Abstract: An illumination device utilizes an electrical discharge through inert gas especially neon, argon, and mercury vapor or mixtures thereof, the electrical discharge being contained within two or more vitreous plates and confined within one or more channels within the vitreous plates. These channels, in combination with evacuation and gas filling means, provide one or more ionization chambers, the chambers being further provided with integral electrodes in combination with means for both thermally shielding the integral electrodes from the vitreous plates and for prevention of adhesion of the electrodes from the vitreous plates during the thermal sealing of the vitreous plates to form the ionization chamber or chambers.

Abstract: A display scissors having two elongate members which are movable with respect to one another. The first elongate 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 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. The display scissors includes mounting means for pivotally moving the first elongate member in one direction and simultaneously and pivotally moving the second elongate member in an opposite direction about a common axis.

Abstract: A neon light display comprising seven segment modules of neon light tubes, and/or other segment configuration modules for special use. The neon light tubes comprise a serpentine configuration comprising a multi-row continuous tube. The serpentine configuration provides for improved visibility at night and at great distances. The modules are detachably secured to a housing which protects electric equipment such as transformers, inside a weather resistant structure. The modules are configured for efficient replacement, replacing an entire module rather than repairing individual segments in the field. The modules are screwed to a pair of rails and utilize high voltage plugs for electrical disconnection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing neon and similar signs. The method includes a direct bending of glass tubing over a drawing which is protected by a translucent heat resistant sheet. The sheet and process for its production are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides an illumination device capable of producing large animated displays using glowing neon or other noble gases without the need for a source of high voltage as is required in normal neon signs. By means of large numbers of electrode pairs, gas discharge across the gas passage rather than along the gas passage enables low voltages to excite the flowing gas discharge while still giving the appearance of the continuous discharge seen in normal neon signs. The use of mixtures of luminescent phosphors of different luminescent decay times allows the hue of the illumination device to be electrically controlled by means of the frequency with which the discharge is excited. The controlled, sequential activation of any given electrode pair further allows the illumination device to give the appearance of animation, and the use of front and rear mirrors enables an infinite series of multiple, animated, illuminated images to be displayed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a new form of sign or graphic display which simulates a neon sign. The same comprises a hollow tube or tubes which are formed into desired shapes, such as letters, graphics and the like. These tubes are lit along the side edge by directing illumination to the side thereof, preferably through colored material, paint or dye to provide a colored display. Several arrangements for illuminating the sides of the tubes are disclosed. In the case of flexible vinyl tubing, a method is disclosed for forming the same into the desired shapes by inserting a solid Teflon rod in the tube prior to bending, bending the tube to the desired form, and applying suitable heat in order that the tube will assume the desired shape, then cooling the tubing and removing the solid rod.

Abstract: An illuminated display or sign includes a hollow glass block defining a closed chamber. One or more block walls are severable for access to the chamber. A neon display or other light source of any configuration is mounted upon the glass block and includes tubular extensions sealed through one wall of the block enclosing electrodes within the chamber. A transformer is enclosed within the chamber with output leads connected to the electrodes. A switch is mounted upon the block and projects into the chamber with a exterior control. Electric leads are connectable to a power source then into the block and are connected to the transformer with a switch interposed in one of the electrical leads within the chamber. As a modification, a display sign is supported within the chamber. As a further modification, two or more glass blocks are arranged in a row or intersecting rows to form a panel, with an independent display in each block or a unit display extending into and enclosed by a plurality of adjacent blocks.

Abstract: An inert gas lighting system, which system has a plurality of letters or characters arranged in sequence and a high tension dielectric terminal box operatively disposed between adjacent pairs of said characters. Each box has a terminal block centrally disposed therein for the attachment of high voltage cable leads thereto connecting adjacent letters. The use of thermosetting V5 plastic for the construction of the terminal box enables the entire unit to be molded, sealed and grounded as required. Installation, maintenance and repair of such signage is enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing attractive and customized illuminated signs, the apparatus comprising a shroud for the mounting of desired letters, numbers, or other designs, a set of figures for mounting upon said shroud and a means for transmitting illumination energy through said shroud to said figures for illumination. The apparatus may be enhanced by a mounting mechanism and a photoelectric cell to facilitate more efficient and convenient outdoor use.

Abstract: A self luminous character comprises a transparent light carrier having a plan shape defining the desired shape of the character and includes a longitudinally extending recess housing one or more self luminous light sources. Light from the or each light source diffuses through the transparent light carrier and is reflected by reflector means to be emitted through a front surface of the carrier and illuminate the plan shape of the character.

Abstract: A framework which includes a plurality of angularly related elongated members interconnected by end connectors. At least one of the elongated members includes an elongated illumination device such as a noble gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A simulated neon sign comprises a frame, non-neon internal lighting, and a front plastic panel having an outer face. The outer face of the front plane comprises outwardly projecting indicia and a non-projecting region that is substantially opaque to the internal light. Pigmented translucent coating is applied on the indicia so that light from the internal lighting can pass through the indicia. To simulate the halo effect of a neon light, additional pigmented coating is applied to the non-projecting region of the panel adjacent the indicia. A method for manufacturing the neon sign is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous length of transparent plastic rod is fabricated into meaningful letters, numbers, or other shapes wherein the meaningful portions are coated with a pigment and/or reflective substance leaving the portions or spaces between meaningful portions transparent and not readily visible, whereby the structure as a unit resembles a neon sign.

Abstract: A system for controlling light propagation in a multiple tube display. Each tube has a pair of electrodes disposed at opposite positions, one of which is excited. Control means excites one of the electrodes of a first tube at a variable increasing power level to cause light intensity to sweep therethrough. A second control circuit controls excitation of one of the electrodes of the other tube to provide a variable increasing power level to cause light intensity to sweep therethrough.

Abstract: A noble gas illumination device such as a neon tube in which the glass neon tube is clear and uncoated and is surrounded by a clear plastic tube. The clear plastic tube may be tinted or colorless. If it is tinted, it alters the color of the light emanating from the device. Whether tinted or untinted, the clear plastic tube makes the uncoated neon tube appear to have a larger diameter, thereby creating the illusion that the electric discharge beam in the neon tube is extremely thin and focused and has the appearance of a laser beam.

Abstract: A luminous sign (10) comprising three sandwiched plates: a front transparent legend plate (12) incorporating a legend (12a), a center feedthrough plate (14) having a set of termination bores (14a) and crossover bores (14b), and a back crossover cavity plate (16) having a first and second power/gas input bore (16b) (16c) and a crossover cavity (16a) across each set of crossover bores (14b). When all three plates are aligned and hermetically bonded a continuous gas passage is provided through the first power/gas input bore (16b), termination bore (14a), legend (12a), crossover bore (14b), through the crossover cavity (16a), a crossover bore (14b) and again through the legend (12a). The gas path continues through subsequent passages terminating at the second power/gas input bore (16c). Into the power/gas input bores (b 16b) (16c) is hermetically inserted a tubulated electrode (18) and a non-tubulated electrode respectively.

Abstract: A rare gas automobile indicator light system employing a single horizontally disposed indicator tube operated to provide braking, parking, emergency flasher and turn indications. The indicator tube is operated at partial intensity for a parking function and at full intensity for braking function. The indicator is further operated by excitation of a single electrode on either side thereof to provide respective left and right-hand turn indications by providing a sweeping action of the light propagation to provide a pointing effect in the desired direction. The emergency flasher indication is carried out by virtue of causing periodic on and off switching of the indicator tube.

Abstract: In a neon sign control device, a.c. power of an a.c. power source is connected to a neon transformer through an electronic switching element, a control signal from a control signal generator is supplied to a trigger circuit, the trigger circuit generates a trigger signal while the control signal is supplied, and the electronic switching element is rendered on by the trigger signal, whereby a.c. power is supplied to the neon transformer, and neon tubes connected to a secondary winding of the neon transformer are lit. A control unit composed of at least the electronic switching element and the trigger circuit is installed inside or outside of the transformer housing or disposed near the housing.

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: An electrical connector is disclosed for luminous displays having one or more gaseous electric discharge tubes provided with electrode contact bearing ends and disposed within a letter or sign housing mounted at the exterior side of a building wall. An electrical housing for a high tension transformer and electrical raceway is mounted at the interior side of the wall and rigid metal conduits extend through the wall and have their opposite ends secured to and in communication with the interiors of the letter and transformer housings for accommodation of a high tension conductor.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed for luminous displays having a gaseous electric discharge tube within a tube housing. The structure includes a connector housing adapted for mounting within the tube housing and for receipt of a high-tension wire. A tubular dielectric member dimensioned for receipt of the electrode bearing end of an electric discharge tube is carried by the connector housing for longitudinal reciprocation through a wall thereof with proximal and distal ends of the member positioned respectively within and externally of the connector housing. The dielectric member is mounted for reciprocation between extended and retracted positions of its distal end with respect to the connector housing wall and such distal end is open for telescopically receiving the electrode bearing end of the electric discharge tube. A spring urges the dielectric member to its extended position and an electric contact is carried within the member for engagement with the electrode contact on the tube end.

Abstract: A connector is fabricated from dielectric material, typically ceramic, to enable the isolated assembly of neon connections, the plugging in of neon tubes, and the maintenance of high voltage neon connections (in the order of 30,000 volts). The connector includes a dielectric housing and separate dielectric cover plate with an optional silicon rubber gasket therebetween. In connector assembly, commonly bound, oppositely-polarized high voltage wires enter a common chamber defined between the backside of the housing and the mounting. On the front side of the housing are first and second paired and communicated chamber sets. Each set of chambers includes a connector chamber and a tube receiving chamber. The connector chamber receives an insulated wire of one polarity from the common housing at the connector back and provides an isolated dielectric cavity in which the wire is stripped and electrical conductor connection made.

Abstract: A self-luminous safety sign with variable legend capability. A housing supports a faceplate having safety warnings or symbols thereon. Self-luminous lights, adapted to illuminate selected characters or symbols on the faceplate without external electrical connections, are selectively mounted in the housing. The lights are removable from and displaceable within the housing so that the desired characters or symbols on the faceplate can be illuminated.

Abstract: An illuminated advertisement type display comprising an open front housing that is closed by a transparent panel of plastic or the like which has a display printed thereon simulating a neon sign. Within the housing, there is a fluorescent light bulb that provides illumination for the printed display. The printing is by "transparent" pigment that may have incorporated therein translucent substances in small amounts, but sufficient to occlude the vision of the fluorescent light bulb to a viewer of the display. Surrounding the printed display is a coating of opaque material, so that the areas surrounding the printed matter is black. This coating may be a high reflecting aluminum foil which also reflects light produced by the fluorescent light to increase the light transmited through the panel.

Abstract: An indicating device with a flat fluorescent lamp which comprises a fluorescent lamp having flat side surfaces and one or more indications formed on the side surfaces of the fluorescent lamp. The indicating device can be further provided with an ornamental frame which is attached to the outer periphery of the fluorescent lamp and a mounting base which is attached to one side of the ornamental frame and holds therein a discharge circuit including a stabilizer and a glow lamp for the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A translucent panel covers an open side of a frame. A neon sign forming a warning message is disposed within the frame adjacent and facing the panel so as to be visible from the outward facing panel only when the neon sign is illuminated. Stroboscopic lamps are mounted in the frame beneath the neon sign for actuation together with the neon sign in order to attract attention to the warning being displayed through the panel whenever the neon sign is actuated by the closing of a switch conveniently disposed at a teller's cage or station, a cash register, and the like.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.

Abstract: An illuminated call letter display or sign is bodily mounted on the transmitting antenna of a citizens band radio. An opaque housing contains a fluorescent light tube having electrical contact with the antenna and contains substances which emit light when excited by radiation. Call letters and/or the operator's radio name are displayed on a translucent or transparent panel carried by the housing.