Edge Illuminated Patents (Class 40/546)
  • Patent number: 8984780
    Abstract: An edge-lit light engine module for signs and a sign are provided. The light engine module has housing and a light engine that fits within the housing. The housing has a base member and at least one side member that overlaps a tab formed along an edge of a sign face. The housing is configured to align the light engine with the partial edge of the sign so that light from the light engine enters and is reflected within the material that forms the sign face so that the sign face becomes illuminated. The housing properly aligns the light engine, and also serves as a heat sink to draw heat away from the light engine and transfer the heat outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J Brassell, Jeffrey Nall, Christian Auger
  • Patent number: 8950922
    Abstract: A lighting module may be provided that comprises: a first and a second light sources, which are disposed opposite to each other; a light guide plate disposed between the first light source and the second light source and including a top surface and a bottom surface; a first case including the first light source; a second case including the second light source; and an optical plate disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the light guide plate, wherein the optical plate reflects a part of light from the first and the second light sources and transmits the rest of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han Gyoul Kim, Young Kuk Kwak, Sang Jun Hong, Young Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8915640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device including a plurality of channels for forming a specific pattern, in which each of the channels includes: a light source module comprising one or more light sources for generating optical signals having different wavelengths; a driving module for controlling on/off or strength of the optical signal generated in the light source module; an optical waveguide for transferring the optical signal generated in the light source module to an outside without a loss of the optical signal; and a scattering pattern for scattering the optical signal transferred through the optical waveguide and displaying the scattered optical signal to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Suntak Park, Seung Koo Park, Min-Su Kim, Ki Uk Kyung
  • Patent number: 8915001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a decorative element (10) for a motor vehicle and to a method for producing the same. The decorative element (10) thereby comprises an at least partially transparent decorative film (12) applied to a flat carrier element (30) and back injection molded with two plastic layers (14, 16). At least the first plastic layer (14) is thereby at least partially transparent. The use of the first plastic layer (14) as an optical conductor is thereby made possible, allowing particularly optically attractive light coupling into the decorative element, and opening particularly extensive latitude in design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Steffen Breunig, Lutz Schmittat
  • Patent number: 8884786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light sign (10) for displaying an instruction and/or guidance for ground airplane traffic at an airport, comprising a casing (20) with a transparent display panel (21) for representing an instruction and/or guidance symbol (Z), and a light source arranged inside the casing (20) with at least one luminescent diode (32) for illuminating the display panel (21). A diffusion panel (22) is made for scattering and/or back-scattering incident light, wherein the light source is arranged between the display panel and the diffusion panel. The at least one luminescent diode (32) is aligned on the diffusion panel (22) so that the display panel (21) is not illuminated directly, but indirectly by back-scattering of the light emitted from the at least one luminescent diode by the diffusion panel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADB BVBA
    Inventors: Martijn Beukema, Pierre Tremouroux
  • Patent number: 8878666
    Abstract: An emergency exit sign having a beacon module for indoor positioning and an indoor positioning system using the same are provided. The emergency exit sign includes a power supply unit, an AC/DC converter, an indoor positioning beacon module, an LED lamp, and a charger. The power supply unit receives an input of a power source and supplies the power source. The AC/DC converter converts the power source supplied and supplies a driving power source. The indoor positioning beacon module periodically wireless transmits a beacon signal including a beacon ID through a built-in antenna. The LED lamp is installed within the housing such that the lamp is positioned in rear of the display. When a power source is not supplied from the power supply unit, the charger supplies a driving power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Winitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyo Koan Chu
  • Publication number: 20140298696
    Abstract: An illuminated sign which includes a single or double sided photometric lens one or both sides of which have in juxtaposition therewith a graphics panel. The photometric lens has one edge lit by a strip of light emitting diodes (LED's) and the lens(es) is(are) adapted to spread the LED's light evenly across the graphics panel and through a clip-on frame for the photometric lens and graphics panel(s) which frame can provide edge light distribution for the sign. The photometric lens can also be fitted as an illumination source in an existing exit or the like sign to produce illumination for the existing exit or the like sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Screen Sign Arts Limited
    Inventor: Richard Stuart Hunter
  • Patent number: 8832979
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a backlight module and an LCD having a positioning structure for fixing an optical film and a frame. The frame includes a side frame having an assembling hole. The optical film is placed on the side frame and includes a protruded ear having a positioning hole. The positioning structure includes: a magnetic member installed inside the assembling hole; an attracted member including a compression part and a positioning pillar, wherein the positioning pillar is connected to the compression part and gets inside the assembling hole through the positioning hole such that the positioning pillar is connected to an attraction hole due to a magnetic effect to make the compression part compress and fix the optical film on the side frame. The positioning structure can fix the optical film in X, Y, and Z directions to raise the positioning reliability, assembling speed, and capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Quan Li
  • Patent number: 8826572
    Abstract: An illuminated sign having a housing unit with a frame and one or more light emitting arrays to provide visible indicia and a backlight module for mounting a transparent backlight panel which is held in close contact with a reflection panel and optically positions a light emitting unit to emit light through the backlight panel for emission from the front of the sign. The replaceable sign member accommodates the display of visible indicia and is backlit by the light emitting unit. A light sensor is mounted on the backlight module for measuring ambient light. The light emitting unit can be driven by a signal from the light sensor to automatically set a contrast level of illumination to optimize the information presented by the illuminated sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Andy K. F. Kaoh
  • Publication number: 20140196328
    Abstract: A very thin edge lit sign is described using a mirrored acrylic sheet or similar material. The mirrored side is engraved to create an Image and the reverse side is painted any color desired to provide illumination in the engraved areas. A bright white LED light strip is enclosed in a piece of trim attached to the top and bottom of the sign. The resulting sign can have vivid multicolor illumination and is thin enough to be magnet mounted to the side of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Swartz
  • Publication number: 20140173953
    Abstract: A lighted sign comprising one or more sign sections, wherein each of the one or more sign sections comprises a front surface a rear surface, one of operatively integrated and coupled to the front surface, one or more bores extending from the front surface to the rear surface, and a light source positioned to project light through at least a portion of the at least one side surface. Furthermore, the one or more bores comprise at least one side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Zeon Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Bloom, Scott Adcock
  • Patent number: 8714766
    Abstract: A planar element as well as a method for producing such planar elements in such way that the planar element is easily and inexpensively to produce on the one hand and allows remarkable optical effects to be obtained on the other hand, it is proposed to apply at least one coating to at least one area or side of at least one support substrate, especially of at least one support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140047742
    Abstract: An edge lit sign is magnetically attached to the underside of a mount, such as a tool box cover, having an uneven surface, wherein the edge lit sign is provided with spacers for holding the rear surface of the panel of the edge lit sign away from any surface of the tool box cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Ben Schloss
  • Patent number: 8646194
    Abstract: A light film apparatus having an illuminated graphics panel with at least two segments that can be individually powered. A controller manages a power which is delivered from a power supply to each of the segments, so that each of the segments is either powered on, powered off or powered to an intermediate level. With the independent control of power to the different segments, it is possible to create a three-dimensional appearance of a moving image from a generally two-dimensional panel arrangement. A housing can be mounted so that the graphics panel abuts or is closely mounted to a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: George O. Podd
  • Patent number: 8640368
    Abstract: A light source device is equipped with a highly directional point light source, a light source installation part having a prescribed area where the point light source is installed, and a lateral reflection part that is vertically arranged to a prescribed height from the periphery of the light source installation part. The lateral reflection part is formed with a light-transmitting reflector plate that has a reflection/transmission pattern and is provided with multiple reflection/transmission parts for reflecting and at least partially transmitting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: OPTO Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Eiichi Sato, Kenji Fukuoka, Hiroyasu Sato
  • Patent number: 8631598
    Abstract: A light emitting sign comprising a plurality of blue LEDs operable to generate blue excitation light and a light emitting display surface comprising a light transmissive substrate and at least one phosphor overlaying at least a portion of one face of the substrate. The phosphor is configured to absorb at least a portion of the blue light generated by the LEDs and, in response, to emit light of a selected color other than blue. Regions of the display surface intended to generate blue light do not include the phosphor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140007474
    Abstract: A thin wall modular display (TWMD) useful for signs, lighting fixtures etc. is disclosed wherein a back-lit sign, light fixture or TWMD is created using a plastic multi-chambered thin-walled panel and light strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas G Varveris
  • Patent number: 8615912
    Abstract: A method and system for an illuminated display. The display can include a first image that may be illuminated by a light source and a second image that may be illuminated by a light source. The light source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the LEDs and uniform illumination may be achieved through the use of waveguides. Additionally, the display may be such that it is flexible and that it may be mounted in any of a variety of locations and onto any of a variety of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: David Charles Welch, Peter Servaas
  • Patent number: 8562182
    Abstract: A lighting fixture and method for creating visual effects include a light box having an interior, a reflective inner surface and an opening, a plate covering the opening, a 3-dimentional image on the plate having a first depth, at least one light source disposed in the interior for illuminating the image with evenly spread light. The light source is disposed at a second depth behind the image. A ratio of first to second depths is between 7:7 and 7:21. A plurality of interchangeable plates may be provided with respective 3-dimentional images for creating different effects. A method for creating a distorted image includes preparing a 2-dimensional image, sculpting a 3-dimensional model, vacuum forming and running a 3-dimentional grid, drawing a distorted outline onto a 2-dimentional grid with photo management software, digitally matching and stretching an original image to match the outline and removing the outline leaving the distorted image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: FacesMe, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Cohen
  • Patent number: 8556479
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting fitting can include a housing including an opening end portion, a lens, an outer peripheral portion of which is laser-welded to the opening end portion to define a lighting chamber, and a decorative member disposed in the lighting chamber. The resin decorative member can include an outer peripheral portion on which a joint portion and a non-joint portion are alternately formed along a perimeter thereof, wherein the joint portion of the decorative member and the opening end portion of the housing are laser-welded in a state in which clearances are maintained between the non-joint portion of the decorative member and the housing, and between the lens and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hokoda, Yoshihiro Zaitsu, Tatsuya Umeyama, Takashi Akabane
  • Patent number: 8549777
    Abstract: The present invention reduces generation of unevenness on a surface by adjusting unevenness of a reflection pattern in a case where the reflection pattern is formed by an ultrasonic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: S. K. G. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Inaba, Noboru Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 8539702
    Abstract: A light source comprises a blue emitting LED operable to generate blue excitation light and a light emitting surface comprising a light transmissive substrate and a phosphor. The LED is configured to irradiate the light emitting surface with excitation light such that the phosphor emits light of a second wavelength and wherein light emitted by the source comprises a combination of blue light from the LED and the second wavelength light from the phosphor. The light emitting surface is interchangeable thereby enabling the source to generate different selected colors of light using the same LED. The phosphor can be provided as a layer on the substrate or incorporated within the light transmissive substrate. The light emitting surface can be configured as a waveguide or as a light transmissive window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles Edwards
  • Patent number: 8514569
    Abstract: An illuminated sign includes a plurality of straight fin heat sinks framed together; a plurality of LED plates framed together, each LED plate comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged in rows on a front surface, and a plate heat sink on a rear surface, the plate heat sinks being in contact with the straight fin heat sinks; and an LCD panel mounted in front of the LED plates by framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Litemax Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kun-Liang Chou
  • Publication number: 20130199065
    Abstract: An edge-lit light engine module for signs and a sign are provided. The light engine module has housing and a light engine that fits within the housing. The housing has a base member and at least one side member that overlaps a tab formed along an edge of a sign face. The housing is configured to align the light engine with the partial edge of the sign so that light from the light engine enters and is reflected within the material that forms the sign face so that the sign face becomes illuminated. The housing properly aligns the light engine, and also serves as a heat sink to draw heat away from the light engine and transfer the heat outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
  • Patent number: 8499479
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Freight Train Media LLC
    Inventor: Theodore C. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8496371
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate and at least one light source. The light guide plate has a first light-emitting surface, a second light-emitting surface opposite the first light-emitting surface, and at least one side surface connected between the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface. The light guide plate has a first substance and a second substance surrounding the first substance, and the second substance is different to the first substance to form at least a first light reflecting/diffusing interface and a second light reflecting/diffusing interface. A light beam emitted by the light source is deflected by the first light reflecting/diffusing interface and output via the first light-emitting surface, and a light beam emitted by the light source is deflected by the second light reflecting/diffusing interface and output via the second light-emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Young Lighting Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Chang, Ching-Yuan Chung
  • Patent number: 8468726
    Abstract: A recessed exit sign includes an electrical component housing, a plaster ring, and an illuminated message panel. The lighting assembly includes an electrical component assembly, an internal power source housed within the electrical component assembly, a light source housed within the electrical component assembly, and a lens. The power source is electrically coupled to the light source. A portion of the lens is inserted into an opening formed within the electrical component assembly and coupled to the electrical component assembly. The lens extends from within the electrical component assembly to a location outside the electrical component assembly. A portion of the lighting assembly is slidably inserted through the plaster ring and into the electrical component housing. When plaster is applied over the plaster ring the lens appears to simply enter a hole in the ceiling with not additional features visible on the ceiling surface to cause a distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Westly Davis Hetrick
  • Patent number: 8459859
    Abstract: A light guide module capable of illuminating and being applied in a device for decoration is provided. The light guide module includes a reflective layer, a light guide with a plurality of diffusing particles, and a light source. The light guide has a side surface, a reflective surface and a light-exiting surface, thereby allowing a light from the light source to enter and reflect and exit the light guide respectively. The reflective layer is disposed on the reflective surface of the light guide for reflecting the light to the light-exiting surface. The light guide forms a portion of an outer surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yin-Ta Chen, Kuang-Cheng Fan, Shih-Wei Li
  • Patent number: 8443535
    Abstract: An emergency exit indicator includes a housing and a light source received in the housing. The housing includes two first connecting arms at top and bottom thereof and two second connecting arms at lateral sides thereof. The first and second connecting arms are connected with each other by four connecting units located respectively at four corners of the housing. Each connecting unit includes a seat and two engaging tabs extending from the seat. One engaging tab is engaged with a corresponding first connecting arm, and the other is engaged with a neighboring second connecting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Ying Xiong, Jian-Bing Qian
  • Publication number: 20130111791
    Abstract: Disclosed is an advertising apparatus capable of motion sensitive illumination and 180° viewing, which includes a top piece, a bottom piece, a back piece, one or more front side pieces capable of edge illumination, wherein the top piece, the bottom piece the back piece and the one or more front side pieces are mechanically coupled together to form the assembled advertising apparatus, and a universal mounting system base plate reversibly coupled to the back piece. In addition, an advertising apparatus capable of motion sensitive illumination and 180° viewing includes an illumination source for illuminating the front side pieces, a motion sensor, for detecting motion of a potential customer, and a power source to power the advertising apparatus, wherein the illumination source and the motion sensor are coupled to the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SYNERGY MEDIA, LLC
    Inventor: H. Christopher Bazos
  • Patent number: 8375613
    Abstract: An illuminated signboard with edge effect for attachment to a support member includes a light guide having a body with a first face and an opposite second face and a light entry well formed therein. The second face includes a reverse bevel edge formed along a perimeter edge of the second face. The reverse bevel provides a luminous effect and directs light forward so that exits through the first face of a light guide in the form of an illuminated perimeter and the reverse bevel also provides an luminous halo cast on the support member in a band that exceeds and surrounds a physical perimeter of the signboard as a result of light being directed in an oblique, rearward manner relative to the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventor: Steven Spiro
  • Patent number: 8266833
    Abstract: A vehicle showcase display badge is provided which includes a bezel, a substantially transparent front lens, and a rear lens comprising a light transparent front surface and a colored reflective rear surface. The badge also includes a graphic assembly disposed between the front lens and the rear lens, wherein the rear lens provides a three-dimensional appearance of the graphic assembly. The badge further includes an attachment for attaching the badge to a vehicle such that the graphic assembly is viewable. One or more curved surfaces may be employed on the rear lens to provide a shadow effect. One or more of the lenses may be overmolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Granby Mold, Inc., Tribar Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Thomas Pierce, Michael A. Musleh, Bob Bretz, John Turcotte, Andrew Murray, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Will Farrelly
  • Patent number: 8245424
    Abstract: An alternating sign assembly includes a sheet of light permeable material comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a front design that includes a front design layer; a silhouette pattern including light-restricting imaging material, said front design being superimposed on or forming a part of the silhouette pattern, said silhouette pattern subdividing said sheet into a plurality of discrete areas of said imaging material and/or a plurality of discrete areas devoid of said imaging material; a switchable front source of artificial illumination of said front design; a rear design disposed rearwardly of the front design; and a switchable rear source of artificial illumination of said rear design. The sources of illumination may be alternately turned on to make the front and rear designs alternately visible to an observer in front of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Contra Vision Ltd.
    Inventor: G. Roland Hill
  • Patent number: 8234804
    Abstract: An etched display incorporating lighting within a housing. A translucent material has a laser-etching of an image that is placed within the stand with at least one edge of the translucent article facing a lighting source whereby the light rays create a translucent article having a higher luminance than the ambient surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Janet Rush
  • Publication number: 20120159820
    Abstract: A sign having indicia that forms visual communication matter for use in a frame that has a light source for illuminating the indicia and an arrow removably attached to a side of the frame for directing a customer to a store. Bright colored sheets of translucent plastic are located on the front and back of the arrow and lights are located between the front and back translucent sheets of plastic to illuminated the arrow. A sheet of clear transparent plastic is attached to the frame in front of the sign, low energy lights are located around the front edge of the frame and a source of DC power is coupled to energize the lights located within the frame between the front and back of the bright colored translucent sheets of plastic of the arrow and the lights located around the front edge of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Greg Alexander Van Saanen
  • Publication number: 20120124873
    Abstract: An emergency-light indicator includes a body, a top plate configured on a top of the body, a rotating body including a driving power module and configured on a bottom of the body, and an indication board module. An LED board is configured in the rotating body. The body and the rotating body are installed together via two side covers which are respectively configured at two ends of the body and the rotating body. A mounting slot is structured on a bottom of the rotating body. A rotating side cover is configured at each end of the rotating body. A spring strip is installed to each of the rotating side covers. A groove is structured at each side of the indication board module and the grooves and spring strips are corresponding, thereby the indication board module can be installed to the mounting slot through the spring trips and corresponding grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Je Woo Corporation, LTD.
    Inventor: SUNG-KEUN LEE
  • Patent number: 8177404
    Abstract: An edge-lit back plate has two mounting frames coupled to opposite longitudinal side surfaces of a back plate including a laminate body with a reflector, a light guide and a diffuser. At least one light source assembly is located within a recess of each mounting frame and positioned adjacent to one of the longitudinal side surfaces of the laminate body. The edge-lit back plate is configured to be installed on a rack to illuminate products on such rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Wei-Fan Weng
  • Patent number: 8151500
    Abstract: The photo frame contains a frame body, first and second transparent plates, first and second light generating units. The frame body contains a number of side walls and a back cover. The first transparent plate is jointed to the frame body and attached to the back cover with a photo in between. The second transparent plate is arranged to the frame body's front side, parallel to the first transparent plate and forming a gap therebetween. A first light generating unit contains at least a first light generating element configured along a side wall, projecting illuminating light into the gap to create a stereographic impression. The second light generating unit contains at least a second light generating element arranged an edge of the second transparent plate to project blue light into the second transparent plate to manifest fluorescent traces written by a highlighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Hung Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 8132929
    Abstract: An optical waveguide (106) with directional microprisms (116) and multidirectional light sources (110)(112) are provided for providing overlapping morphing images (104) and information (102) on a display (124) of a touch screen mobile phone or other electronic device (100). Microprisms can be patterned in the shape of a particular design, character, icon or other image. The microprisms can include: first microprisms (118) sensitive to light propagating in only one direction; second microprisms (120) sensitive to light propagating in a different direction, and a third microprisms (122) sensitive to light propagation in multiple directions. When light is directed into the waveguide (106) in a direction to which a portion of the microprisms (116) are sensitive, a fraction of that light will be directed upward and out of the waveguide (106) by those microprisms sensitive to light propagated in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Vincent Harton, Manuel Oliver
  • Patent number: 8122628
    Abstract: The portable advertising system of the present invention comprises a body having a first end and a display support, at least one universal attachment system adapted for securing the body to a vehicle proximate the first end, at least one exterior wall arranged to display an advertisement, and the display support securing an illumination source directed towards the at least one exterior wall. The at least one exterior wall and the illumination source may be integrated into an electronic display unit. The at least one exterior wall may also be an advertising sheet composed of vinyl and the illumination source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes. The portable advertising system may include a railroad car arranged to receive the at least one universal attachment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Freight Train Media LLC
    Inventor: Theodore C. Johnson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120036750
    Abstract: Embodiments of internally illuminated panels and methods for making such panels are disclosed herein. In general, the internally illuminated panel includes a transparent plate having a front surface and a back surface, a channel formed within the back surface of the transparent plate, and an illumination source embedded within the channel for directing illumination into an interior of the transparent plate. Unlike conventional panel designs, a pattern of grooves is formed across the back surface of the transparent plate for reflecting and refracting the internal illumination in a predetermined and predictable manner. In particular, characteristics of the pattern (such as the spacing and depth of the grooves) are configured to provide uniform distribution and intensity of the internal illumination emitted from the internally illuminated panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: SUN INNO TECH
    Inventor: Lee Sang Ryul
  • Patent number: 8091259
    Abstract: An innovative approach to displaying gaming machine events and advertising for a gaming console is provided by replacing the commonly-used tower light with an integrated set of game and machine event indicators. The tower light may be used to display the actual game being played or, for example, the price of the game, and can be made of transparent material with separate indicator sections conveying game machine events and related information. The tower light is preferably controlled by a controller unit, with LED lights to light up the indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventors: Mark Heather, Stuart Wills, Damiano Visocnik
  • Publication number: 20110283576
    Abstract: A light emitting sign including a lightguide having a thickness not greater than 0.5 millimeters. The lightguide having an array of elongated legs extending therefrom, wherein each leg terminates in a bounding edge and is folded such that the bounding edges are stacked. At least one light source emits light into the stacked bounding edges. The light travels within the legs to the lightguide, with the light from each leg combining and totally internally reflecting within the lightguide. A plurality of light scattering features frustrate totally internally reflected light within the lightguide such that the light exits the sign in a light emitting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: ANTHONY J. NICHOL
  • Publication number: 20110219648
    Abstract: An LED edge-lit sign comprises a transparent light panel, an image-carrying sheet in front of the light panel and a reflective back plate behind the light panel. The image to be displayed is printed onto the image-carrying sheet and a translucent layer of white ink is uniformly applied over the printed image. The result is uniform and effective back lighting of the image. A transparent window may be provided to view a changeable display therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Trevor James, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 8011818
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald H. Negley
  • Publication number: 20110131848
    Abstract: A back-lit vehicle emblem is disclosed, that provides an emblem body having a front side facing away from the vehicle and exhibiting the emblem and having a rear side facing toward the vehicle. The body is shaped to provide at least a partial housing for mounting at least one LED. A space between the body and the vehicle when the body is mounted upon the vehicle is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan M. STEMPINSKI
  • Patent number: 7942542
    Abstract: There is disclosed a backlit display structure with multiple LED's arranged to transmit light into a light guide plate configured to uniformly illuminate the back of a readily replaceable translucent image sheet. The display may be incorporated with a decorative frame which also may be illuminated by the same or different LED's. The display powered by a rechargeable battery pack may also be incorporated in table top boxes for condiments, straws, napkins or other conveniences for restaurant customers where it is useful for displaying replaceable advertising or current featured menu items. In another form the guide plate does not uniformly illuminate an image sheet but only illuminates temporary marks thereon from a crayon or marker, thereby providing an illuminated blackboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Dunn
  • Patent number: 7937864
    Abstract: The illumination of a display of a religious, meditative, or ceremonial image is coordinated with sound produced and associated with the use of the image, such as a chant associated with the image. The sound can be produced by the device of the invention in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the device, or the sound can be produced by a user of the device in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the user. The device includes a display for illuminating and displaying the visual image and circuitry for coordinating the illumination of the visual image and the sound associated with use of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Suresh Mahajan
  • Patent number: 7937865
    Abstract: A light emitting sign comprising a light emitting display surface including at least one phosphor, and at least one radiation source configured to irradiate the display surface with excitation energy such that the phosphor emits light of a selected color. The sign further comprises a filter which is substantially transparent to light emitted by the display surface, filtering other colors of light. The display surface may be configured into a shape of a character, a symbol, or a device. Alternatively, a mask having at least one window substantially transparent to the emitted light and/or at least one light blocking region may be provided in which the window and/or light blocking region define a character, a symbol, or a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles O. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110072696
    Abstract: A channel lighting sign is provided in which the side structure of the channel lighting sign can be constructed of a translucent polycarbonate material. The channel lighting sign includes a faceplate foamed of a translucent or transparent material, such as an acrylic plastic. The side structure is shaped to conform to perimeter contours of the shape of the faceplate. At least one mounting bracket is disposed on an inside surface of the side structure at a position near a front side of the side structure. The mounting bracket holds a mounting insert formed of a material that can easily and quickly bond with the faceplate material using a solvent or bonding agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FLEX A TRIM
    Inventor: Joseph Ungureanu