Abstract: A tapered-transparent acrylic plate has advertising or the like applied to front or back surfaces. The thick end of the plate has openings to receive illumination sources. Incandescent sub-miniature lamps are mounted to a circuit board and are closely coupled to the openings in the plate. The lamps and tapered plate provide uniform illumination of the advertising. The tapered plate and circuit board are retained in a plastic channel which is secured to a base. The channel has ventilation means for the cool operation of the display. The display is powered by a remote transformer which operates the lamps at a level below the design voltage of the lamps. Operating lifetime is significantly increased.

Abstract: A board game includes a game board having a top wall, having a matrix of rows and columns of spaces of contrasting visual enumerations, wherein a plurality of tokens equal to a like plurality of spaces are provided, with a token afforded each space that is indicated by selection of a card from a deck of cards. The object of the game is to create a plurality of rows, wherein sequential spaces, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, are filled by one of said tokens. The game board further includes an illumination housing having a transparent lens for directing light from an illumination source.

Abstract: An edgelit illuminated display system has a transparent medium having first and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge operable with a light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces. A matrix of dots on each of the surfaces is arranged to allow interaction of light between the surfaces. The matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covers the entire surface for providing an even increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface the graphic image is evenly illuminated.

Abstract: A board member arranged to provide for illustration and representation of football teams is provided, to include a plurality of first and second rows of helmet posts to each receive a helmet member thereon, with each of the first and second posts having an adjacent record post to mount a record indicating flange plate thereon. The flange plate is formed of an erasable material to accommodate illustration of a won/lost record of a team associated with an adjacent helmet on an adjacent helmet post. Plural rows of facing home team and visitor team helmet posts are provided to accommodate positioning of helmets from said helmet posts onto the home team and visitor team helmet posts to indicate pending games of opposing teams.

Abstract: An illuminated display panel of light transmitting material has a selected pictorial representation cut into its surface in the form of a series of cut-out lines with at least one gap or bridge of uncut material along the length of each line. The lower edge of the panel is supported in a base lighting fixture which is arranged to base light the panel so that light is transmitted upwardly through the panel to illuminate each of the cut lines so that they stand out from the remainder of the panel to provide an illuminated line display. The pictorial representation is formed in a laser cutting process.

Abstract: A light unit for use in lighted sign assemblies has a housing with a rear wall, upstanding opposed side walls, and shield elements extending inwardly from adjacent the upper ends of the side walls. Light arrays extending along the side walls have light emitting diodes disposed in spaced relationship above the rear wall and below the shield elements, and a diffuser extends across the housing above the shield elements. The rear wall is configured to reflect light emitted from the diodes relatively uniformly across the diffuser which further contributes to relative uniform transmission of light therethrough. The power supply may include a circuit to transform alternating current line voltage into a reduced direct current voltage for the diodes, and the power supply may also provide direct current to the diodes from a battery power source when power is interrupted.

Abstract: With the aim of reducing the thickness of a liquid crystal lighting apparatus, side ends, different from light incident ends, of an optical conductor plate are cut out to form steps so that the optical conductor plate may be thinner at the side ends than at the light incident ends. Alternatively, portions, contiguous to the light incident ends, of a reflector sheet and a diffusion sheet are cut out to form thickness reduced portions and only the thickness reduced portions are clamped and held by a main body.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic panel having a desired illumination pattern is assembled from at least two partial panels, each comprising a plurality of fully terminated parallel fibers. Two or more such partial arrays are combined to fabricate a optical fiber substrate having an arbitrary illumination pattern. The non-illuminated fiber lengths extending from the individual fiber terminations are removed before the two partial arrays are assembled, thus further enhancing the efficiency of the device. In a preferred embodiment the fibers of each partial array have a center-to-center spacing slightly greater than twice the fiber diameters, and the fibers of the two partial arrays are intermeshed to form a closely packed parallel array of fibers in which a fully terminated shorter fiber is located between two longer fibers.

Abstract: An improved display system includes a prism having a pair of light receiving faces which intersect at an apex. The prism has a light emitting face from which light transmitted. The light emitting face of the prism has a series of parallel linear V-shaped grooves with side surfaces which intersect to form a series of parallel linear ridges which disperse rays of light. A display panel is disposed adjacent to the prism and has a rear side with indicia thereon. The indicia can be read from a front side of the display panel, even in bright sunlight, when a pair of light sources are energized. However, when the light sources are not energized, the indicia on the display panel cannot be observed. A divider panel separates the light sources to enable an observer to determine when one of the light sources is burned out. Reflectors direct light from the light sources toward the light receiving faces of the prism.

Abstract: An edgelit luminaire 10 and a display panel 26 for same in which light generated by a light source 30 is evenly distributed throughout the panel. The panel is formed of a sheet 27 of transparent or semi-transparent plastics, one side of which bears a sign, notice or graphic symbol 32. The sign 32 has sections of different opacity. A plurality of uniformly sized and uniformly spaced dots 34 are overprinted over the sign 32 and the panel 26 to form a half-tone of a color matching, complimenting or contrasting with that of the sign 32. The dots 34 are luminous such that light impinging thereon is reflected and transmitted throughout the panel 26 ensuring an even light distribution.

Abstract: An illuminant photo frame, comprising: a transparent frame body constituted by elongated lines and cross lines respectively having a back side created with a plurality of integrant 45.degree. prisms in more than one flight of stages to collectively form a certain pattern, a recess arranged at the back side of the naturally met elongated and cross lines in cross opposition to the other for installing a small bulb each thereat, and a photoresistance in control of electricity supply to small bulbs to have them transmit lights automatically at night, which sent from two sides of each recess to travel forward alongside elongated and cross lines will make an internal total reflection at each 45.degree. slant of the prism to project out of the front side, thereby, with a crystal illumination given to the pattern. And the electricity supply will automatically cease at daytime.

Abstract: An artificial window comprises a box having a rear wall, and walls bounding an interior space which faces longitudinally forwardly; sheet structure extending laterally crosswise of the space, and a viewable pattern associated with the sheet structure to be illuminated by light passing forwardly from the box interior; first and second light sources in the box; a reflector structure in the box to reflect light from the first source in a direction toward the sheet structure for effecting illumination of the viewable pattern; and there being control structure for controlling the illumination of the viewable pattern to independently, differentially, and progressively change the illumination of the viewable pattern.

Abstract: A picture frame having a perimeter framework having a plurality of intercommunicating legs having a continuous channel directed within the legs. The channel includes a plurality of illumination bulbs in electrical communication with a battery and an on/off switch button mounted to a rear surface of a bottom frame leg to effect an unobstructed and non-distracted view of a picture positioned within the framework.

Abstract: An optical display device such as an emblem mounted on an automotive vehicle is disclosed which is simple in structure and displays a display pattern in a silver metallic color by daylight. The interior of the device is kept invisible in the daytime, whereas the pattern is displayed in any desired color in a uniform manner in the nighttime.

Abstract: A license plate for Malaysian motorcycle, comprising a main body connected by two light-piercing boards together in a symmetric way, each with a full covering of 45.degree. prisms in more than one flight of stages on the back side; an opaque, white ground plate clamped therebetween; an opaque, blank vacant number plate connected to the main body front side respectively; a transparent waterproof hood enclosing them all, and a PC board which includes a plurality of small bulbs on it connected in a seat body for the main body. Upon energization of PC board, a license plate number in black-ground-white-letter style on either side of the license plate will be illuminated greatly and in even brightness.

Abstract: A display device which is especially suited for application as a center-high-mounted stop-light (CHMSL) or brake light for an automotive vehicle includes a white linear light source. A coupler panel or sheet formed of a fluorescent dye-doped material couples light from one edge therethrough to an opposite edge from the light source to a light receiving edge of a display panel. The coupler panel transmits red light therethrough, absorbs other colors of light, and re-emits the absorbed light as red light. The display panel has a first surface formed with optical quality, light reflecting grooves, which reflect and disperse the edge coupled light out a second surface which is opposite to the first surface. Each groove includes a series of laterally spaced curved light dispersing depressions. The display panel viewed from the first surface is transparent at all times.

Abstract: A decorative promotional display signage and its method of manufacture includes the steps for combining the constituent elements of the signage, and the resultant combination of these elements. The signage includes a clear transparent substrate with an informational image created on the posterior surface of the substrate by selectively depositing transparent colored inks on this surface. Clear ink may also be deposited on selected portions of the posterior surface of the substrate to emphasize the informational image. A sheet of holographic film, to present a variable color cast to the image, is adhered to the substrate with the layers of ink positioned between the substrate and the holographic film.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the interior of a mass transit vehicle or other display, which includes emitting light from a light source into an elongated tubular member having a portion lined with a high reflectance film formed with longitudinal prismatic lenses, the tubular member having a light-transmissive opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector or a second light source at one end of the tubular member. The emitted light propagates in the inner tubular member by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening so as to project light against a sign or advertising card or like object. Several units may be placed end-to-end to provide a longer illuminating arrangement.

Abstract: A display card holder for releasably mounting a display card, sign, poster, etc. The display card holder serves as a permanent, tamper proof, message holder for inexpensive point of purchase material in a high risk exposure retail environment. The display card holder includes a stand having adhesive thereon for fixing the holder in a conspicuous location, e.g., on top of a cash register or counter top, so that the display card is visible to consumers. The holder further includes a substantially hollow, elongated housing having a body portion and first and second end walls. The housing is secured to the stand by fastening means, so as to allow for angular adjustment of the housing and display card or sign with respect to the stand. The housing includes a longitudinal slot for receiving the display card or sign and which extends along an upper surface of the body portion.

Abstract: An illuminated clipboard is disclosed having a transparent board to which is attached a housing carrying a pivotable clip. The board has double beveled edges designed to enhance internal light reflections from sources of light mounted on one end of the board and embedded within it. The housing not only carries the pivotable clip but also includes a clock device and battery powered electrical circuitry designed to not only operate the above-mentioned light sources but also to operate a further light source.

Abstract: A sign comprising at least one light pipe, each light pipe made of light-transmitting material, said at least one light pipe arranged to form a predetermined message or design, each light pipe having at least two ends and carrying at least one light source proximate at least one end, each light source directed towards another end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of each light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, the sign further carrying electrical circuit means for energizing each light source, and means for mounting the at least one light pipe to form the predetermined message or design; whereby energizing of each light source causes light to be transmitted in each light pipe, light therefrom emerging through the translucent outer surface of each light pipe for the display of the predetermined message or design.

Abstract: A laminate artwork system includes a plurality of stacked, uniformly spaced light transmitting artwork panels, each having a portion of an overall artwork image etched thereon. The artwork panels are generally rectangular and have aligned edges positioned within a frame. The frame houses fluorescent lamps generally adjacent to and extending the length of the panel edges, and includes an inner reflective surface which directs substantially all of the emitted light towards the panel edges. Disposed between the lamp and the panel edges are a plurailty of color filters and shutters which control the transmission and intensity of light permitted to pass therethrough to the edges. The shutters comprise liquid crystal gates responsive to an input signal, which are modulated to allow a varied amount of light to pass through so that different levels of brightness and/or color of the artwork image may be obtained.

Abstract: An improved light guide for use in illuminating a telephone dial includes apertures through which individual buttons of a telephone dial extend. These buttons are used for dialing and are illuminated by one or more light sources that are positioned within recesses in the light guide. Each recess comprises four inwardly curved walls for directing light from the light source along two paths that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Additional openings within the light guide are designed to reflect light into areas of the dial needing more illumination, and the sides of the light guide are shaped to reflect additional light into those areas. The present invention directs light so efficiently that only two sources are needed to provide uniform illumination in standard telephone dials.

Abstract: This display board consists of the transparent acrylic plastic plates in which surface desired letters or pictures are grooved, and a panel made by fitting together a number of the bricks of transparent acrylic plastic. The light receiving edges of the plate, and the light receiving edge and the light emerging edge of the brick are sandpapered in order to make lights enter and emerge from the edge to maximum extent. The light receiving edges of the plates and bricks are colored with a desired to produce a colored light. When light-bulbs with refractors properly positioned at the light receiving edges of the plate and the brick are turned on, the colored lights withthe same color of the dye coloured the edges will emerge from the grooves cut in the plate and from the emerging edge of the brick. For uniform illuminant intensity of the grooves cut in the plate, the depths of grooves are adjusted to be deeper around the center of the plate than around its periphery.

Abstract: An auxiliary brake lamp and night lamp mounted on the deck above the trunk and behind the car's rear seat. The lamp has an opaque, hollow light seat which is made with two penetrating flutes for engaging two transparent boards in its upper part. A PC board is housed in the light seat beneath both penetrating flutes and has two rows of small bulbs which emit light into the penetrating flutes and the lower edges of the engaged boards. One of the boards is crimson, flat and has a plurality of parallel grooves on its back side which causes light passing through the board's edge to collectively form a warning on its front side. The second board is colorless, flat and has a plurality of parallel grooves on its back side which causes light passing through the board's edge to form a decorative pattern on its front side.

Abstract: A very large display screen which is made up of a curtain of suspended optical fibers of different lengths. The fibers are illuminated by light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are grouped in triads emitting the three primary colors to produce a colored display.

Abstract: There is disclosed automobile glass which is engraved with identifying indicia of a size whereby it can be easily viewed. Particularly, the automobile glass is of the conventional laminated type and the depth of the engraving is of sufficient depth whereby the indicia cannot be removed or obliterated. In one embodiment the engraving of the indicia is of a sufficient depth to expose a portion of the polymeric sandwiched material.

Abstract: A light guide for illuminating a keyboard or keypad from behind comprises a transparent grid-like plate having an array of apertures in each of which is accommodated a respective key of the keyboard/keypad. The transparent plate comprises an integral lens aligned with a reflector for directing light from an external source into the plane of the plate. Various plane reflecting surfaces are provided for reflecting the light in a localized path completely surrounding each of the apertures. This arrangement enables the keys to be illuminated with a high degree of uniformity using only relatively few distributed light sources.

Abstract: Apparatus including an L-shaped handle mounting a battery pack at one end thereof and a selectively actuated flashing sign at an upper end thereof wherein the flashing sign includes a border of a first coloration contrasting to a central panel of a second coloration each coloration formed of a reflective material wherein the handle of the organization includes a reflective strip of a first coloration including a handle and a switch member. The organization may further include a joint member to permit inter-folding of the organization for ease of transport and storage.

Abstract: An illuminated display vehicle ornament includes an elongated power cord having a cigarette lighter adaptor plug at one end for engagement with a vehicle lighter socket. In a first embodiment, a plurality of sockets are spaced along the power cord, and mount replaceable ornamental bulbs. Magnetic, hook and loop, and resilient clips are disclosed for securing the sockets within a vehicle interior. In a second embodiment, a base includes suction cups for engagement with an interior vehicle window surface and a display sign is releasably secured to the base. An elongated light bulb is mounted within the base in optical communication with the display sign. The display sign may be selected from a variety of available signs to allow replacement of different holiday displays.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or, for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transition opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transmitting opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.

Abstract: A sign of character and figure which, in addition to using the AC power supply, is particularly suitable for use with a solar energy means, comprising a solar cell for supplying the electrical energy converted from the solar energy; a battery means for receiving the electrical energy from the solar cell and supplying the stored electrical energy; a circuit means for automatically illuminating the character and figure display in the dark; a lighting means comprising a light bulb or light emitting diode as the light source; a very thin refracting plate wound within the body, the outer surface thereof having strips which are serrated at right angle and the inner surface being a smooth face through which the light from the light source is refracted into extremely uniform light rays to be emitted from the outer surface; the body comprising on the surface a figure display having a plurality of figures, each being composed of seven segments of " ", the desired figure being produced by means of strip shaped shades, a

Abstract: A visual display device for vehicles includes a message display unit adapted to be viewed from the exterior of the vehicle. The display unit may include a plurality of messages selectively illuminated by controls located inside of the vehicle. The messages are contained on translucent panels mounted in support members contained within a frame wherein light emitting elements contained in sockets formed along the edges of the message panels are used to selectively illuminate the desired display.

Abstract: The visual attractiveness of a variety of otherwise-autonomous articles may be significantly enhanced through the inclusion of an apertured, internally light-transmissive essentially solid and preferably, peripherally light reflectively coated panel which is edge-illuminated and energized by elements self-contained within the article body. Article apertures of distributed area, point size or both may be thusly illuminated. Distributed-area display effects may be enhanced through aperture-aligned light-concentrative discontinuities formed in the panel. Enchancement of point-display effects may similarly be achieved through point-aperture-aligned, light-concentrative point discontinuities likewise formed in the panel. Point effects may also be enhanced through the employment of an end-illuminated, aperture-aligned, point-discontinuous optical fiber in conjunction with a subject apertured panel.

Abstract: A compact backlighting luminaire is provided for liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The body of the luminaire is formed of optically clear glass or acrylic resins. The body comprises a mesa extending from a base comprising a flange extending around the periphery of the mesa. The top of the mesa comprises at least two non-parallel sloped surfaces. The base of the luminaire body may form a wedge with the flange being thicker at one edge than at an opposite edge. The bottom surface and edges of the body may be coated with a reflective film. A fluorescent lamp extends around the periphery of the mesa and is supported by the flange. A cover may be provided to extend over the mesa and around the periphery of the flange to secure the lamp, to reduce illumination losses, and to provide a mounting surface for an LCD.

Abstract: A light computer is provided for illuminated and animated displays. Light planes are illuminated and images carried thereon are lit when light is applied to any edge. A moving light and opaque coatings on the edges of the light plane are used to vary the sequence and time the frequency and duration of the lighting of the plane. When an opaque coating is positioned between the light and the plane, the plane does not light. Only when the opaque coating is not present and the light is present is the plane lit. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is mounted at the end of a stack of circular light planes and light from the light source is admitted to the edges of the light planes by means of a rotating mask having a window leading to a prism for reflecting the light onto the edges.

Abstract: In a display device such as a mark plate of an automobile, a light conducting member is arranged on the rear surface of a display panel held on a case. A pair of light incident portions are formed at the right and left ends, and a pair of light sources are mounted in the light incident portions. A number of stipples are formed in the rear surface having a greater concentration towards the middle from the right and left ends. The rear surface of the light conducting member is bent inwardly so that the member is smaller in thickness towards the middle from the right and left ends, whereby the display device is small in thickness and the display region of the display panel is uniformly illuminated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an edge-lit multiple image display device. The device utilizes a plurality of internal-reflecting-light sheets which are provided in a stacked array. Images are formed on the surfaces of the sheets with a coating of a material that changes the density on the internally reflecting surface of its respective sheet. A light source is provided to illuminate the edges of the stacked array of sheets, with a light shield that can be moved to selectively direct the light to one edge at a time of the edges of the sheets in the stack. As the light shield is moved to selectively and alternatingly illuminate the edges of selected sheets in the stacked array, the images displayed on each of the edge-lit plates becomes illuminated, appearing and then disappearing as the light source is applied and then removed from the edge of its respective plate. This can be used to provide an animated display.

Abstract: A video cassette storage container having a cover removably connected to a base portion. The cover is surrounded about its periphery by a series of lights that are programmed to flash in an eye-catching fashion. The cover is designed to contain any suitable printed indicia such as a description of the contents of the storage container or an advertisement. The lights are included to draw attention to the printed indicia encased within the cover below a transparent sheet of material. In an alternate embodiment, the lights about the periphery of the cover are activated by touch.

Abstract: A character and numeral displaying device which, in addition to AC power source, is particularly suitable for use with solar energy, comprises a solar energy converting device for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a battery means for receiving the electrical energy from said solar energy converting device and supplying the electrical energy stored therein, a circuit board means comprising a control circuit for automatic illumination of the character and numeral displaying device in the dark, a lighting means comprising a light source of a lamp bulb or light emitting diode (LED) with the body surface having a displaying device with a plurality of characters and numerals wherein each of the characters and numerals is formed with dot matrix of geometrical figures such as a parallelogram, a circle, or a diamond, the desired character or numeral being created by placing a plurality of suitably shaped shades, a very thin refracting plate being placed flatly below the displaying device or wound around

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with a photo frame with a hidden light illumination loop made of light transmitting material, a DC or AC-operated light source can provide necessary light delivered by the light illumination loop all around the frame and cast on the photo located within the frame. The light source is preferably made of LED bulb components. The frame includes a front cover having a central opening for the exposition of a located photograph, an intermediate light illumination loop and a supporting frame. The illumination loop is removably engaged with the supporting frame with the front cover attached to the flanges of the supporting frame and the illumination loop hidden behind the front cover without being noticed. The photo frame can be designed to have various shapes as desired.

Abstract: An illumination system for a display device includes a plurality of lenslets which provide partially collimated light with respect to at least one axis of the display. A light box provides uncollimated light to the lenslets. The light box includes a reflector having apertures which transmit light from the light box to the lenslets. The internal surfaces of the light box and the reflector are highly and diffusely reflective and a high percentage of the light reaches the lenslets.

Abstract: An illuminated picture display having a surrounding scintilating show of lights, including a housing holding a front half-silvered mirror and a rear mirror, the mirrors being proximate to one another and at a small angle to one another, congruent openings in the mirrors to receive a transparency for display, a light within the housing for illuminating the transparency, a plurality of lamps between the mirrors along the periphery, and a programmed timer causing the lamps to blink on and off in predetermined sequence, and a refraction plate mounted in front of the front half-silvered mirror proximate to the opening in the front mirror, so that the transparency is displayed surrounded by a flashing light display. A fiber optics system may be used instead of the plurality of lamps.

Abstract: An illuminated display unit such as a house number, traffic sign, advertisement carrier and the like comprises a fluorescing or photoconductive plate adjacent an edge of which is fitted at least one light-emitting element, in particular a light-emitting diode. The edge is provided with a reflecting layer to prevent emergence of light. Display symbols or their negatives are arranged, as viewed by the onlooker, on the rear face of the photoconductive plate. As a result of the total reflection for a photoconductive plate on the front and back and on the reflecting layer at the edges, the light produced by the light-emitting diode can issue only at the contact surface with the display symbols, so that the light is concentrated very strongly there and a great display brightness is produced. This is even more effective when a contrast surface is arranged behind the plate.

Abstract: A light transmitting plate member for illuminated signals, illuminated tas or similar illuminated flat items and intended for uniform diffusion of light from a light source positioned at a side edge of the light transmitter which has a flat side and an opposing side which has a gradual slope. The plate member has a reduced thickness in the direction away from said side edge, with the opposite sides being produced with optically smooth surfaces as the light transmitting plate member includes transparent and light transparent material with specific optical properties. The side with the gradual slope is provided with a number of angled divisions which are defined by transverse divisional lines which run parallel to the side edge and which are positioned with either uniform intervals or with graded intervals which are reduced in the direction receeding from the side edge.

Abstract: An edge-lighted neon sign, which is comprised of a one-piece slab of light-transmitting material having spaced, substantially parallel faces and comprising a front parallel face and a back parallel face, wherein integrally connected to the back parallel face are at least two horizontally-extending light-transmitting channels which are comprised of transparent, light-transmitting material.A first horizontally-extending channel is disposed on an edge of said back parallel face of the slab of light-transmitting material and a second horizontally-extending channel is disposed on an edge of the back parallel face of the slab of light-transmitting material which is opposite the edge on which the first horizontally-extending channel is disposed.The sign of this invention is also comprised of at least two neon lamps, wherein at least one of the lamps is so disposed so that it is substantially contiguous with an edge of the second horizontally-extending channel.

Abstract: A surface illuminating apparatus in which a plurality of transparent plates of different spot patterns formed of a large number of fine spots painted or printed at one side are layered in the relation that spotted surfaces having the painted or printed spots are not opposite to each other, thereby forming a surface illuminating body, a reflecting plate is brought into close contact with the spotted surface of the rearmost transparent plate, in turn, the rear surface of the body, a light diffusion plate in close contact with a non-spotted surface of the foremost transparent plate, in turn, the surface of the body, and light sources for irradiating light on the body are disposed at both lateral end sides of the body.

Abstract: A device for illuminating the side wall of a trailer or other vehicle for use in advertising. A transparent plate is attached to the side wall and covers an opaque coating containing advertising or the like. A light source or plurality of light sources are housed adjacent the vehicle and directed to an edge of the transparent plate which illuminates by internal reflection the opaque coating thus producing a lighted advertising.

Abstract: An enhanced lighting unit is disclosed that is particularly useful for lighting displayable materials such as photographs, paintings, graphics and the like. The unit is compact and includes a housing having display positioning elements that define a planar display area for viewing of displayable materials thereat. The display area can be adjacent to a display surface, such as is provided, for example, by a picture frame, for receipt of the material to be displayed thereat. The unit also includes a light diffusing surface in the housing opposite to, and substantially coextensive with, the planar display area with the light diffusing surface being disposed so that the distance between the planar display area and the light diffusing surface continually decreases along their entire lengths.