Abstract: An apparatus capable of displaying a luminescent icon includes a light source and a light pipe capable of allowing light to propagate therethrough. The light pipe has a first end capable of receiving light from the light source and a second end capable of emitting the light from the light source, wherein the second end has a shape corresponding to the luminescent icon. A method capable of displaying a luminescent icon includes emitting a light from a light source and forming the light into a shape corresponding to the luminescent icon.

Abstract: A waveguide illumination assembly for an automobile license plate includes a single light source and a transport or waveguide disposed outward from the license plate perimeter. The light source shines into one end of the waveguide. The waveguide has one or more arms, each of which has an array of reflective elements. Light is internally reflected as it travels through the waveguide until it strikes a reflective element, thereby directing light through an opposing longitudinal side of the waveguide arm and onto the license plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in contoured architectural milieus includes a contoured large screen display having a mounting means to which modular flat display tiles including, tiles of diverse or non-standard shapes and sizes are attached, each display tile having a plurality of optical fibers affixed behind the tile and communicating with a front surface of the tile.

Abstract: The lamp assembly includes an emitting framework, a supporting ball, radiating levers and electronic-controller. The emitting framework is connected to the radiating levers via the supporting ball; the radiating levers to which explosion lamps and flashing lamps attach are bent into such a shape as to produce the effect of fireworks exploding; the electronic-controller is connected with firing lamps, explosive lamps and flashing lamp. The specially manufactured lamp assembly can effectively simulate the explosion process of fireworks controlled by electronic-control system.

Abstract: A fiber optic display apparatus consists of a plurality of optical fibers which convey a projected image from an input, or first surface, to a display, or second surface, whose area is greater than or equal to that of the first surface, such that any image projected on to the first surface appears enlarged on the second surface. The second surface is comprised of tiles which attach to adjoining tiles by means of flexible tabs and pliable locator rods in such a fashion as to allow the second surface to follow general contours (e.g. concave or convex), while the optical fiber bundles from each tile are collected into a fixture to form the first planar surface. Because of the modular design of the display it can be assembled or disassembled rapidly.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes an electronic assembly, a light source, a switch, a housing and a bundle of optical fibers. The electronic assembly is coupled to a power source. The light source is coupled to the electronic assembly to emit light. The switch is coupled to the electronic assembly to activate the power source for controlling an illumination from the light source. The housing has a base and a cover. The base provides a rib guide to secure the light source and an area for holding the electronic assembly. The cover and the base, when coupled together via a coupling post, provide an aperture at one end of the housing. The bundle of optical fibers has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal length. The proximal end is formed by the first ends of the optical fibers. The distal end is formed by the second ends of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An exemplary lighting apparatus comprises a light source such as an LED, a transmissive body optically coupled to the light source, and at least one region of luminescent material formed on a portion of the transmissive body, the at least one region of luminescent material forming an ornamental design on the transmissive body, wherein the at least one region of luminescent material absorbs light having a first spectrum transmitted through the transmissive body and emits light having a second spectrum outside of the transmissive body. The lighting apparatus can be used in a decorative manner, such as for holiday lighting or as a display. The lighting apparatus can be used to display a variety of patterns and shapes and can operate safely at low power over a long lifetime.

Abstract: A hand-held portable sign employs pulsed light to increase visibility. A battery compartment is located remotely from the upper portion of the sign. Flaps are defined in a flexible sign expanse to allow wind to pass through.

Abstract: A fiber optic illuminated starlight scene on a headboard. By using a plurality of optical fibers (22) lighted by an illuminator (20) and the optical fiber/visible end (16) are positioned flush with front panel (12) decorative scene (14) a realistic rendition of a starlight scene is created. The optical fibers/visible ends (16) placement and dispersion in the decorative scene (14) along with the distance and angle of the optical fibers (22) to the illuminator makes each individual optical fiber/visible end (16) appear as starlight.

Abstract: In order to make traffic signs, information signs or advertising signs sufficiently visible in poor lighting conditions, a self-illuminated system with a fiber-optic lighting device is provided. The signs and billboards to be illuminated include one or more preferably plastic panels functioning as a display device arranged over each other, in which light is propagated from the fiber-optic device parallel to a display plane. Transparent information or signaling entities are provided on or in the panel or panels. In order to improve the quality of the illumination and to lower the manufacturing costs, the fiber-optic device is assembled in a modular manner from a plurality of standardized parts for standard fiber-optic systems according to display system requirements and includes multi-arm light guides, light outlet bodies for the multi-arm light guides acting as optical attachments for adjusting propagation angles for the light so that light intensities over the entire angular range are uniform.

Abstract: An article configured for emitting diffuse light in a predetermined set of directions when coupled with a light source includes a light fiber and a diffuse reflective sheet material disposed around at least a portion of the light fiber to direct at least a portion of the light emitted by the light fiber toward the predetermined set of directions. The light fiber has a light receiving end for coupling to the light source and the light fiber emitting light when coupled to the light source. A variety of diffuse reflective sheet materials can be used including, for example, microvoided sheet materials, such as those made by the TIPS ("thermally induced phase separation") method, and microporous sheet materials.

Abstract: A display system for translucent objects comprising a shelf having an upper surface and a lower surface with apertures extending through the shelf. A fiber optic strand has an input end and an output end positioned through each aperture with its output end located at the upper surface of a shelf and with the strands extending downwardly to the bottom end and rearwardly thereof and terminating at a remote location. A source of illumination is located adjacent to the input end with a color wheel is rotatable in a path of travel between the source of illumination and the input ends of the bundle, the color wheel including segments of different colors whereby rotation of the color wheel while the source of illumination is illuminated will effect a continuous change of colors at the output end for providing a simulated internal luminescence of the objects being displayed. A supplemental shelf is located above the shelf with a lower surface.

Abstract: A solar battery indicator apparatus utilizing a capacitor for accumulating electrical power generated by the solar battery and light emitting diodes for emitting light on the basis of the electrical power supplied from the capacitor. An indicator body makes a prescribed indication on its front surface through the use of optical fibers. Several bundles of optical fibers are utilized with each bundle being associated with a plurality of optical fibers having one of their ends disposed to face an associated one of the light emitting diodes and the other end of each of the bundles of fibers being associated with a particular indicator. The configuration of optical fiber bundles utilize a control portion for controlling light emitting states of respective individual light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A light spot generating ornament includes at least one light penetrable cord member, and light source means respectively disposed adjacent to the at least one light penetrable cord member at one end, each cord member having a plurality of refracting portions disposed at an angle relative to its longitudinal central axis, the refracting portions refracting light from the light source means, causing a plurality of light spots to be produced at each cord member at different locations.

Abstract: An image generating board apparatus is provided, including an image display board having an array of peg ports, pegs formed of translucent and colorless material rotatably fitted into each of at least two of the peg ports, each peg having a peg distal end which is substantially planar and is fitted with a polarized film section, and each peg having a peg proximal end, a light source adjacent to the display board and to the peg distal ends, a polarized film sheet mounted to extend between the light source and the peg distal ends and with its polarization axis angled relative to the polarization axis of the film sheet, and a tape sheet mounted to pass between the film sheet and the peg distal ends, so that light from the light source shines through the film sheet, through the tape sheet, and through the film sections at the peg distal ends and isolates and selectively passes into each peg an isolated wavelength of visible light from the light source, the isolated wavelength illuminating each peg with a color co

Abstract: A sign illuminator is described wherein a bundle of light conducting fibers are plied to a light diffusing plate having a plurality of recesses which receive the ends of the fibers in the bundle after the bundle is passed through an opening in the plate from an exterior side to an interior side. The plate is sized and shaped to conform to a channel in the sign so that when the light fibers are inserted into the light diffusing plate their light provides a back illumination for the sign. A light reflecting surface can be placed alongside the interior surface of the light diffusing plate to provide additional light use for the illumination of the sign. The sign can be letters or numbers or have such other shape as appears desirable.

Abstract: Typically acrylic is lighted by grouping end portions of a multiplicity of light transmitting fiber optic cables together to form a desired shape or pattern. The problem with this approach is that because so many cables are required, it is difficult, time consuming, and relatively expensive. This invention discloses three artistic and novel methods of light sculpturing acrylic with fiber optic cable. In one method an elongate channel is carved on a rear side portion of the acrylic; a front side portion of the channel is colored; and one end portion of a fiber optic cable is laid in and secured along the channel. In a second method a rearwardly extending post is mounted on a rear side portion of the acrylic; and one end portion of the fiber optic cable is secured to the top portion of the post, so that light transmitted through the cable disperses over an area on the acrylic adjacent to the post. In a third method the rear side portion of the acrylic is painted and a shape is carved thereon.

Abstract: A connector strip is disclosed for assembling a building wall of glass blocks. The strip includes a longitudinal center section having a pair of oppositely disposed and longitudinally extending grooves dimensioned to receive a centrally located ridge extending peripherally around the outer edge surfaces of a molded building block to which the strip is to be mounted. U-shaped channels extend along the center groove for receiving wiring such as fiber optics for illuminating the glass block wall. Peripheral members and secondary walls serve to strengthen the connector strip, engage marginal edge surfaces of glass blocks and facilitate cement bonding between the connector strip and the adjacent blocks. A fastener member also is provided for coupling together adjacently positioned connector strips to form a rigid framework for assembling successive rows of blocks into a wall assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a three-dimensional display apparatus that has the electromechanical ability to form a display into a relief of a video image. The physical formation of the display updates about 1/24th of a second for real time motion in sync with the video image. The displayed relief image is shown in true three-dimensional space that a user sees and feels. This is accomplished by a plurality of optic fiber bundles that have distal ends and proximal ends, the distal ends radiate outwardly from an image projector carrying a light image. An optic fiber adjustment assembly controllably moves the distal ends of the optic fibers away from and toward the image projector thus forming a moving three-dimensional relief image. A sensor determines the position of each of the distal ends of the optic fibers and then sends the position information to a computer. As the images shown by the projector change, a lookup table tells the computer to signal the optic fibers and move them in sync with the new projected images.

Abstract: A new Fiber Optic Trading Card System for illuminating selected portions of a card, such as a trading card, thereby enhancing the images to create life like features. The trading card system includes a stratified card having an image layer, an opaque layer having a plurality of channels and apertures where fiber optic cables project through, a multi-colored layer juxtaposed to the opaque layer, and a transparent protective layer juxtaposed to the multi-colored layer where light projects through the transparent protective layer through the multi-colored layer into selected fiber optic cables and is emitted through the image layer according to the position of the fiber optic cables within the opaque layer.

Abstract: A panel assembly including a translucent panel and a fiber-optic strip disposed on the back of the translucent panel for imparting illumination to at least part of the translucent panel where the illumination of the fiber-optic strip by a light source results in illumination of the fiber-optic strip and at least part of the translucent panel.

Abstract: A lighting system for preferentially illuminating the seating area of a mass-transit vehicle passenger compartment while minimizing the illumination of an aisle and of side windows of the vehicle. A lighting fixture is mounted in a cornice area of the vehicle above the seating area. The fixture includes an air duct extension panel having an outer edge that connects to a sidewall of the vehicle and extends horizontally inward over the seating area. An elongated lamp housing is integrally formed as a unitary piece with the air duct extension panel and is disposed along an inner edge of the extension panel opposite the outer edge. A face panel connects between a ceiling of the vehicle and the extension panel inner edge. The face panel spaces the lamp housing downward from the vehicle ceiling toward the seating area to maximize seating area illumination. The air duct extension panel spaces the lamp housing inwardly away from the sidewall and side windows to minimize side window illumination.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a decal disposed on an interior surface of a window and a light source for projecting light onto the to display an image outside of the vehicle. The decal comprises a protective layer having a hologram layer disposed thereon that is designed to transmit a holographic image in a predetermined viewing direction. An opaque and clear mask layer into which an icon is incorporated may be secured to the hologram layer to provide a two-dimensional image. The hologram layer is illuminated by sunlight, skylight, or a light source and projects an image to a viewer at a predefined direction. During the day, the icon is viewable because light transmits through the clear portions of the mask layer is clear, and is blocked by opaque portions of the mask layer that define the icon. At night, the decal is illuminated by light from a light source 18, or an exterior or ambient light source to produce an image viewable by the observer.

Abstract: An LCD display is backlit by a main light pipe with LEDs of a first color along one edge or opposed edges which uniformly flood the display with the first color, and with an LED of a second color coupled by a second light pipe to another edge to introduce light to local areas of the main light pipe. Filters of the second color over the local areas are illuminated by the second color LED. Prismatic sheets between the main light pipe and the LCD aid in the uniform distribution of the first color and improve display brightness by directing light toward the operator's eyebox.

Abstract: An illuminated sign comprising a housing which defines an opening and includes a light source disposed therewithin. Attached to the housing and covering the opening is a display assembly. The display assembly comprises a perforated outer plate which defines front and back surfaces and includes a plurality of apertures disposed therein. Secured to the back surface of the outer plate is a flexible, opaque diaphragm including a plurality of slits disposed therein which are aligned with respective ones of the apertures of the outer plate. A second flexible opaque diaphragm is also provided which includes slits formed therein in off-set alignment with the slits of the first diaphragm. The display assembly further includes a plurality of light-transmitting pegs, each of which are extensible through respective ones of the apertures and slits which are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A display unit with the conversion of a laser beam into visible and incoherent light. The unit includes an optical waveguide which transmits a laser beam and at least one element for converting the laser beam into visible and incoherent light which faces the optical waveguide. It also includes at least one security or safety element, which faces the conversion element, which is transparent to the visible and incoherent light and which is able to stop the residual laser beam which may emerge from the conversion element. Accordingly, the visible and incoherent light can be observed through the safety element. The unit may be used with electric signs and markings.

Abstract: Light processing apparatus creates a number of visual effects which simulate movement with light from a light source. A multiplicity of flexible fibre optic light guides having optically finished input and output ends are grouped into groups, with each group being assigned to create a particular effect. The input ends of each group of light guides are placed in adjacent receptor zones of pre-selected geometry, and the output ends of each group of light guides are located on an effects surface in a pre-selected pattern. Light from the light source is filtered by a color changer having a plurality of discrete moveable colored filter zones shaped to correlate with the receptor zones, and is then received by the input ends of the light guides and distributed to the output ends of the light guides. The color changer may be a rotatable color wheel filter, an endless band filter or a cylindrical filter.

Abstract: A combination media ingress/egress door and display panel for a consumer electronics product is disclosed as having tunnels therein with openings for receiving light from controllable light sources mounted within the casing. The opposite end of the tunnels connect with the front face of the display panel. The front openings are fitted with lenses or overlays in the shape of the necessary information segments. Thus, the combination door and display panel has no electrical components or connections thereon which would be subject to undue mechanical stress which might cause failure of the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pole light for directing or delivering light in a desired pattern to a surface proximate to the pole light. The present invention also provides a method for lighting a plurality of desired regions on a surface in a precise and predetermined pattern useful, for example, as a traffic management and guidance system.

Abstract: A house number light box including a housing covered with a transparent covering to hold a house number panel and a control circuit on the inside and a solar cell on the outside, the control circuit consisting of a battery, a switch circuit, an oscillatory circuit, and a light source, the house number panel having a front side bearing a house number, a plurality of through holes arranged along the border of the house number, a back side fixed with a holder to hold a number of optical fiber tubes, each optical fiber tube having one end fastened to one through hole on the house number panel and an opposite end abutted to the light source, wherein the solar cell converts the radiating energy of the sun into electric energy to charge the battery during the day; the battery provides the necessary working voltage to the control circuit, causing it to turn on the light source during the night.

Abstract: A fiber optic display sign for preselected sequential lighting of one or more of a plurality of transparent side-by-side panels each having viewable indicia thereon. Selective illumination of each of the panels is by a single light source which transmits light through a selective light transmitting device into fiber optic bundles which terminate at their opposite ends at, and are secured in, one or more openings defining a plurality of rows in an elongated light bar. The panels, when secured to the light bar having one edge of each panel in optical alignment with one of the rows of optical fiber bundle ends, may be sequentially illuminated to create distinctive visual effects as in advertising, multi-colored logo display or the like.

Abstract: A fiber optic sign and method of making the same are disclosed. A plurality of fibers are arranged to form a design, preferably by a template, and are then bonded together into a block of glue, epoxy, rubber, or other castable liquid. Arrangement of the fibers is accomplished by placing them on a template and vibrating them until they fall through holes in the template.

Abstract: Light processing apparatus creates visual effects with light from a light source. An input bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides receives light from the light source. A reconfiguration plate reconfigures the output ends of the light guides into a plurality of separated input zones of selected shape. A filter having colored areas shaped to correlate with the input zones filters the light. An output bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides distributes the light transmitted through the filter. A configuring plate configures the input ends of the output bundle of light guides into output zones which correlate with the input zones. The filter may be a rotatable color wheel or a computer-controlled liquid crystal display. When the filter is activated, the colored areas change colors, thereby creating various visual effects, such as painting with light.

Abstract: An illumination panel for use in large-scale stationary or mobile applications is disclosed. The illumination panel includes a cover and a reflecting back surface held together by a supporting element such that a cavity is defined therebetween; a light source; fiber optic cable extending from the light source and into the cavity, wherein the fiber optic cable consists of a plurality of unsheathed optical fiber cores bundled together within a hollow clear plastic flexible PVC tube.

Abstract: Provided by this invention is an improved animated light signage device in which no electrical line connecting to an electrical wall outlet is used and no internal light source is used. The device has an animation element through which light flows and is forwarded through optical fibers to provide an animated light signage in one or more display face panels. A process for providing animated light signage by use of the device is also a part of the invention.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a light emitting panel for backlighting a visual display positions the panel behind the visual display at a front wall of a processor cabinet. The light emitting panel has at least one layer of optical fibers which extend from the panel and are bundled and terminated in one or more receptors which are mounted in the cabinet remote from the panel and visual display. A cover is hinged to the cabinet and mounts a light source in operative alignment with the receptors when the cover is closed to illuminate the panel and display. The cover can be swung open to position the light source in a maintenance position in which light bulbs of the source can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A house number plate and lamp assembly includes a housing having an opening; a window plate fastened inside the housing behind the opening and having a plurality of view windows; a plurality of number plates fastened to either view window, each number plate having a plurality of small through holes made around the border of a white-colored numeral being printed on a black-colored front surface thereof, a holder frame on a back surface thereof, a light emitting device mounted on the holder frame at the top, a plurality of optical fiber tubes fastened to the holder frame at the bottom and respectively inserted in either small through hole; and an electric circuit board fastened inside the housing and controlled to provide power supply to the light emitting device on each number plate causing it to send light through the optical fiber tubes in illuminating the numeral.

Abstract: A lunch box container including a bottom wall and a hingedly mounted top wall includes ferrous metallic floors directed into the bottom and top walls recessed relative to the bottom and top walls respectively to receive and secure ferromagnetic inserts to permit configurational changes to the lunch box structure to enhance continued use by individuals. A modification of the invention includes illumination frameworks arranged to direct illumination onto inserts within the frameworks.

Abstract: The picture toy includes a housing, a first opaque plate including a first array of apertures, a second opaque plate including a second array of apertures, and a plurality of light pipes. The picture toy is assembled such that each aperture of the first array is axially aligned with a corresponding aperture of the second array. Each light pipe includes a rear section and a front section which are respectively fitted into one of the apertures of the first array and its corresponding aperture of the second array. The rear section of each light pipe further includes an opaque end surface which substantially prevents light from entering the picture toy through the rear section when the light pipe is slid into a raised position. Illuminated indicia are created by selectively depressing the light pipes so that light may enter the rear section of the light pipe and propagate therethrough.

Abstract: A fiber optic tail for a jewelry clasp is coupled to the light-emitting diode by a piece of stretchable and shrinkable tubing. A symbol or legend is inscribed on the tail ribbon such that light is emitted around an edge of the symbol to illuminate the symbol. In a second embodiment, a backlit symbol in a fiber optic ribbon is seen through a window in a cover, which may be decorated.

Abstract: A frame (20), for illuminating a depiction on a transparency (50) with full illumination or with highlighting, shadowing and dramatic illumination, includes a front panel (36), a back panel (38), a bottom lens panel (40), a top panel (42) and pair of side panels (44). Each panel includes its own light guiding groove arrangement of a SCOTCH.TM. optical lighting film (SOLF) (50, 70, 88, 108, 126, 146, 160) and whole portions or segments of a light extractor film (84, 98, 104, 136, 156, 158) for either directing the light from a fluorescent bulb (48) along the SOLF light guides or into patterns of light onto and through transparency (50). The SOLF grooves transmit the light in the direction of double headed arrows (78) in bottom lens panel (40) toward side panels (44), which direct the light as shown by double headed arrows (96). The grooves in top panel (42), as portrayed by double headed arrow lines (116) guide the light in a wrapped arround manner between front and back panels (36, 38).

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: A fiber optically lighted food dispenser valve handle assembly (10) with at least one fiber optic filament (12) with an elongate body extending between a pair of opposite ends (14, 16) means for illuminating (18) including a light source (26) with one of the pair of opposed ends (16) of at least one fiber optic filament (12), a handle grip (20) with an outer surface (22), means at the outer surface (22) such as adhesive material for holding another one of the pair of opposed ends (14) of at least a fiber optic filament (12) to provide end point illumination at the outer surface (22) of the handle grip (20).

Abstract: A casing includes a display side which is provided with a plurality of through holes that form a predetermined pattern. A light generating unit is disposed in the casing, and a light receiving unit is spaced from the light generating unit. The light receiving unit includes a mounting plate, a plurality of optical fiber bundles and a motor. Each of the optical fiber bundles has a first end fixed onto the mounting plate and a second end fixed in a respective one of the through holes in the display side. The motor rotatably carries a transparent circular disc and is mounted to the mounting plate. The transparent circular disc has different colored regions.

Abstract: A fiber optic display screen for use in high ambient light environments. A source of high intensity light is provided the output of which is controlled by a light gate control. The light gate control comprises a plurality of individual light shutters which pass or obstruct light from the high intensity light. Each of the plurality of light shutters includes an optic fiber which extends from the shutter output to an area remote therefrom where the distal ends of the fibers are terminated along the same vertical plane with each of the optic fibers positioned in the same relative location as the shutter end. Light passing through individual shutters of the plurality of shutters is displayed at the same location at the distal ends thereof. By selectively operating specific shutters to allow light from the high intensity light to pass through the optic fibers intelligent information can be formed at the distal ends of the plurality of optic fibers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light transmitting display assembly provided with a source of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum and comprised of a display board containing information and formed with channels into which ends of optical fibers of an optical fiber bundle are selectively positioned and after positioning the surface of the display board is coated with microbeads wherein the source of electromagnetic radiation is directed into the other ends of the optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle to provide a light transmitting display assembly capable of wide angle viewing.

Abstract: A vending machine (10) with a safety electrical back light sign assembly (32) having a sign panel assembly with a translucent sign panel (18A) and a fiber optic sign panel (18B) secured together to form an enclosure of a main housing (16) within which is contained a back light source (32A, 34B) having its own source of power (33, 35) shared with the other vending machine components (12, 14) and a fiber optic light assembly (36) with a fiber optic light source (38) protectively contained within a fire resistant housing (51) mounted within the housing (16) and having its own connection to AC power (47, 49) separate from the connection for the remainder of the vending machine (10) and a fan (63) to exhaust the interior of the fire resistant housing (51) of hot air, and a method of safe lighting of a sign panel assembly (18) of a vending machine (10).

Abstract: A vending machine (10) with a first translucent panel (18A) primarily back lit by a first back light subassembly (32) and a second translucent sign panel (18B) primarily back lit by a second back light subassembly (36) having a transformer (34), halogen housing lamp socket (54) with a halogen lamp (38) spaced above a rotatable color wheel (44) driven by a motor (46) and causing the receiving end of a fiber optic cable (40) to convey light to selected locations on the second translucent sign panel (18B) all of which are held together in proper position and mounted together by means of a single elongate frame (62) with transverse arm (62A, 62B and 62C) and preconnected with the same source of power (50) as is connected to the first panel (18A).

Abstract: Improved illumination of edge illuminated signs is achieved by use of light guides of transparent material to match the aperture of an edge of a sign panel to the aperture of a light source which may be located remotely. The light guide is typically of ribbon section at the panel end and of compact section at the other. It may be formed by dividing a continuation of one edge of the panel into individual fibres. The compact end of the guide may be fitted with a ferrule for coupling to further light guide elements. The sign panel is preferably covered with internally reflective or phosphorescent material except in the regions of indicia formed on the surface of the panel by masking, abrasion or hot stamping.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to construct large screens by associating several image intensifier modules.A module comprises an input face (2) receiving the image to be intensified, an output face (10) reconstituting the intensified image and a bundle (8) of optical fibres.The process according to the invention consists of producing bands (16) of optical fibres, each band corresponding to a line or row of the image and collectively put into place the non-contiguous ends (12) of the output face in a matrix output support (14). The latter can be obtained either by moulding, or by constructing beforehand injection moulded strips, which are then introduced into a grid or grating.