Abstract: Power is recovered from an escalator or a moving walkway as the step orbits an endless track on rollers. A generator is connected to a roller orbiting the track. A battery backup is provided. The power is used for emergency lighting on the step, and for data transmission. Advertising and messages are displayed on a dynamic video screen mounted on the step. The apparatus is mostly contained within the escalator step. Information is communicated wirelessly to a remotely located central control station and back to the step, so as to display information in real time and to update advertising while the escalator is in operation. The central control station also monitors performance parameters. The visual display can include LED lighting.

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 light bar for illuminating a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the light bar includes an elongated housing extending along an edge of the surface to be illuminated. The housing has a wall adjacent the surface to be illuminated, and at least portions of that wall are transparent. A series of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted within the housing and spaced along the length of the housing for illuminating the surface, and a connector couples the LEDs to an electrical power source for energizing the LEDs to produce light that illuminates the surface.

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: 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 motion image advertising system, coupled with an advertising dummy enlarging an object to be advertised such as a mobile phone, a video camera, or the like, is disclosed. The motion image advertising system includes a screen window and a display apparatus or a flat display installed to the rear side of the screen window and having a screen and a projector. The display apparatus is installed to a support. The support includes a fixing device and an advertising dummy attaching device, respectively installed to the advertising dummy device and the display apparatus to couple and separate the advertising dummy. The advertising dummy and the advertising motion image are simultaneously provided to consumers to increase advertising impact. If necessary, the advertising dummy device can be easily separated from the display apparatus such as the screen to be replaced.

Abstract: A floor marking system includes a floor having a predetermined location intended for use of a predetermined character, the predetermined location being marked with impinging light. The floor marking system also includes a lighting unit having a light source for marking light onto the floor at a predetermined location. A patterning device is disposed between the light source and the floor, and is configured and arranged to mark at least one of a graphic pattern and a color onto the floor at the predetermined location with the impinging light. The at least one of the graphic pattern and the color marked on the floor by the lighting unit and the patterning device forms an indicator, and the indicator corresponds to the character of use of the floor at the predetermined location.

Abstract: A vehicle projection system relating to use of a light projecting system comprising at least one light projector adapted to project at least one decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion of a vehicle. The system preferably uses a laser projector and user-selectable controller to select and control decorative designs projected onto the vehicle exterior. The controller may be manually operated, computer programmed, remote controlled or utilize pre-selected programming.

Abstract: To represent an image on a stepped surface, an eyepoint on the axis of sight in front of partial surfaces of the stepped surface is selected. The image is divided into partial images that are assigned to the partial surfaces. Each partial image is projected from the eyepoint onto the partial surface to which it has been assigned. Alternatively, the image is divided into partial images that are assigned to the partial surfaces so that the first partial image, which is assigned to the first partial surface closest to the eyepoint, is modified by a specified factor. Each additional partial image is enlarged relative to the first partial image based on the distance from the eyepoint of the partial surface to which it is assigned and is then represented on its respective partial surface.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an embossed lens 20 having properties that when combined and inserted into a flashlight 22 in replacement of the existing flashlights lens, augments the passing light from the flashlight into a projection 12 having a predefined shape, orientation and color themes for the typical application of presenting to viewers a symbol or logo for organizations typically in the genre of fraternities, sororities, political parties and other symbolically representable groups. The surface of the lens 20 comprises primarily a clear or tinted region 16 used as a primary backdrop during projection and composing the majority of the lenses mass while an embossed portion 18 is used to create visual differences in the projected image 12 using contrasting color and shape. Additionally, the present invention 10 may be provided with indicia 28 to present to the viewer which way the lens should be inserted into the flashlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for producing an illumination pattern (6) with a variable shape and luminous intensity to a target (5). The illumination device comprises at least partly translucent and light-reflecting optical piece (1), several light sources (3) producing a conical light pattern, fixed in such a manner that the position and angle of the same can be adjusted in relation to each other and/or to the optical piece (1), and an electronic control unit (4) that is electrically coupled to each light source (3) in such a manner that the intensity of the light produced by each light source (3) can be adjusted under the control of the control unit (4). The optical piece (1) is attached in such a manner that the light beams produced by the light sources (3) are arranged to propagate at least partly via the optical piece (1) to the target (5) to be illuminated.

Abstract: An inflatable device that includes at least one display panel for displaying an image by a multimedia device positioned in and/or connected to the inflatable device.

Abstract: This invention provides a sign image by projecting light through a replaceable pivotable image forming apparatus onto an adjacent surface. The apparatus is contained within a telescoping tube of three locking sections with overlap indicators. The tube is pivotably mounted within a wall or ceiling. The pivotable tube and stencil permits projecting the sign image onto an adjacent inclined surface. The first section has a light source at its outer end and image forming apparatus which provides the sign message. The other two sections each contain a lens for respective image size and focus adjustment by changing the sections overlaps.

Abstract: This invention provides a sign image by projecting light through a replaceable pivotable image forming apparatus onto an adjacent surface. The apparatus is contained within a telescoping tube of three locking sections with overlap indicators. The tube is pivotably mounted within a wall or ceiling. The pivotable tube and stencil permits projecting the sign image onto an adjacent inclined surface. The first section has a light source at its outer end and image forming apparatus which provides the sign message. The other two sections each contain a lens for respective image size and focus adjustment by changing the sections overlaps.

Abstract: Equipment for producing projected visual light displays in which light from a light source is shone through a moving or rotating screen or fan and then and then through a transparent sheet onto a surface of which a substantial part of the transparent sheet is opaque and which opaque parts are distributed so that the transparent parts of the sheet are positioned in one or more separate areas, the light source is preferably elongated and shines through both sides of the fan.

Abstract: The invention involves a temporary sign that is installed in front of a residence to alert persons who deliver items or are called for to deliver a service. This includes emergency services. It is well known fact that to locate residences by their house numbers can at times be very difficult. This is especially true when the person making the call is not familiar with the neighborhood. This is even more difficult if the call has to be made in the dark when house numbers cannot be seen at all unless they are illuminated which is seldom the case. For this purpose, the temporary sign can be installed in front of the residence. The sign can have changeable messages that are directed to the service to be rendered. The sign can be illuminated or can have blinking lights thereon. The sign could be hung on a porch or a front entrance way or could be placed in a window.

Abstract: A support for a glass etching includes a lamp and offset mounts whereby an image is projected onto the support creating a shadow effect.

Abstract: An illuminated display for use as an advertising medium is provided in the invention comprising a first layer of light transmissible material, a second layer of woven fabric, a third layer of light transmissible material bonded to the first layer of light transmissible material to sandwich the second layer of woven fabric, the second layer of woven fabric having printed or painted designs formed thereon for providing a display means (1) and a light source (2) for illuminating said printed or painted designs.

Abstract: A shadow display device including at least two semi-transparent panels having images thereon which are positioned in front of or behind a light source casting images onto one or more of the panels. An embodiment of the device also includes a panel having an image which casts a shadow behind the light source which is enlarged on a wall or panel behind the device. The device may also include a switch to turn the light source on and off at the user's discretion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blacklight or ultraviolet light special effect fixture for use in emulating a shimmering or water ripple type of pattern. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a drum, a motor for rotating the drum and a frame for positioning the drum between a blacklight source and a uv treated projection surface.

Abstract: A combination smoke detection device and laser escape indicator provides a primary circuit that electrically connects a power source to a laser. The primary circuit has a smoke detector switch that is operably controlled by a smoke detecting means. When the smoke detecting means detects smoke, it closes the smoke detector switch, thereby activating the laser to produce a laser beam. The laser is mounted on a swivel arm that is pivotally connected to a primary housing, the primary housing being rotatably attached to a base housing. The swivel arm and the primary housing together can be adjusted so that the laser projects the laser beam in a desired direction. When the combination is installed in a structure, the laser is manipulated so that when the laser generates a laser beam, the laser beam directs people to an exit from the structure.

Abstract: A road sign includes an installation portion provided with a lighting window, a sign display portion that includes a sign member that uses light to display a prescribed sign, and a light-guide structure that guides light entering the lighting window to the sign member to display the sign by reflecting or transmitting the light. The road sign configuration renders the sign clearly visible even when the light comes from car headlights on a low-beam setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blacklight or ultraviolet light special effect fixture for use in emulating a shimmering or water ripple type of pattern. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a drum, a motor for rotating the drum and a frame for positioning the drum between a blacklight source and a uv treated projection surface.

Abstract: The display device has a free standing structure or it may be incorporated into a building wall. The display device primarily consists of a banner having a series of panels mounted in a plurality of display areas provided in a movable frame. A selected panel may be moved into position of a display frame. Each panel bears a different display. The display frame consists of a generally rectangular frame having a light projection display screen mounted at its rear side. The panels moved over the display screen. One display area is an empty area and does not contain any panel such that when this empty panel is located at the display frame a light display projected onto the screen with a video or slide projector is visible in the display frame.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for optically representing information on a transparent projection surface using several projection modules and using through-light projection. The method and arrangement are both cost effective and ensures that an observer viewing even a large display of information is provided with a bright, contrast, homogeneous image. Each projection module is formed of a light source with a divergent beam radiating through a controllable light valve and a projection surface arranged behind it. The distance between the light valve and the projection surface is chosen in such a way that the image parts projected by adjacent modules border gaplessly to each other on the projection surface.

Abstract: A combination outdoor daytime/nighttime outdoor advertising display billboard is provided having a surface for displaying a fixed image during the daytime and a projection screen apparatus which automatically unrolls to present a projection screen for displaying a projected image during the nighttime. A projector placed in front of the billboard functions to project one or more images onto the projection screen. The projection screen and the projector are controlled by a photoelectric sensors that automatically unrolls the projection screen and activates the projector during the nighttime and automatically rolls up the projection screen and deactivates the projection means during the daytime.

Abstract: An illumination assembly allowing quick and easy access to traffic, billboard or other lighting is provided. The illumination assembly includes a rotatable conveyor assembly having a cable or cord driven by one or more drive pulleys to rotatably place lighting luminaires over supported operating, maintenance or other areas. When a light bulb contained in a luminaire burns out or otherwise requires servicing, the rotatable conveyor assembly is activated to drive the corresponding luminaire to a maintenance area, having a maintenance support plate. The luminaire is conveniently and safely serviced, and the conveyor cord then drives the luminaires back to their normal lighting positions. Reconfiguration in the field with greater or lesser luminaires, track size or otherwise is possible.

Abstract: The realty sign lighting and display assembly is in the form of a real estate standard having a vertical post and a horizontal cross-arm from which depends a display panel. The cross-arm is specially constructed to incorporate within it anti-theft and display components and components for powering the anti-theft display components. Thus, the cross-arm includes a solar panel, preferably at the top of the cross-arm, and a rechargeable battery connected to the solar panel. The battery powers one or more spot lights located in the bottom of the cross-arm and directed at the display panel below the cross-arm. The solar panel includes electrical heating elements which keep the solar panel free of snow. A thermal sensor may be disposed in the top of the cross-arm and be connected to a switch operating the solar panel. An alarm connected to the battery prevents theft of the cross-arm. Preferably, the alarm includes a pendulum switch activatable by moving the cross-arm.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surfaces alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The downward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or downward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the downward band-like surfaces of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. The upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or the upward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, are each a smooth, irregular or uneven reflecting surface. Obliquely downward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel, and obliquely upward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a rough surface.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. Obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each an irregular or uneven reflecting surface.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surfaces alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The downward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or downward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the downward band-like surfaces of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. The upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or the upward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, are each a smooth, irregular or uneven reflecting surface. Obliquely downward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel, and obliquely upward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a rough surface.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. Obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each an irregular or uneven reflecting surface.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus in case of emergency evacuation comprising a laser which is disposed within a building or the like in such way that a laser beam emitted from the laser is directed in the direction in which evacuees must escape or is directed from the side of an emergency exit toward the interior of the building or the like; abnormal condition detection means for detecting the occurrence of an abnormal condition in the building or the like and generating a detection signal representative of the occurrence of an abnormal condition; and a control unit which is connected to the laser and the abnormal condition detection means and which, in response to the detection signal, energizes the laser. When an abnormal condition such as fire occurs within the building or the like, the detection means detects the occurrence of an abnormal condition and generates a detection signal, in response to which the laser in energized to emit a laser beam directing the direction in which evacuees must escape.

Abstract: A show window includes a liquid crystal display plate which is alternatingly caused to become transparent in order to permit viewing of a static object displayed behind the window, and translucent in order to form a screen for projection of a slide onto the window in order to permit viewing of the slide through the window.

Abstract: Educational apparatus for use with an overhead projector has a transparent grid with horizontal and vertical indices for projecting a grid onto a wall screen. A plurality of removable cover pieces, keyed to the grid, cover up grid segments whereby when the transparent grid has pictorial material a student, or player, may project a particular grid segment by picking up the cover piece on that segment.

Abstract: A new and improved lighting system for illuminating signs such as billboards and the like which increases the amount of light illuminating the light from a light source by 15 to 20% as compared with previous systems and decreases the variance of illumination intensity by 50%.

Abstract: A light pattern generator is utilized to produce an image which is projected onto a stage or screen. The image is derived from a beam of light. The light pattern generator comprises a heat resistant glass plate having a reflective layer deposited on one surface thereof. A nonreflective layer is deposited on the surface of the reflective layer. Both of the layers are etched to produce an opening extending through the layers wherein the opening has the shape of the desired image. The beam of light is directed through the transparent plate and the portions not passed through the opening are reflected by the mirror surface of the reflective layer. This prevents the buildup of heat within the light pattern generator. Any extraneous light which is received at the nonreflective layer is absorbed to prevent the escape of unwanted light and its projection to the stage.

Abstract: An image projection system is provided for projecting and displaying images at billboard or signboard scale in which a building display window defines the display aperture or viewing aperture of the image projection system for viewing projected images from outside the building. A deployable and retractible rear projection screen is positioned for deployment in the display aperture adjacent to the display window. A first timer is adjusted to actuate a screen motor and deploy the screen after daylight hours and actuate an image projector. Optical elements establish the focal plane of the projector at the display window aperture. A second timer sequentially advances the image projector for projection of sequential still images on the rear projection screen during selected time intervals of sufficient duration to avoid objectionable or distracting motion effects to viewers outside the building.

Abstract: In a luminaire for illuminating signs, a reflector having segments for redirecting light to various areas of the sign so as to create a uniformly illuminated sign.

Abstract: A single lighting fixture for mounting in front of a large billboard having a horizontal length approximately two times as long as its vertical length is disclosed. The lighting fixture comprises a lamp housing having a lamp positioned therein with the lamp being approximately horizontally positioned in the housing. A new and novel reflector is positioned on one side of the lamp is designed to reflect the light radiating from the lamp in such a manner that the bottom surface of the reflector is utilized to light up the approximate central portion of the billboard while the sides of the reflector are used to light triangular shaped side corners of the billboard. A refractor is positioned on the lamp housing to totally enclose the lamp with the refractor comprising in part three phase light control prism elements for stray light control.

Abstract: A large poster apparatus for a back-lighted signboard and a method of constructing same from a plurality of smaller poster sections, including improving the translucent quality of the poster material, aligning respective adjacent sections for exact image continuity, laminating a clear film over a first poster layer, laminating a second poster layer over the clear film, and applying heat and pressure to create a composite laminated poster apparatus having registered images throughout.

Abstract: An optical filter transforms defined color light images from television sets, projectors, and the like, into an endless variety of color abstracts. A plurality of light-collector channels conduct light from a color image to a translucent display screen, each channel diffusing and averaging light passing therethrough.

Abstract: Method of constructing a large poster for a back-lighted signboard from a plurality of smaller poster sections including improving the translucent quality of the poster material, aligning respective adjacent sections for exact image continuity, laminating a clear film over a first poster layer, laminating a second poster layer over the clear film, and applying heat and pressure to create a composite laminated poster having registered images throughout.

Abstract: An illuminated display apparatus includes a laser projector and a retro-reflective screen onto which the beam from the laser projector is projected. A beam deflection device may be disposed between the projector and the screen. The beam deflection device may be associated with a modulator for modulating the intensity of the light beam. A beam spreader and a mask may be substituted for the deflection device and modulator, the shadow of the mask appearing on the screen.

Abstract: A multiplicity of preferably coherent light sources are disposed along a common axis and are separated from one another by interposed opaque shields in the form of disks of progressively increasing diameters transverse to that axis. Each source confronts an associated screen with an annular light-receiving zone, which (except in the case of the last screen) may be integral with the respective shields, illuminated by light from all the preceding sources. The light sources may be individually modulated by external signals, e.g. oscillations derived from sound waves, to provide a visual pattern thereof.