Edge Illuminated Patents (Class 40/546)
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Patent number: 8984780Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLCInventors: Robert J Brassell, Jeffrey Nall, Christian Auger
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Patent number: 8950922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Han Gyoul Kim, Young Kuk Kwak, Sang Jun Hong, Young Sik Kim
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Patent number: 8915640Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Suntak Park, Seung Koo Park, Min-Su Kim, Ki Uk Kyung
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Patent number: 8915001Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Steffen Breunig, Lutz Schmittat
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Patent number: 8884786Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: ADB BVBAInventors: Martijn Beukema, Pierre Tremouroux
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Patent number: 8878666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Winitech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyo Koan Chu
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Publication number: 20140298696Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Screen Sign Arts LimitedInventor: Richard Stuart Hunter
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Patent number: 8832979Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Quan Li
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Patent number: 8826572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Andy K. F. Kaoh
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Publication number: 20140196328Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventor: Mark Swartz
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Publication number: 20140173953Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Zeon CorporationInventors: Alan Bloom, Scott Adcock
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Patent number: 8714766Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Thomas Schneider
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Publication number: 20140047742Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Ben Schloss
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Patent number: 8646194Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventor: George O. Podd
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Patent number: 8640368Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: OPTO Design, Inc.Inventors: Eiichi Sato, Kenji Fukuoka, Hiroyasu Sato
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Patent number: 8631598Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Intematix CorporationInventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles Edwards
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Publication number: 20140007474Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventor: Nicholas G Varveris
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Patent number: 8615912Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: David Charles Welch, Peter Servaas
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Patent number: 8562182Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: FacesMe, LLCInventor: Eli Cohen
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Patent number: 8556479Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuaki Hokoda, Yoshihiro Zaitsu, Tatsuya Umeyama, Takashi Akabane
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Patent number: 8549777Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: S. K. G. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Inaba, Noboru Iwanaga
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Patent number: 8539702Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Intematix CorporationInventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles Edwards
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Patent number: 8514569Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Litemax Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kun-Liang Chou
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Publication number: 20130199065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLCInventor: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
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Patent number: 8499479Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Freight Train Media LLCInventor: Theodore C. Johnson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8496371Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Young Lighting Technology CorporationInventors: Chia-Hao Chang, Ching-Yuan Chung
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Patent number: 8468726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Westly Davis Hetrick
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Patent number: 8459859Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Yin-Ta Chen, Kuang-Cheng Fan, Shih-Wei Li
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Patent number: 8443535Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Ying Xiong, Jian-Bing Qian
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Publication number: 20130111791Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: SYNERGY MEDIA, LLCInventor: H. Christopher Bazos
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Patent number: 8375613Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLCInventor: Steven Spiro
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Patent number: 8266833Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Granby Mold, Inc., Tribar Manufacturing, LLCInventors: Joel Thomas Pierce, Michael A. Musleh, Bob Bretz, John Turcotte, Andrew Murray, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Will Farrelly
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Patent number: 8245424Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Contra Vision Ltd.Inventor: G. Roland Hill
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Patent number: 8234804Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Janet Rush
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Publication number: 20120159820Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Greg Alexander Van Saanen
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Publication number: 20120124873Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Je Woo Corporation, LTD.Inventor: SUNG-KEUN LEE
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Patent number: 8177404Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: Wei-Fan Weng
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Patent number: 8151500Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Hung Lung Lin
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Patent number: 8132929Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: Austin Vincent Harton, Manuel Oliver
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Patent number: 8122628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Freight Train Media LLCInventor: Theodore C. Johnson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120036750Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: SUN INNO TECHInventor: Lee Sang Ryul
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Patent number: 8091259Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Novomatic AGInventors: Mark Heather, Stuart Wills, Damiano Visocnik
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Publication number: 20110283576Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: ANTHONY J. NICHOL
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Publication number: 20110219648Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Trevor James, Richard Brown
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Patent number: 8011818Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: Gerald H. Negley
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Publication number: 20110131848Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Stephan M. STEMPINSKI
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Patent number: 7942542Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventor: Gary Dunn
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Patent number: 7937864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Inventor: Suresh Mahajan
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Patent number: 7937865Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Intematix CorporationInventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles O. Edwards
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Publication number: 20110072696Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: FLEX A TRIMInventor: Joseph Ungureanu