Abstract: A roadway hazard warning assembly for enhancing visibility of a disabled vehicle on a roadway includes a vehicle that has been disabled on the side of a roadway. A warning flag is positionable on the vehicle when the vehicle becomes disabled on the roadway. The warning flag has light reflecting properties for reflecting light from headlights of oncoming traffic. In this way the warning flag can alert the oncoming traffic to the disabled vehicle. A plurality of fastening straps is provided and each of the fastening straps is removably coupled between the warning flag and the vehicle for retaining the warning flag on the vehicle.

Abstract: A reflective-ink lighting assembly includes a light transferring medium, a reflective-ink marking in the light transferring medium, and a light source adapted to insert light into the light transferring medium. In a lit state, light from the light source propagates through the light transferring medium by total-internal reflection. As propagated light reflects off the reflective-ink marking, some light exits through a façade of the light transferring medium to produce an illuminated marking. In an unlit state, the reflective-ink marking remains visible due to ambient light reflecting off the reflective-ink marking.

Abstract: A modular light assembly having a control housing surrounding a power driver and at least one modular component. The modular component includes two side portions, a plurality of ribs extending between the two side portions to form a grated portion, and a flat portion configured to receive a COB LED. The lighting assembly may also comprise a video assembly having a camera and control circuitry provided within the lighting and video assembly for remotely controlling the camera.

Abstract: A back lit artwork frame provides an illuminated frame for hanging an item of artwork. The frame includes a channel that receives a plurality of LED lights and a diffuser that directs light emitted by the LEDs to the lateral sides of the frame. In some embodiments the light is directed towards a wall surface. In other embodiments the light is reflected outwardly from the wall. The backlit frame includes a controller which may regulate the intensity, color, pulse and other behaviors of the lighting. The LED lighting may also operate in response to an audio input. The controller may communicate with an app on a mobile device.

Abstract: An electronic display assembly for suspending an electronic display from one or more elongate members is disclosed. A closed loop of circulating fluid, such as air, may be placed within a sealed electronics compartment. An open loop channel may permit fluid, such as ambient air, to pass through the assembly via a channel defined by the space between the back pan and the electronic display. A pair of passageways preferably extend vertically along the assembly and are configured to accommodate the passage of an elongate member. Clamps may be utilized within these passageways to secure the assembly to the elongate members.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a sports field covered with turf. The system includes: a plurality of light arrays configured to be positioned in a spaced-apart manner under a portion of the turf and oriented to emit light upwards through the turf; and a control system for selectively controlling activation of the light arrays to provide illuminated advertising on the sports field.

Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit signage for a printed graphic. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. The turning film receives light from an ambient light source and directs the light via the structured surface toward a viewer of the graphic in order to passively illuminate the signage.

Abstract: An advertising panel is disclosed which is a lightweight, portable, and foldable substrate which accepts and retains high quality graphics and photographic advertising images. The advertising panel can be used for providing advertising on the inner surface of the windshield of a vehicle. The advertising panel includes a substrate with an advertising image printed on the substrate and a light source. The light source illuminates the advertising panel from behind. A viewer exterior to the vehicle is able to see the advertising image at night because a portion of the light emitted from the light source is transmitted through both the advertising panel substrate and the advertising image.

Abstract: Light apparatuses and lighting systems are described. According to one aspect, a light apparatus includes a plurality of light sources individually configured to emit light in a respective primary direction, and wherein the light sources are configured such that the primary directions of the light emitted by the light sources are at different angles with respect to a common plane, and a lens configured to direct the light from the light sources to a surface of an object which is to be illuminated.

Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit signage for a printed graphic. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. The turning film receives light from an ambient light source and directs the light via the structured surface toward a viewer of the graphic in order to passively illuminate the signage.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable indoor-outdoor sign assembly that can easily and quickly be installed, taken down, and transported, and still have excellent stability, strength, and longevity.

Abstract: An airframe display system and method. The airframe display system has an airtight airframe having at least one airbeam. The airbeam has a sleeve of dimensionally stable material. A stretch fabric cover is received over the airframe whereby, upon inflation, the airframe is substantially rigid and the stretch fabric cover is taut over the airframe defining a display surface area.

Abstract: A collapsible lighting system for nighttime or low-light scene management has a collapsible frame moveable from a first collapsed configuration to a second, non-collapsed configuration and at least one light support member coupled to the collapsible frame for supporting one or more lights that can be angled at least generally downward from the light support member when the collapsible frame is in the non-collapsed.

Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit signage for a printed graphic. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. The turning film receives light from an ambient light source and directs the light via the structured surface toward a viewer of the graphic in order to passively illuminate the signage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively decorating a vehicle surface are disclosed. The apparatus is a removable applique with a front face including a graphic comprising ultra-violet responsive material and a back face including an attachment agent having the ability to be applied and removed from the surface of the vehicle without causing damage. The method includes receiving the removable applique on the surface of a vehicle. The method further includes sending an instruction to illuminate an ultra-violet source to direct ultra-violet light at the graphic of the removable applique to render the graphic visible. In one embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to the activation of a switch, button, control panel or other input means of controlling the ultra-violet source. In another embodiment, the instruction to illuminate the ultra-violet source can be sent in response to a vehicle state.

Abstract: An advertising system and method of use includes a rail car and an advertising billboard mounted thereon. Preferably, the billboard is adjustable so that advertising thereon can be positioned to face desired viewers, such as people traveling on roadways adjacent a railroad track. The billboard may rotate and/or be raised and lowered by a lift, which may include a telescoping post. An onboard electric power source is typically provided to power lights and other electric components. Outriggers may be used to help stabilize the rail car when parked especially for windy conditions. A security fence may be mounted on the rail car to protect various components thereon. The billboard may include one section which can be raised relative to another section for display purposes and lowered to provide a lower height during transport. The rail car may carry an additional billboard.

Abstract: A glowing frame for a hazardous material placard is an apparatus used to illuminate the hazardous material placard during the night or dangerous weather conditions. The apparatus is attached to a vehicle carrying hazardous material and includes a frame, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strips, a drain hole, a pair of wires, and a disconnection mechanism. The hazardous material placard and the LED strips are situated in between a front portion and a back portion of the frame. The drain hole allows moisture to be released from within the frame. The pair of wires is used to complete a circuit between the LED strips and the vehicle's side-marker or tail light system. The disconnection mechanism activates the LED strips and locks the placard in place. In addition, the disconnection mechanism deactivates the LED strips and releases the placard from the frame.

Abstract: Light apparatuses and lighting systems are described. According to one aspect, a light apparatus includes a plurality of light sources individually configured to emit light in a respective primary direction, and wherein the light sources are configured such that the primary directions of the light emitted by the light sources are at different angles with respect to a common plane, and a lens configured to direct the light from the light sources to a surface of an object which is to be illuminated.

Abstract: A portable advertising system well suited for outdoor advertising at night includes a body adapted to be secured to a transportation vehicle and may include a universal attachment system for that purpose. An advertisement may be displayed on an advertising surface mounted on the body. An illumination source is directed towards the advertising surface and may be integrated into an electronic display unit or may be directed at an advertising sheet such as a vinyl sheet. When the advertising sheet is used, a sheet tension system typically maintains tension on the sheet, and an openable protective cover may protect the sheet when not in use. The illumination source may be controlled based on environmental light conditions, sheet tension and/or position of the protective cover. The body may be part of a cargo container such as an ISO container suited for securing to a railroad car or other vehicle.

Abstract: A display device for mounting on a vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the display device comprises a plurality of bases removably attached to a vehicle and a display material removably connected to the plurality of bases, wherein content on the display material is visible regardless of the vehicle's velocity. The plurality of bases is adjustable for accommodating display materials of different widths and heights.

Abstract: A linear array of LEDs or other light emitting device(s) extends across at least a side fabric panel of a display mattress foot protector at a point immediately above visual indicia thereon in such manner as to illuminate the visual indicia.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.

Abstract: An LED light fixture. A fixture housing includes a socket-receiving cutout section. A socket is held within the socket-receiving cutout section. An LED circuit board is connected to an LED circuit board holder. The LED circuit board holder includes an insertion piece. The insertion piece is inserted into the socket-receiving cutout section and fits over the socket so that the connection pins from the LED circuit board are inserted into the socket. The insertion piece is press-fit into the socket-receiving cutout section and is held in place by friction force between the insertion piece and the socket-receiving cutout section. A thermally conductive pathway is established between the LEDs on the LED circuit board, the circuit board holder and the fixture housing. Heat generated by the LEDs travel through the circuit board and through the fixture housing.

Abstract: An illuminated construction traffic control system comprising a handheld sign having a first and second side, a two-way communication system for relaying audio signals between paired signs, a power means for illuminating a lighted portion on both sides of the sign and a post for supporting the sign and allow ease of sign rotation. An illuminated indicator light is provided on the sign to correspond with standard traffic light signals and text on the sign to improve clarity for motorists in low light and bad weather conditions, while an attached radio improves coordination between paired construction crew personnel directing traffic through a construction site. Power is provided via an external generator or imbedded battery power for more independent operation. Radio communications function on a radio frequency or similar wireless link between paired signs, wherein audio transmission and receiving is provided.

Abstract: An alternating sign assembly includes a sheet of light permeable material comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a front design that includes a front design layer; a silhouette pattern including light-restricting imaging material, said front design being superimposed on or forming a part of the silhouette pattern, said silhouette pattern subdividing said sheet into a plurality of discrete areas of said imaging material and/or a plurality of discrete areas devoid of said imaging material; a switchable front source of artificial illumination of said front design; a rear design disposed rearwardly of the front design; and a switchable rear source of artificial illumination of said rear design. The sources of illumination may be alternately turned on to make the front and rear designs alternately visible to an observer in front of the assembly.

Abstract: A portable advertising system well suited for outdoor advertising at night includes a body adapted to be secured to a transportation vehicle and may include a universal attachment system for that purpose. An advertisement may be displayed on an advertising surface mounted on the body. An illumination source is directed towards the advertising surface and may be integrated into an electronic display unit or may be directed at an advertising sheet such as a vinyl sheet. When the advertising sheet is used, a sheet tension system typically maintains tension on the sheet, and an openable protective cover may protect the sheet when not in use. The illumination source may be controlled based on environmental light conditions, sheet tension and/or position of the protective cover. The body may be part of a cargo container such as an ISO container suited for securing to a railroad car or other vehicle.

Abstract: The portable advertising system of the present invention comprises a body having a first end and a display support, at least one universal attachment system adapted for securing the body to a vehicle proximate the first end, at least one exterior wall arranged to display an advertisement, and the display support securing an illumination source directed towards the at least one exterior wall. The at least one exterior wall and the illumination source may be integrated into an electronic display unit. The at least one exterior wall may also be an advertising sheet composed of vinyl and the illumination source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes. The portable advertising system may include a railroad car arranged to receive the at least one universal attachment system.

Abstract: A display sign for use with a display system includes a thermoplastic sheet having a first region having a first thickness, a second region having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and at least one fastener. The second region is adjacent to the fastener. A volume of material in the fastener plus a volume of material in the second region is generally equivalent to a volume of material in an area of the first region, the area of the first region being equivalent to the area of the second region. A method of forming a display sheet includes providing a thermoplastic sheet, and drawing at least one fastener from the thermoplastic sheet while in a plastic state. The material drawn from the sheet to form the at least one fastener results in a region of reduced thickness of the sheet adjacent to the respective fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertising system and method of using the same. The advertising system includes a light source which may be activated by near field communication devices in order to extract information from the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) sign lighter is positioned to illuminate a sign. One or more LED modules on the LED sign lighter are directed toward different portions of the sign. Each LED module is configured with a reflector or over-optic to control the angle of the light emitted toward the sign. Each LED module includes an array of LEDs. The configuration of each LED module within the LED sign lighter helps to reduce the build-up of environmental contaminants on the LED module. The center section of the LED sign lighter includes a compartment for housing electrical components to power the LED modules. Heat sink fins are oriented along the back side of the LED sign lighter to provide thermal efficiency for the LED modules.

Abstract: In combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.

Abstract: A modular LED light unit for mounting to an object to illuminate distally located objects comprises a circuit board supporting a plurality of LED lights and a light permeable front cover. The circuit board includes a plurality of apertures with the LED lights being reverse mounted to the circuit board such that each LED light is located by and extends into a separate one of the apertures. The front cover includes an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one optical structure located on the outer surface or inner surface. At least one of the LED lights is axially aligned with the optical structure whereby light emitted from the aligned LED lights is directed into the optical structure.

Abstract: In order to achieve an object of applying easily producible and variable patterns effectively and in widely varying ways, lacquer is applied to a decoration target material (1) comprising a transparent or translucent glass or resin material to form a lacquer layer (3), and thereafter an alcohol agent is mixed into the undried lacquer layer (3) to make the lacquer material flow and to form lacquer patterns (3a, 3b) using the flow behavior of the lacquer, or a crack pattern is formed on, for example, a foil layer (7), thereby to significantly reduce the drying time of the lacquer layer (3), and to suitably form a lacquer pattern comprising a flowing lacquer pattern, a lacquer crack pattern, and a foil crack pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electric power generation are provided. The systems may include a wind turbine electric generator, a fixture, a battery, a processor, and a power grid. The wind turbine electric generator having a wind rotor, a plurality of blades and an electric generator. An image may be displayed on the blades to generate a dynamic image effect with the rotation of the blades around a central axis of rotation. The electric generator may be coupled to and driven by the wind rotor to generate an electrical current. The processor may be coupled to the wind turbine electric generator, the fixture, the battery, and the grid, and configured to transmit a first fraction of the electrical current to the fixture, transmit a second fraction of the electrical current to the battery, and transmit a third fraction of the electrical current to the grid.

Abstract: The portable advertising system of the present invention comprises a body having a first end and a display support, at least one universal attachment system adapted for securing the body to a vehicle proximate the first end, at least one exterior wall arranged to display an advertisement, and the display support securing an illumination source directed towards the at least one exterior wall. The at least one exterior wall and the illumination source may be integrated into an electronic display unit. The at least one exterior wall may also be an advertising sheet composed of vinyl and the illumination source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes. The portable advertising system may include a railroad car arranged to receive the at least one universal attachment system.

Abstract: A light display unit includes a display fixture and a light strand. The display fixture includes an elongated support and a plurality of receptacles coupled to the support. The support defines a chamber. Each of the receptacles defines an aperture. The light strand includes an electrical cord having an end configured to be coupled with an electrical power source. Each of a plurality of bulb groupings is in electrical communication with the electrical cord. The plurality of bulb groupings comprises at least two different combinations of light bulbs. The electrical cord is at least partially housed in the chamber of the support and extends into each of the plurality of receptacle of the display fixture through the apertures of the receptacles such that each of the plurality of bulb groupings is positioned within one of the plurality of receptacles of the support. Light strands, fixtures, and methods provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A reinforced fabric panel is provided with a peripheral sheath in which a resilient, thin-walled inflatable tube is deployed. When inflated the tube confined in the peripheral sheath erects from a folded state and then stretches the panel to its full plan dimensions to display an emergency message that may be illuminated by a set of strobe lights attachable to the panel edges. The stretched panel is useful as a signaling placard both on land and on the sea surface, restrained against wind either by locally found objects or by the ballast weight of the water that is trapped in the sheath.

Abstract: A transit center apparatus is provided having one or more modules attachable to a transit stop pole to provide one or more of the following conveniences to a transit stop patron: information in an optionally illuminated modular display apparatus, overhead illumination, video camera surveillance, and wireless communication. These conveniences are preferably provided through an overhead assembly and a rugged information display case. The overhead assembly houses one or more of the group consisting of solar cells, a rechargeable battery pack, overhead lights, a cell phone antenna, camera, and related circuitry. The information display case provides backlighting and houses a switch assembly. The display case is preferably constructed from extruded, interlocking aluminum frame members and is easily installable on existing support poles.

Abstract: A lighted sign having a front translucent surface surrounded by a skirt defining an opaque contour. A light diffuser is located behind an opaque zone of the skirt. Light is radiated from an internal light source through the light diffuser to provide an illuminated background for the opaque contour thereby increasing the contrast of the silhouette of the sign on a mounting surface. The front translucent surface is preferably back lit by the same internal source of light.

Abstract: A mailbox having a direct illumination lighting system in which light is directed downward so as to shine on an address plate or other sign is disclosed. The lighting system is powered by rechargeable batteries that are recharged by a solar energy system. The solar energy system collects solar energy and converts it into electrical energy.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, reliable and functionally self-contained device for illuminating a sign is disclosed. The portable illuminated sign has particular application by realtors when selling real estate property, which has been listed. A method of onsite advertising and promotion of property available for sale comprising the steps of: providing an illuminated sign having a opaque or translucent face, a solar cell to generate power, a battery to store power, a lamp bulb, and a photo cell to turn power on to the lamp bulb in low ambient light; positioning the sign in a prominent location so that it can be viewed by passers by; and, removing the sign subsequent to sale of the property.

Abstract: A vendor such as a pizza parlor promotes its products and improves its service by providing to customers, free of charge, distinctive beacons which can be placed in the window of a home to attract a delivery person. The vendor induces customers to use the beacon by offering discounts and faster delivery service, and benefits from having its advertizing prominently displayed in homes.

Abstract: A light storage and reflecting device comprising a reflecting layer, base layer, light storage layer, and coating layer is arranged such that a thermocompression-bonding colored sheet of the base layer is bonded to the surface of the reflecting layer by a thermocompression bonding process, the light storage layer is formed by ink containing light storage pigment on the colored sheet, and all layers collectively are covered with the coating layer.

Abstract: An illustration illuminator has a leg arrangement and a frame connected to the leg arrangement and extending upwardly and at a slant rearwardly away from the leg arrangement. A support surface is arranged at the front side of the frame for supporting an illustration to be illuminated. A light assembly is connected to the frame remote from the leg arrangement for illuminating the support surface. The light assembly has lamps emitting light rays and further has a front end with an outlet via which the light rays exit and impinge on the support surface. The light assembly has a reflector arranged relative to the lamps such that the light rays emitted by the lamps pass through the outlet only after having been reflected at least once on the reflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a display panel is disclosed comprising an elongated housing for an illuminating assembly having a generally U-shaped cross-section, an open side and a light reflecting interior surface disposed around and forward of the perimeter of the display panel such that the open side of the housing substantially faces the front display surface of the display panel; a light source within the housing wherein light is radiated through the open side of the housing toward the front display surface of the display panel; and a frame attached to the perimeter of the display panel for supporting the housing in a pivotable relationship with the frame. The housing may be pivoted away from the front display surface of the display panel. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated housing is configured in a plurality of elongated segments disposed in end-to-end relationship around the perimeter of the display panel.

Abstract: A shelf having a light rail extending along a front edge of the shelf which comprises a cover adapted to reflect light onto displayed merchandise while permitting light to pass through selected window portions to illuminate product and pricing information printed on transparent or translucent signage. Signage may also be supported on a sign strip behind the light rails, and along the front edge of the shelf board. In the preferred embodiment wire management is provided by a raceway formed between a cover support and a backing strip for the fluorescent tube. A receptacle in communication with the wiring within the raceway is adapted to receive a connector from the ballust transformer, so that all permanent wiring for the fluorescent tube is concealed within the raceway. The ballust transformer can be unplugged from the wall receptacle and from the raceway receptacle, to thus completely remove the ballust transformer from the shelf for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A light string display includes a plurality of lighted picture frames, where each picture frame includes a frame having a rear flange and a front border defining an interior viewing area. Each picture frame also includes a back plate, an electric lamp, a hanger, a stand, and a mount. The back plate is receivable in the flange for holding a display item between the frame and the back plate in the interior viewing area, and the mount is fixable to the back plate for supporting the electric lamp, and for providing electrical connection to the electric lamp. The mount selectively supports the hanger in an extended/exposed position for hanging the frame on an external support structure; the mount also selectively supports the stand in an extended position for supporting the frame in an upright orientation on a support surface. Wiring connects respective mounts of the picture frames in series and electrically connects respective electric lamps of the picture frames to a power source.

Abstract: Each element in an array of display elements has first and second limiting positions and in respective limiting positions selectively displays a bright and a dark surface in a viewing direction. A transparent sheet is intermediate the array and the viewer. Conductors on the sheet power light sources in the sheet to thereby direct light toward the array.

Abstract: A display device resembling neon tubing includes a transparent substrate with one or more elongate, continuous grooves formed in the substrate from a rear surface thereof. The groove is shaped to represent an informational image, such as a letter, symbol, character or design, for communicating a message to a viewer. A layer of a roughness is formed within an arcuate groove surface of substantially constant diameter along the length of the groove to thereby uniformly disperse light that may be incident on the groove toward the front surface of the substrate in an arcuate path. A blocking layer covers the rear surface of the substrate adjacent the groove for permitting the transmission of light only through the groove to thereby create a sharp contrast between light incident on the groove and the blocking layer. The diameter of the groove is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of conventional neon tubing.