a front opening portion of a box. A fluorescent plate formed by blending powder fluorescent materials emitting blue, green and red lights with acryl resin is placed on the rear side of the transparent plate. At least one ultraviolet lamp and at least one reflecting plate are arranged further behind the fluorescent plate.

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: An illuminating apparatus is formed with an ultraviolet lamp and at least one incandescent lamps that repeat a predetermined illumination pattern in which the lamps are turned on, gradually brightened within a predetermined period, gradually dimmed out within a predetermined period subsequent to a period for the maximum illumination thereof, and then turned off, to light a picture, which is supported on a frame to which the illuminating apparatus is attached, to be recognized as nighttime and daytime views with natural changes therebetween.

Abstract: A light display in which black or ultraviolet radiant energy or "black" light or black light blue is introduced between a totally reflective mirror and a partially reflective or one-way mirror. The ultraviolet light impinges upon an object positioned between the two mirrors which is either fabricated or molded at least in part by fluorescent plastic or coated or impregnated with a fluorescent paint or dye. The object then emits visible light which is incident upon the fully reflective mirror to reflect back at the object and the partially reflective mirror to create an infinity mirror effect of the fluorescent object.

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: A method for compensating color when illuminating fluorescent objects by means of one or more illuminating lamps which emit a significant amount of ultraviolet light, particularly when illuminating flags hoisted on flag poles, wherein the objects include ultralight fluorescent material and have a white or a light color when illuminated with visible light. The object is provided with an additional fluorescent material which when illuminated fluoresces in a color that together with a weak blue color provides a white or essentially white color by additive color mixture, the blue color being derived by illumination of the object with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An address illumination system includes a lamp and a lamp housing arrangement mounted to a base structure having display symbols thereon. The lamp housing directly illuminates the display symbols to provide improved visibility and aesthetic appeal. The lamp housing can be elongated and either spaced from the display symbols by support bars attached to the base or directly mounted to the base. The lamp housing is configured to angle the illumination from the lamp to increase visibility of the display symbols such as a house address during nighttime. The address illumination system also includes control features to provide a flashing lamp to signal emergency vehicles or the like as well as remote control operation, photocell operation and/or operation at predetermined intervals of time. The address illumination system can be mounted to a structure such as a building or mail box.

Abstract: A method of illuminating flags raised on flagpoles, particularly advertising flags of the kind placed along roads and highways adjacent restaurants, hotels, and gasoline stations. One or more flags containing ultralight fluorescent material are illuminated by one or more lamps which transmit a significant proportion of ultraviolet light.

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: A printing compound and methods of producing 3-dimensional signs and lettering and tactile and Braille reading materials is disclosed. The printing compound includes an ultraviolet radiation curable resin and a filler mixed with the resin to form a paste. The resin can be an acrylated urethane oligomer or an epoxidized oil. The compound is applied to a substrate manually or by a computer controlled dispensing apparatus. The compound is subjected to ultraviolet radiation to cure quickly allowing for mass production.

Abstract: A backlit component is provided which is suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit component can be formed as a molded plastic button for use in a display group forming a keypad, in which minimal variability of backlighting intensity can be readily achieved within the backlit component as well as within the display group. The backlit component is preferably molded from a translucent substrate in which at least one phosphor additive is dispersed. The phosphor additive is preferably uniformly dispersed such that the backlit component is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity upon the phosphor additive being excited by an appropriate light source in proximity to the backlit component. The light source can be received within a recess formed in the backlit component, or spaced apart from the component, in which case light emitted by the light source may be transmitted by a recess or light pipe integrally formed in the component.

Abstract: An attractive displaying device whereby an ultraviolet radiation lamp, which is hidden from plain view, contains a transparent tube that coaxially receives the ultraviolet lamp and which is rotatable about an axial center line. Images are painted or printed on either the outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp, or on a substantially transparent film placed over the surface of the transparent tube, with a fluorescent ink which emits light when ultraviolet light is radiated upon it. The lighted images are projected onto a concave reflective surface, which may also have images painted on it with a fluorescent ink. The rotatable tube allows for movement of the images against the reflective surface; and a three dimensional effect can be achieved by making it look as if the projected images are passing behind the images that are painted on the reflective surface. The display unconventionally provides illuminated images against a dark background as opposed to a dark image against a light background.

Abstract: Signage and a method of making a sign which produces the visual effect of a pleasant "glow" to an observer whereby the brilliance of a back-lighted design image subtly fades out from a uniformly illuminated central image to a diffusion.

Abstract: An automotive meter comprising a meter case, a dial plate fixedly disposed within the meter case, indicating needles provided in front of the dial plate, meter units respectively for driving the indicating needles according to measured values, and an ultraviolet lamp for irradiating the front surface of the dial plate by ultraviolet rays. The dial plate is formed by printing a grid layer on the backside of a transparent base plate with an ultraviolet ink, printing a ground layer on the grid layer with an ultraviolet ink, and printing dial patterns including graduations and characters on the front surface of the base plate with an ultravviolet ink.

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: Disclosed is an indication device of a gauging apparatus comprising an indicator panel having, on its surface, indication marks including patterns and characters, and a black light source for illuminating the surface of said indicator panel to excite a phosphor. Background portions of the indicator panel other than the indication marks are printed with a phosphor-containing paint which differs in color when it is exposed to light from the black light source from when it is exposed to ordinary light unable to excite the phosphor. The indication marks are printed with a white color paint which does not contain a phosphor and the phosphor-containing paint assumes a dark color when it is exposed to the ordinary light and assumes a bright color when it is exposed to light from the black light source.

Abstract: A lamp base houses a source of black light. An upstanding transparent acrylic sheet is edge lit by the black light source. Fluorescent paint on the surface of the acrylic sheet is excited by the black light, which causes the sign to light with an appearance somewhat similar to the appearance of a neon sign. The acrylic sheet is designed to snap into and out of the lamp base so that one sign may be substituted for another, quickly and easily.

Abstract: An article for producing an interesting visual effect is disclosed. The article has a translucent or transparent conduit extending in a loop defining a path of fluid flow. A portion of the loop is contained in an opaque container and a portion extends out of the container. A pump moves a stream of liquid containing phosporescent particles through the conduit. A light in the container charges the particles immediately prior to their movement through the portion of the conduit outside the container where the glow from the moving particles are observable through the conduit wall. Continued operation continuously moves the particles past the light for recharging.

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 decorative sign which simulates the appearance of neon lighting and a method for making the same is described in which a polymer fluorescent gel is cast upon and bonded to a plane in a "neon" shape and is activated by exposure to an activating lamp.

Abstract: A phosphor indication device suitable for use as a meter of a vehicle including an indication section having a pattern and characters to be indicated which are printed with at least one ordinary paint and at least one paint containing a phosphor differing in color when it is exposed to light capable of exciting the phosphor to emit light in fluorescence from when it is exposed to ordinary light unable to excite the phosphor to emit light. The pattern and characters of the indication section may be illuminated by a light source capable of exciting the phosphor to emit light in fluorescence and at least one light source emitting ordinary light, so that the colors of the pattern and characters can be varied when they are illuminated by light capable of exciting the phosphor to emit light in fluorescence from when they are exposed to ordinary light to enable indication to be given in a characteristic fashion.

Abstract: A three dimensional viewing device which creates the illusion of objects moving in space by utilizing a plurality of illuminated foreground scenes having cutouts through which a moving background scene illuminated with ultraviolet light is visible to provide depth and motion. The device includes a housing, a plurality of upwardly extending side walls, a rear wall, a removable top and a front wall with a large opening therethrough for viewing the displays. The entire device forms a viewing chamber. Provision is made in the front of the chamber for a plurality of vertically oriented picture members to be secured in guide tracks along the side walls and behind the viewing opening. These picture members, having a plurality of cutouts therethrough, are illuminated by a light mounted near top of the front panel.