Light Bulbs Arranged In The Outline Of Indicia Patents (Class 40/550)
  • Patent number: 11927336
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a fresco lamp capable of being freely plugged with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and electrified, and aims to provide a fresco lamp with freely pluggable LEDs. The key point of the technical solution is as follows. After the LEDs are plugged into the fresco, the LEDs are electrically connected to an electrification unit below the fresco to form a closed circuit, and the LEDs are lightened. Each of the LEDs can be plugged to any position on the fresco and independently connected to the electrification unit, so that the LEDs are convenient to mount. The LEDs are connected in parallel with each other, so that the fresco lamp is convenient to overhaul. The fresco lamp is applicable to the field of lamps and lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Jianmin Shao
  • Patent number: 11927316
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to apparatus and methods for providing a sign post flasher assembly. An apparatus includes an elongated assembly having one or more channels, and one or more light sources configured to be placed within the one or more channels. The apparatus also includes an electrically conductive material configured to electrically connect the one or more light sources, and a covering material configured to cover the electrically conductive material to provide a waterproof seal. The elongated assembly is configured to be affixed to and align with a front of a sign post along a length of the sign post, and the electrically conductive material is configured to be connected to a controller to control flashing of the one or more light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TRAFFICALM SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: John Lloyd Ragan, Daniel W. Skites, Charles Withey Perry, II
  • Patent number: 11927334
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting device having a front housing with an outer profile and a shape formed from a translucent or transparent material. The front housing has an edge protrusion extending from a front housing body along the outer profile. The edge protrusion bounds an inner light chamber. A rear housing is separately provided having a size and outer profile substantially corresponding to the shape of the front housing. The rear housing is opaque or impervious to light, and has a substantially planar rear panel and a rear panel protrusion extending from the rear panel adjacent to and spaced apart from an outer edge of the rear housing. The rear panel protrusion and the rear panel further bound the inner light chamber. At least a portion of the edge protrusion surrounds the rear panel protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Bitro Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ketak An
  • Patent number: 11862082
    Abstract: An image display device includes a display panel, a space portion, an illuminator, a controller, and an illuminance sensor. The display panel is switchable between an image display mode in which an image is displayed and a transmissive mode in which the display panel is in a transmissive state where a back side of the display panel is visible in a front view. The space portion and the illuminator are provided behind the display panel. The illuminator emits illumination light to the space portion. The controller controls the illuminator. The illuminance sensor detects an ambient illuminance of the image display device. The controller performs illumination control for causing the illuminator to emit illumination light with a brightness that is in accordance with a result of detection by the illuminance sensor when the display panel is operating in the transmissive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeichi Shinya
  • Patent number: 11817017
    Abstract: A traffic safety sign assembly for guiding traffic around a vehicle parked on a shoulder of a roadway includes a sign that is positionable on a vehicle that is parked on a shoulder of a roadway. In this way the sign is visible to oncoming traffic on the roadway. Arrow indicia are printed on the sign to direct oncoming traffic away from the vehicle. A plurality of sign light emitters is each integrated into the sign to emit light outwardly from the sign. In this way the sign light emitters enhance visibility of the sign for the oncoming traffic. The plurality of sign light emitters is strategically arranged on the sign to indicate a preferred direction of travel. In this way the sign light emitters visually communicate the preferred direction of travel to the oncoming traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Roger Hart
  • Patent number: 11473759
    Abstract: An adapting type of optical element in a shell-like accessory is disclosed. For a shell-like accessory formed by gluing fiber threads, an illuminating area is planned on the surface of shell-like accessory to develop lumen by combining laser elements to the illuminating area. The combination is implemented by adapting a transfer unit with a pitched fin to form a transient pinching. The transfer unit is implanted in advance in an implant area of the illuminating area. During implantation and combination, by the pinching and supporting of the pitched fins of the transfer units, angles of center lines of the transfer units can be adjusted, so that accurate projected angles of light beams from the post-adapted laser elements can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Chi-Ping Huang
  • Patent number: 11455918
    Abstract: A warning triangle structure includes a base, a triangle, a number of connecting rods, and a braking device. The triangle includes a bottom end and a top end opposite the bottom end. The bottom end is fixedly mounted to the base. Each of the connecting rods includes a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly coupled to the base, and the second end is mounted with a rotatable support wheel. The braking device is installed at the second end of at least one of the connecting rods. The braking device includes a transmission shaft coupled to the support wheel. The braking device controls the support wheel to stop rotating by stopping the transmission shaft from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Fulian Precision Electronics (Tianjin) Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Ching Chien, Chuang-Wei Tseng
  • Patent number: 11427977
    Abstract: Barricade systems are provided. A barricade system includes a first handle recess, a first channel extending to the first handle recess, a first handle portion including a first handle and a first handle post, and a first leg portion including a first leg and a first leg post. The first handle extends perpendicularly from one end of the first handle post. The first leg extends perpendicularly from one end of the first leg post. The first handle post and the first leg post are rotatably connected to each other. The rotatably connected first handle post and first leg post are disposed within the first channel. The barricade system switches between a stowed state and a deployed state by rotating the first handle post 180 degree. The 180 degree rotation of the first handle post facilitates a 90 degree rotation of the first leg post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: American Louver Company
    Inventors: Robert Owen, Daniel Patrick Calby, Nabil Elhassan
  • Patent number: 10867533
    Abstract: A light-emitting sign comprising a light source for emitting light, in which the light-emitting sign may be thin (e.g., comparable to a conventional non-light-emitting sign) while creating a desired visual effect using the light emitted by the light source. This may be achieved, for example, by the light source being thin itself and/or by having an external device connected to the light-emitting sign and implementing certain functionalities (e.g., powering and/or controlling the light source).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Laforce, Patrice Arteau, Luc Belanger
  • Patent number: 10762809
    Abstract: A display system is configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the system including a display and one or more sensors. The display system may be configured to determine, based at least in part on data from the one or more sensors, a speed of a vehicle to which a sign is coupled. Based at least in part on the speed of the vehicle, the display system may position the sign in a first position based at least in part on the speed of the vehicle being less than a threshold speed, or a second position based at least in part on the speed of the vehicle being greater than or equal to the threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DeLorean, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Z. DeLorean
  • Patent number: 9679503
    Abstract: A shelf illumination device (1) for illuminating a shelf board of a shelving system. The device (1) is mounted on a component such as the shelf board. An illumination unit (4) with a plurality of light source is attached to an illumination support (3) to illuminate at least one of the shelf boards. At least one partially transparent label holder (5) receives at least one label, a shelf marking or the like. At least one light guide (6) at least in sections extends between the illumination support (3) and the label holder (5). The light guide (6) is constructed and arranged so that a portion of light emitted by the illumination unit (4) is coupled into and propagates through the light guide (6) to at least partially backlight the label holder (5), whereas the remaining portion of the light emitted by the illumination unit (4) illuminates the shelf board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Andreas Weyer
  • Patent number: 9624630
    Abstract: A pedestrian barricade segment is attachable to adjacent similar segments using a hinge construction to form a barricade of a desired configuration. A support leg is rotatable between a stowed and a deployed orientation. A recess is disposed in the segment for receiving the leg when it is stowed. A locking ramp secures the leg in the recess. A foot pocket is disposed in the rear vertical face above the recess so that a user may insert their foot into the foot pocket and use the foot to push the leg downwardly, thereby releasing the leg from the locking ramp for deploying the leg. The leg hinge structure includes a wedge and a wave washer disposed on a flat surface of the block, for securing one end of the leg. The leg hinge structure pre-loads the leg, with the wedge, creating a pivoting bushing surface for rotating the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith, Jack H. Kulp, Brent M. Kulp, Clayton Herman
  • Patent number: 9449513
    Abstract: Traffic signs that facilitate portability are disclosed. In certain embodiments, they are designed to be lighter and have fewer steps involved in their set up, preferably involving only one person. The design of certain embodiments also allows multiple signs to be transported together, and facilitates air flow through the signs. Certain embodiments include generally horizontal panels with breakaway or fracture paths so as to improve crashworthiness and safety of the traffic sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Juan Banuelos
  • Patent number: 9260829
    Abstract: A pedestrian barricade segment is attachable to adjacent similar segments using a hinge construction to form a barricade of a desired configuration. A support leg is rotatable between a stowed and a deployed orientation. A recess is disposed in the segment for receiving the leg when it is stowed. A locking ramp secures the leg in the recess. A foot pocket is disposed in the rear vertical face above the recess so that a user may insert their foot into the foot pocket and use the foot to push the leg downwardly, thereby releasing the leg from the locking ramp for deploying the leg. The leg hinge structure includes a wedge and a wave washer disposed on a flat surface of the block, for securing one end of the leg. The leg hinge structure pre-loads the leg, with the wedge, creating a pivoting bushing surface for rotating the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith, Jack H. Kulp, Brent M. Kulp, Clayton Herman
  • Patent number: 8816842
    Abstract: A GPS enabled relay controller that interfaces with an electronic device, such as a street light, barricade light, refrigerator, and other similar applications for turning off power to an electronic device for energy savings. The relay controller invokes quantification of refractive photon diffusion to switch between on and off an electronic device based upon refracted photons diffused at the surface of the earth at a particular location and based upon sampling at the Earth's surface from before civil twilight start until after sunrise and from before sunset until after civil twilight end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Physics Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Gookin
  • Patent number: 8302336
    Abstract: A light emitting sign comprising a light box housing a plurality of blue LEDs operable to generate blue excitation light and a light emitting display surface overlaying the light box opening. The light emitting display surface comprises a light transmissive substrate configured as a light transmissive window such that light generated by the sign is emitted from the substrate and a 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, James Caruso, Charles Edwards
  • Patent number: 8188503
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided having a panel including a plurality of circuit units on a dielectric surface. The circuit units include electrically conductive traces and at least one light emitting diode (LED). At least some of the circuit units have contacts for supplying power to the LED. The circuit units are preferably electrically interconnected so that power provided to one circuit unit also supplied power to at least a group of the circuit units. The apparatus with the circuit units may be cut or shaped to a predetermined or desired shape. Also provided are methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using the illumination apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Permlight Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Lynch, Leonard Fraitag
  • Publication number: 20110239503
    Abstract: A pattern/character displaying LED lamp structure with invisible T-bar support is disclosed. The LED lamp structure includes a plurality of T-bars assembled to define a plurality of framed spaced; a plurality of stepped lamp panels; and a plurality of LED lamps. The stepped lamp panels respectively have a size-reduced upper half and a size-expanded lower half. When the upper halves are upward set in the framed spaces, the lower halves are in contact with one another to cover the T-bars, making the T-bars invisibly located behind the lamp panels. A bottom wall of each of the lamp panels is provided with lamp holes for forming characters or patterns. The LED lamps are separately set in the lamp holes with light-emitting sections thereof downward projected beyond the lamp panels, and can be lightened to display the characters or patterns on the bottom walls of the lamp panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Hsu-Wen LIAO
  • Publication number: 20110219649
    Abstract: This invention will provide an alternative solution by providing a sign that connects to the car window which can display colors during the day or an electronic programmable sign at night. The back of the display will have an insert where owner contact information can be kept if the automobile has to be abandoned due to the vehicle being inoperative. The sign will provide automobile owners, highways drivers and law enforcement with the ability to identify an inoperative vehicle, help the owner of the car, prevent accidents on the highways, understand vehicle problem and help law enforcement contact the owner. To date there is no instrument or equipment to address the safety of driver with inoperative motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Spann
  • Publication number: 20110209368
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide channel letter lighting devices and/or systems. A lighting system, comprising a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprising conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the lighting units comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing and having a plurality of tabs and a plurality light emitting elements on the tabs. The tabs are angled in relation of the remainder of the PCB or housing. The electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causes them to emit light substantially away from said housing. The lighting system further comprises a sealant within the housing filling cavities around the light emitting elements and the cavity around said PCB and a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Drew Farrie, Aaron Meyer
  • Patent number: 7857484
    Abstract: A lighting panel includes a structural panel, a plurality of inserts containing microminiature light sources, such as LEDs, mounted in openings in the panel or in an appliqué applied thereto, a plurality of electrically conductive traces written on the upper surface of the panel so as to make electrical interconnections with respective leads of the light sources, and a decorative film applied over a bottom surface of the panel and the light sources, the decorative film being translucent or transparent or containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, each corresponding in location to a respective one of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Marshall, Gregory W. Nelson, Bradley J. Mitchell, Brock J. Prince
  • Patent number: 7832132
    Abstract: A sign device comprises a unitary body which is fully enclosed across a top and sides of a hollow interior so as to be weatherproof. A display supported within the hollow interior is arranged to display alpha-numeric information through a translucent display portion on the front wall of the unitary body in an active state and is arranged to be not externally visible through the display portion in an inactive state. The exterior surface is textured and arranged to resemble a natural rock to further disguise the inactive display. An indicator indicates on the rear wall which one of various modes is being displayed on the front wall by the active display. The display can display an alarm condition, for example a building alarm responsive to a fire or an unauthorized entry into a building or a personal remote alarm activated by a building occupant requiring assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory W. P. McLachlan
  • Publication number: 20100154262
    Abstract: A letter-luminescent footboard is disclosed. The footboard absorbs impact and emits light by coupling luminous bodies forming a letter or graphic by a coupling means. The footboard is configured to include: a footboard base having, coupling holes displaying a letter, graphic, or number; luminous bodies coupled to the coupling holes by insertion to be separated therefrom; and a luminous body support plate which supports the luminous bodies, is integral with the luminous bodies, and is separated therefrom and coupled thereto from below the footboard base. Thus, the footboard base can be easily washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Joo-Hyun KIM
  • Patent number: 7685753
    Abstract: An illuminated, shallow weatherproof signage character has individual three dimensional back-lighted/front/side and/or silhouette-lighting, with frosted areas of plastic, with virtually no limitation on the size or number of individual characters, which may be moulded or machined from solid plastic, which is U/V protected. Miniature, preferably LED lamps are concealed in the character. The life of the LED lamps is extended by limiting the applied voltage and the “on” time. The signage characters are usually elevated from their supporting surface, to effect back-lighting. Colored LED's or a RBG LED, can be used selectively to color the plastic signage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Darrel R. Slowski
  • Patent number: 7559164
    Abstract: A down marker for use in a football game includes a vertical support and a display panel that extends from the vertical support. This display panel carries an array of solid state lighting devices configured to optically display a down number. The array of solid state lighting devices is selectively controlled by a controller that is carried by the down marker, in response to an external input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Royce Riehlman, Larry Downes, Brandon Taylor, Mike Bazzano
  • Patent number: 7506463
    Abstract: A universal gaming machine topper sign (10) has a body portion (11), having a back wall (15), a side wall (16), an open front face (17) and a mounting base (18), a reflector carrier (13) mounted on the base (18) of the body portion (11), a cold cathode lamp (14) mounted in front of the reflector carrier (13), an annular printed circuit board (50) having illumination means (52) around its periphery which are mounted on the periphery of the reflector carrier (13) and a door (12) for closing the front face (17) of the body portion (11), the door (12) having an annular body portion (30) having light apertures (35) and a central portion (37) for receiving a display panel (51), the light apertures (35) of the door (12) being in alignment with the illumination means (52) mounted around the printed circuit board (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Bright Group Pty Limited
    Inventor: Barrie James Holst
  • Patent number: 7497040
    Abstract: A handheld illuminated traffic sign is disclosed. The handheld sign provides a warning to oncoming traffic. The sign includes a planar surface having two sides. Each side includes a solid background color having a plurality of block letters providing a warning. The block letters are illuminated by red LED bulbs. The sign also includes a perimeter which is illuminated by a plurality of side mounted bulbs. A printed circuit board is located in an interior portion of the sign. The sign also includes a handle. The red LED bulbs may be flashing. The sign may include a blue beacon mounted on a top portion of the sign or a line of blue lights outlining the perimeter of the sign. The handle may be extendable to lengthen the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Wyman E. Chambless
  • Publication number: 20090007472
    Abstract: A light-emit ting character placard is disclosed. The placard includes: a placard base plate (200) on which light-emitting lamps (30) are arrayed at a certain distance to form characters and are coupled by sealing; a controller (130) supplying power to each light-emit ting lamps (30) and controlling the power; and a back plate (220) covering the entire backside of the placard base plate (200) using a sealing means (230).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Joo-Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20080263923
    Abstract: A letter-luminescent footboard is disclosed. The footboard absorbs impact and emits light by coupling luminous bodies forming a letter or graphic by a coupling means. The footboard is configured to include: a footboard base having coupling holes displaying a letter, graphic, or number; luminous bodies coupled to the coupling holes by insertion to be separated therefrom; and a luminous body support plate which supports the luminous bodies, is integral with the luminous bodies, and is separated therefrom and coupled thereto from below the footboard base. Thus, the footboard base can be easily washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Joo-Hyun KIM
  • Patent number: 7388514
    Abstract: An emergency light assembly includes a flexible panel that has a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A first set of light emitters is mounted in the panel. The first set of light emitters is arranged in an arrow shape directed toward the first lateral edge. A second set of light emitters is mounted in the panel. The second set of light emitters is arranged in an arrow shape directed toward the second lateral edge. A control is operationally coupled to the first and second light emitters for selectively turning the first and second light emitters on or off. The control has an off setting turning each of the first and second sets of light emitters off, a first setting turning the first set of light emitters on, and a second setting turning the second set of light emitters on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Steven E. McDow
  • Patent number: 7374311
    Abstract: A system provides light of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light), for luminous applications such as signage and indicator lights. An optical integrating cavity combines energy of different wavelengths from different sources, typically different-color LEDs. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined light. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of light in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the light output through the aperture. A deflector shaped like a number, character, letter, or other symbol, may be coupled to a similarly shaped aperture. By combining several such fixtures, it is possible to spell out words and phrases, with selectable color lighting. Disclosed fixture examples use an extruded body member with appropriately located reflective surfaces, to form both the cavity and deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack C. Rains, Jr., Christopher Bates, Matthew Brown
  • Publication number: 20080078111
    Abstract: A business placard comprises: an acrylic panel having a U shape cross section; a lower end of each of two lateral sides of the acrylic panel being protruded downwards with connecting block; a back plate made of acrylonitrile-butadience styrene plastics; each end of two lateral sides of the back plate having a reduced section corresponding to the reduced section of the acrylic panel; and a light source placed within the back plate. In assembly, the reduced section of the acrylic panel is combined to the reduced section of the back plate by melting the connecting block using supersonic technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Andy Kaoh, Shieh-Hwei Lee Chen
  • Publication number: 20080010877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible display, comprising a flexible support, discrete light sources, arranged in a dispersed manner on the flexible support, means for controlling power supply for the light sources, means, incorporated in the flexible support, for transmission between the means for control of the power supply and the discrete light sources, and control and power signals for the discrete light sources. The above further comprises a diffuser element, covering the light sources, such that the light originating from two adjacent discrete light sources produces an essentially continuous light display on a face of the diffuser element opposite the light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: France Telecom
    Inventors: Emmanuel Deflin, Emeric Mourot, Michel Remy
  • Patent number: 7244044
    Abstract: A light-emitting-diode (LED) illuminating device includes an object having a plurality of holes formed thereon, and at least one LED lamp bank consisting of a plurality of LED lamps serially connected together using an electric wire. The LED lamps are separately inserted in the holes on the object to show geometrical shapes or patterns, and/or word or words on the object, so that the object may be used as an illuminating signboard. Each of the LED lamps includes an LED and a protective member enclosing a rear part of the LED, so that the LED is waterproof and not subjected to breaking easily. The LED-illuminating device is easy to assemble, consumes less power, and has longer usable life and reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Hsu-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 7086769
    Abstract: A signage device (10) in which a housing (12) receives a circuit board (30) having a plurality of spaced-apart light sources (38) to define at least one symbol and overlaid by a message plate (42) having a projecting channel (46) with a translucent light emitting side (54) aligned with the light sources and a light blocking overlay sheet (60) defining an open slot (62) configured for mating reception of the projecting channel, whereby light from the light sources communicates from the light emitting surface of the channel extending from the overlay sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Identity Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Thompson, David C. McFerrin, Joe Counts, Paul Morgan, Timothy J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7076898
    Abstract: A system is provided to allow one to utilize fences in order to display text and designs. This is suitable for advertising applications. This is also suitable to make chain-link fences into privacy fences. The apparatus is an insert which may be snapped into position relative to fence components such as a chain-link fence. It includes a display plate, a plurality of side plates, a lower lip, and at least one latch member. Preferably, all of these components are integrally formed into one piece. The insert snaps into position relative to the components of a chain-link fence. The inserts may be colored. The inserts may carry lighting elements. The inserts may carry translucent portions. The inserts may carry reflective components. The inserts may carry movable components. The inserts may carry cut-out portions. Additionally, an internet-moderated method is disclosed which allows for customers to provide their design information and requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Randall C. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7051464
    Abstract: An illuminating rail system comprising a rail defined by an elongate rear surface and an elongate bottom surface, the rear surface attached to a wall outside the system, the bottom surface upwardly recessed to define along the rail a front panel, a rear panel, and a furrow between the front and rear panels, with an elongate illuminator retained in the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Young Chul Kwon
  • Patent number: 7024808
    Abstract: A neon sign arrangement includes a supporting frame, a displaying cover, and a neon light unit. The supporting frame has a first displaying side and an opposed second displaying side. The displaying cover has a displaying character mounted on the first displaying side. The neon light unit includes a neon light tube which has a character sign portion and is supported by the supporting frame, and a power controller which is electrically connected to the neon light tube such that when it is powered up, it forms as a light source to highlight the displaying cover as well as generate a neon light effect at the second displaying side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: David Chiang
  • Patent number: 6971196
    Abstract: A message sign includes a panel having a plurality of ribs each defining an interior channel. The plurality of ribs are preferably spaced apart in parallel relationship. At least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the ribs. In one preferred embodiment, the message sign includes a first and second panel, each preferably including a base web, wherein the ribs of the first and second panels extend outwardly from the base web of the respective panels. The base webs of the first and second panels are abutted with the ribs thereof extending outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. The first and second panels are oriented such that at least some of the channels of the first panel cross at least some of the channels of the second panel and form a plurality of junctures of crossing channels. Preferably, at least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the plurality of ribs at one of the junctures. A method of manufacturing a message sign is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: National Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fernandez, Carl L. Erwin
  • Patent number: 6968640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a half mirror reflector having an LED road sign, which can be used as a reflector in the daytime and as both a reflector and a road sign in the nighttime. The half mirror reflector comprises: a support plate attached to a support rod; a half mirror fixed to the support plate; an LED road sign mounted on the support plate under the half mirror and having a plurality of LEDs; a PCB substrate mounted on the support plate under the half mirror to control the operation of the LED road sign; and a solar battery module provided at the upper part of the support rod to generate a voltage for operating the LED road sign and supply the voltage to the PCB substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Kil Suo Lee
  • Patent number: 6939021
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a generally triangular shaped housing having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface. The light assembly further includes at least a first light emitting device disposed in the housing configured to emit a non-flashing light from the front surface of the housing. Finally, the light assembly includes at least a second light emitting device disposed in the housing configured to emit a flashing light from the back surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Leslie, Roland Zeder
  • Patent number: 6932495
    Abstract: A channel letter lighting unit according to the present invention comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of linearly mounted light emitting elements. Input wires transmit a power signal to the PCB to illuminate the plurality of light emitting elements, and output wires transmit the power signal from the PCB. The PCB is mounted in the extrusion and the light emitting elements transmit light away from the extrusion. The extrusion promotes the dissipation of heat from the light emitting elements. A mounting mechanism is included for mounting the extrusion within a housing. A further embodiment according to the invention comprises a plurality of channel lighting units electrically connected to one another so that a power signal applied to the lighting system is transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting units. A still further embodiment according to the invention comprises an illuminated channel letter system having a housing in the shape of a letter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Sloanled, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 6926375
    Abstract: A unit connecting mechanism and box-like unit is disclosed having an engaging unit (4) and a connecting pin (3) which are mounted to the box-like unit (1) to allow a plurality of box-like units (1,1) to be coupled to one another in a vertical direction. A handle (44) is operatively connected to a hook (43) to catch an engaging rod (3a) and is vertically raised to cause a stopper (45) to lock the hook (43) and the engaging rod (3a) in a locked condition, with operation of the handle (44) causing the stopper (45) to move downward to cause the hook disengage from the engaging rod for thereby uncoupling the box-like units (1,1) from one another. As a result, the unit connecting mechanism can be manufactured in a compact structure, providing a capability for a worker to easily and appropriately perform coupling and uncoupling operations of the box-like units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Toshiba Transport Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nagamine, Yuji Endo, Etsuo Sodeno
  • Patent number: 6829852
    Abstract: An LED lighted sign with a light diffuser sheet with embedded diffusion particles which provides a 20%-40% increase in lighting transmittance. There is also provided a light divider assembly having partitions which serve to segregate groups of LEDs for lighting only selected segments of the light divider assembly for displaying numerical images. Alternatively, there is provided an injection molded light diffuser lens made of the same material as the light diffuser sheet which secures to each of several light diffuser chambers which combine to display numerical images. Optionally, colored LEDs may be used to create color displays. Color filters may also be overlaid the light diffusers or color pigment may be added to the diffusion material during injection molding to create color displays. A molded light divider assembly is also provided in the alternative. Alternatively, a circuit board having arrangements of different colored LED strings which can be illuminated one or more at a time can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy S. Uehran
  • Patent number: 6762689
    Abstract: A traffic signal display apparatus includes a display surface having a plurality of bicolor bipolar LEDs thereon in an array. When current is fed into the LEDs in a first direction, the bicolor bipolar LEDs display a first color, which may be green. When current is fed in the opposite direction, the bicolor bipolar LEDs display a second color, which may be red. When current is fed into the array alternately in both directions, the bicolor bipolar LEDs display a third color, which may be yellow. The display apparatus may be subdivided into multiple independent zones, allowing arrows to be displayed. The single display apparatus can therefore be used to replace the three to five stacked conventional traffic light display units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Michel L. Dechape
  • Publication number: 20040107616
    Abstract: A portable wordsign arrangement includes a wordsign supporter, a power supply supported by the wordsign supporter, a word character arrangement, which is formed by a plurality of illuminating characters, comprising at least a rope light having an electric connector end electrically connected to the power supply, wherein the rope light is shaped into the illuminating characters for increasing a visibility of the word character arrangement at a low light condition, and a plurality of mounting elements securely mounting the illuminating characters of the word character arrangement on the wordsign supporter. Therefore, the word character arrangement enables the user to customize each of the illuminating characters via the rope light to form as an indication sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Yu-Chow Ko, Yong Qiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20040070973
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp decorative base plate structure for compiling textual patterns, comprising a cover plate, a light bulb, a terminal, and an electric wire, mainly characterized in that the plate integrates with the lamp base as the integral lamp base cover, wherein the cover plate having an embedded hole each on both sides and a latch corresponsive to the cover plates, such that the two bases being assembled in parallel with the electric wire, and two semicircular grooves being disposed on the base plate to form a circle for fixing the electric wire, and the terminal being in a cross position in order to insert into the electric wire for conducting electricity by contact. A hanging ear stand being on a side of the plate body provides a secure positioning such that the light bulb plate parallel to the electric wire cope with the environment to show the compilation of subtitle or intellectual graphics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Han-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 6698121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating an illuminated sign system with a dasher board in a hockey rink. The illuminated sign system includes an outer frame with an impact resistant transparent sheet secured to a front surface of the outer frame. The sign system includes a display panel member having a white front surface and a plurality of apertures therein. The display panel member includes a circuit board assembly having a plurality of LED trios positioned proximate the rear surface of the display panel member so that LED trios register and protrude through a corresponding aperture in the display panel member. The illuminated sign system includes a power supply and a controller for controlling the power supplied to specific LEDs in each of the LED trios. In addition, the controller controls the intensity emitted by the LEDs to thereby manipulate the color contrast with the white front surface of the display panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Young Electric Sign Co.
    Inventors: Rodney D. Wardle, Todd M. Stih, John Williams, Kenneth Roostee, Graham Beland, Blake Gover, Todd W. Orme, Geoffrey W. Bickel, Laurence Kiyoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 6631575
    Abstract: An LED lighted sign with a light diffuser sheet with embedded diffusion particles which provides a 20%-40% increase in lighting transmittance. There is also provided a light divider assembly having partitions which serve to segregate groups of LEDs for lighting only selected segments of the light divider assembly for displaying numerical images. Alternatively, there is provided an injection molded light diffuser lens of the same material which secures to each of several light diffuser chambers which combine to display numerical images. optionally, colored LEDs may be used to create color displays. Color filters may also be overlaid the light diffusers or color pigment may be added to the diffusion material during injection molding to create color displays. A molded light divider assembly is also provided in the alternative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon P. Voelzke, Eric S. Bravek, Randy Scott Uehran
  • Publication number: 20030174501
    Abstract: A LED symbol signal with LEDs arrayed to correspond to a desired symbol. Light from the LEDs is directed onto corresponding optical segments of a multiple collimating zone element and directed into a forward direction/distribution. A mask defines the desired symbol. The optical segments and or a diffusion surface on the cover or multiple collimating zone element(s) diffuses the display aspect, obscuring the individual LEDs. A diameter of the optical features of the diffusion surface is smaller than a diameter of the optical segments. The LED symbol signal may be configured for retrofitting into an incandescent lamp signal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick Martineau