Abstract: A house address number sign includes a first light that is activated when the level of ambient light drops below a preset level, and a second light which is manually activated to provide an easily identified alert for emergencies or the like.

Abstract: An outer housing of a household appliance, preferably, in cupboard form, includes an inscription concerning the origin of the appliance on the front side of the housing in the form of a trademark formed from a glass body. To increase the conspicuousness of the mark, the trademark is presented from a structural element or assembly of transparent or translucent material and is connected to at least one light source provided on an inner side of the housing such that an outer surface of the trademark radiates light in a forward direction when the light source is switched on.

Abstract: An indicator including a transmittable indicator panel attached to a shielding holder (a housing), and a character or a graphic form indicated inside the indicator panel. The character or the graphic form is irradiated by a light emitting diode located inside the housing. The indicator panel is formed by a character indicating part that indicates a character or a graphic form and transmits light, a masking part that intercepts light by surrounding the character indicating part, and a transmittable margin that surrounds the masking part and transmits light. With this configuration, a character or a graphic form becomes conspicuous during the daytime, and at night is never more conspicuous than is required. Thus, the visibility of the indicator can be improved. Moreover, the configuration of the transmitting light from the light source of the indicator allows it to be accommodated in the limited space available on the indicator panel.

Abstract: An illuminated flag decal attached to a base surface. The illuminated flag decal has a generally rectangular frame with a front face and a back face, a plurality of suction cups that will secure the generally rectangular frame to the base surface, an image of a flag that is placed in the generally rectangular frame, an illumination source to cast light onto the image of the flag, a power source to provide power to the illumination source and a removable backing on the rear face of the generally rectangular frame for gaining access to and changing the illumination source.

Abstract: A scrolling sign apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a web having a number of signs connected in a loop. The web includes a bead along each longitudinal edge thereof. The apparatus includes a housing which has a window for displaying the signs. The web is wound on a number of rollers located in the housing which advance the web through the window. Each roller has two circumferential grooves located near the ends of the roller. The grooves engage the beads along the edges of the web.

Abstract: A medical film illuminator includes a frame having a translucent panel. A film gripper is attached directly to the translucent panel and the translucent panel is attached to the frame using magnets that engage the frame. Thus, the translucent panel can be easily removed to service the interior of the frame. Moreover, the spacing between the gripper and panel is established during manufacture and does not change, thus ensuring that gripping tension on film that is slid between the gripper and panel remains constant during the life of the illuminator.

Abstract: An address illumination assembly includes at least one alphanumeric element and has a housing with a front and a rear. A solar panel, an alphanumeric character, and at least one rechargeable battery are in the housing and are electrically interconnected with the solar panel and the alphanumeric character. At least one light emitting diode (LED) and lighting circuitry are in the housing, and a cover is interconnected with the housing. The alphanumeric character may be configured as an optic light guide in the form of flexible transparent cable that includes at least one LED inlet, and at least one refractor along the length of the optic light guide. Alternatively, the alphanumeric character may be carved or etched in a surface of a flat rectangular plate-like member, and the solar panel may be positioned on the top of the housing and extend perpendicular to the housing, or vertical to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a photo display system that can quickly and easily be converted from an ambient light backlit viewing mode to a powered backlit viewing mode. The photo display system includes an imaged transparency, a diffuser film disposed next to the imaged transparency and a diffuse reflector.

Abstract: An image projector that drops into the accessory slot of a luminaire and projects high quality images printed on plastic slides in full color and photographic detail for extended time periods without heat degradation. The projector comprises a cooling fan, infrared and ultraviolet light filter means, and an inexpensive and removable slide assembly comprising a plastic image slide, a protective film slide and at least one mounting plate. The cooling fan is combined with layered, reflective filters to create a protected environment for the plastic image slide to survive the extreme heat at the gate of today's efficient luminaires. The plastic image slide is created on a plastic sheet using conventional computer printing technologies.

Abstract: An illuminated sign includes a housing and/or a frame, a plate of a light-transmitting material and at least one three-dimensional body, likewise of a light-transmitting material such as a convex strip, in the form of figure, a sign, a decoration or the like, and a light source, which is mounted on the housing and/or the frame. The illuminated sign further includes one or more light guides for coupling light from the light source into the three-dimensional body or bodies. The light guide(s) make(s) it possible to capture light from, for example, one centrally disposed TL tube and couple said light into at least one three-dimensional body, so that an effective lighting of said body is obtained.

Abstract: An illuminated sign display is mounted on a truck or trailer sidewall. The display includes a four sided frame with one of the frame sides being hinged so that it can be opened to receive an advertising sheet, between a front clear plastic sheet for protecting the advertising sheet, and a rear white translucent sheet. The display also includes a white metal back sheet adjacent the truck wall and an illumination device mounted between the white metal back sheet and the white translucent sheet in a chamber formed between the two.

Abstract: The present invention provides perforated film constructions, sign faces including the film constructions, and signs including the sign faces, all of which are capable of having one appearance under light ambient lighting conditions, and another appearance when backlit under dark ambient lighting conditions. The construction is generally planar and includes perforations that occupy, e.g., about 10-35% of the major surfaces of the construction. The perforations are separated by an opaque land area. The back surface of the film construction in the land area (i.e., the surface that is adapted to face the interior of the sign) reflects, e.g., at least about 50% of normal light incident thereon.

Abstract: A modularized advertising light box includes a light guide with a reflecting pane, a light guiding pane, a diffusive pane, a shield frame put on a peripheral edge of the light guide, and at least two light tubes placed inside the shield frame. By assembling the light guide, the shield frame and the at least two light tubes constitute a backlight module inside an advertising case to allows for being conveniently assembled, replaced and delivered.

Abstract: An address illumination assembly includes first and second end elements, a sensor element, and at least one alphanumeric element. The first and second end elements are configured to secure together the sensor element and the alphanumeric elements. The sensor element includes a sensor cover, a sensor base, and a sensor printed circuit board positioned therebetween. The sensor base includes electrical contacts to pass electric current from the sensor element to another element. The sensor printed circuit board includes an electrical circuit that includes a photo sensor, a bipolar switch, a potentiometer switch, and associated electrical elements and wiring. The alphanumeric element includes an alphanumeric cover, an alphanumeric base, and an alphanumeric light board positioned therebetween. The alphanumeric base of the alphanumeric element includes electrical contacts to pass electric current from the alphanumeric element to another element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable signaling devices used for attracting attention and/or signaling messages. The devices are made of fluorescent material which illuminates brightly with a battery operated light, to display a variety of signals, logos, legends, messages and the like, to attract attention to the user. The present invention is to aide pedestrians in need of transportation, especially in urban city settings, to display a variety of signals to attract attention to themselves to hail a vehicle, while maintaining their safety.

Abstract: An image display device may take the form of an illuminating picture lamp providing means by which images may be illuminated by a light source on a selectable and removably attachable basis. Using a base layer of translucent material preferably circumscribed by a transparent material, an image may be slipped between the two layers and illuminated by a light source. The sheets are used to form a lampshade and are held in place about a light source, such as a light bulb, by supports threadably engaging a mounting base. The mounting base attaches to the lamp generally below the light bulb to provide stable support for the lampshade. The image display device of the present invention provides attractive and selectable means by which images may be illuminated by a light source and articles, such as lamp shades, may be decorated on a personalized basis.

Abstract: An illuminated display assembly includes a flexible, translucent and rectangular display plate having an outer edge including two opposing side edges and two opposing end edges, and an image depicted on the display plate within the outer edge of the plate. The display plate also has a width dimension measured from the opposing side edges. The display plate is mounted to a support frame having a rectangular panel and a support member extending along a periphery of the panel. The support member includes two opposing side supports and two opposing end supports. A retainer is disposed along each of the side supports and the support frame has a dimension measured from the retainer on the side support that is less than the width of the display plate. Thus, when the retainer receives respective side edges of the display plate, the display plate deforms in a convex shape with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: A film molded casing includes a transparent or translucent film molded member having a printed layer provided on the inner surface thereof so as to define the place of an illumination display, and a casing inside of which a lens for guiding light of an inner light source to the appearance surface thereof is integrally formed with the casing using a light-permeable resin, in which a light transmitting area is integrally formed with the casing so as to be contiguous with the lenses, and on the inner surface of which a light-impermeable printed layer is provided. In this film molded casing, the light transmitting area is matched to the light transmitting area of the film molded member.

Abstract: The sign adapted to be backlit is provided with a cover element (14) having a front side (18) with at least one symbol field (26,28) adapted to be backlit and a rear-side (22) facing away from the front side (18). The front side (18) is formed by a transparent plastic sheet (16) provided with a translucent color (20). The rear side (22) is formed by injecting plastic injection molding material from behind against the plastic sheet (16). This plastic injection molding material opaquely covers the plastic sheet (16) while sparing the at least one symbol field (26,28).

Abstract: A picture frame for providing three dimensional visual effects to pictures. The picture frame includes a base stand including a base portion and upright end portions having ends which are disposed parallel to the base portion. A box member has side walls, a back wall, a front wall having an opening therethrough. The box member is pivotally mounted to the base stand. Mirrors are mounted upon the side, bottom and top walls in the box member. A light-emitting assembly is attached to the box member for illuminating inside the box member. A window securely disposed in the opening in the front wall. A picture stand which includes a base member having slots therein and which is securely mounted upon the bottom wall of the box member. A picture which is removably supported in the slots in the base member and faces the window and is visible through the window.

Abstract: A divider bar for checkout counters includes a backlighting arrangement that senses motion occurring, for example, when the customers approach the checkout station or when the bar is moved for use by a customer. In the preferred embodiment the illumination serves to call attention to the advertising displayed within the divider bar. The bar is elongated and transparent with a polygonal, preferably rectangular or square cross section. At least one end of the bar has end caps equipped with a motion detector in close proximity that activate sources of illumination to emphasize advertising which can be viewed through the transparent walls of the divider bar. The circuitry and source of illumination is supported by a plate, which slides loosely and is positioned diagonally within the rectangular cross section of the bar. The transparent plate acts also to hold panels or sheets of advertising in position.

Abstract: An activity reminder for reminding a person to engage in an activity associated with a particular brand includes a lens with indicia associated with the brand formed therein. The lens is mounted on a housing in front of a light source. The light source is activated by a signal from a timer circuit to illuminate the indicia after a selected interval of time. A reset button is mounted on the housing and connected to the timer to allow a user to reset the timer circuit and turn off the light source.

Abstract: A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The system also includes a height-adjustable light fixture connected to the crossbeams. The light fixture extends outward from the crossbeams and is capable of projecting a light beam directly downward on the work zone of a user.

Abstract: A system of a first luminaire (1) and a second luminaire (11) for lighting an object (V). Each luminaire has a housing (2; 12) provided with a plurality of tubular lamps (3, 3′, 3 ″; 13). The housing (2; 12) has a light emission window (4; 14) and a side wall (5, 5′; 15) which is perpendicular to the light emission window (4; 14). In the system, the first and the second luminaire (1; 11) abut one another with their side walls (5, 5′; 15) and/or with their light emission windows (4; 14), such that an edge (6) of the light emission window (4) of the first luminaire (1) abuts an edge (16) of the light emission window (14) of the second luminaire (11). Said light emission windows (4; 14) and said side walls (5, 5′; 15) are made from an optically transparent material. Preferably, the light emission window (4; 14) is provided with a diffusor (7; 17).

Abstract: An address illumination assembly includes first and second end elements, a sensor element, and at least one alphanumeric element. The first and second end elements are configured to secure together the sensor element and the alphanumeric elements. The sensor element includes a sensor cover, a sensor base, and a sensor printed circuit board positioned therebetween. The sensor base includes electrical contacts to pass electric current from the sensor element to another element. The sensor printed circuit board includes an electrical circuit that includes a photo sensor, a bipolar switch, a potentiometer switch, and associated electrical elements and wiring. The alphanumeric element includes an alphanumeric cover, an alphanumeric base, and an alphanumeric light board positioned therebetween. The alphanumeric base of the alphanumeric element includes electrical contacts to pass electric current from the alphanumeric element to another element.

Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided with a diffuse reflective film that is selected based on its reflectivity and luminance uniformity in order to reduce power consumption required for a given luminance while also increasing luminance uniformity. A method of using such film is also provided.

Abstract: An outdoor electrical display sign with an electrical resistance heating element on a transparent front panel thereof for removing condensation or for dissipating precipitation from the surfaces of the transparent front panel of the sign. The electrical resistance heating element can be adhesively secured onto a surface of the transparent front panel, taped onto a surface of the transparent front panel, laminated between the transparent front panel and an additional transparent polymer panel, photoscreened onto a surface of the transparent front panel, photo-etched onto a surface of the transparent front panel, or formed by pouring electrical resistance material into minute grooves formed in the transparent front panel. The electrical resistance heating element can be on either the inner surface or the outer surface of the transparent front panel, preferably the inner surface.

Abstract: A lighted article has a base with a receptacle and a display panel having indicia inscribed thereon and at least one orifice. The display panel is inserted into the receptacle and a lighting element having a light source protruding up from the receptacle is inserted into the orifice for illuminating the indicia on the display panel. The lighted article brightly illuminates the indicia without illuminating other parts of the display panel.

Abstract: An illuminated sign designed to be viewed from a horizontal line of sight of an observer, the sign comprising: a frame, a partially transparent face thereon, tubing mounted therein and having an inside radius (r), and a single or plurality of concavely-curved, reflective channels each being substantially semi-cylindrical and having a radius (R), and positioned at a distance (d) from the luminous tubing; wherein the improvement comprises each channel having an angle of wrap (&bgr;) approximately equal to about 70% to about 150% of the value that solves the equation 1 sin ⁢ ( β 2 ) + 2 ⁢ ( R r - d r - 1 ) ⁢

Abstract: An emergency exit sign includes a support assembly which permits rotation of lighting heads, about an upright axis, through an angle greater than 180°. A freely rotatable joint element is used to maintain the lighting heads, in cooperation with mating facets, in various positions without the need for mechanical fasteners. The lighting heads are also attached to a snap connector which, enables the lighting head to be shifted about an arcuate axis, as well as rotated about a still further axis which is substantially perpendicular to the upright axis.

Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided having a sign face with both light-transmissive portions and light-blocking portions; and a reflective film applied to at least a portion of the light-blocking portions toward the interior of the sign housing. A method of using the reflective film is also provided.

Abstract: The present device relates to an apparatus and system used in lighting or illuminating signs, logos or sidewall letters using fluorescent lights or lamps, alone or in combination with reflective coating which can be applied to the sign interior, and reflective surfaces added in the sign interior, to deflect, disperse, reflect and direct the light emitted form the fluorescent lamps to a sign front. The apparatus and system comprises a back panel having sidewalls proximate the perimeter of the back panel and which extend upwardly to form a light channel. Sockets for receiving fluorescent lamps and their corresponding ballasts are mounted separately to the back panel such that the distance between the fluorescent lamps and the top of the light channel is maximized and the distance between the socket and the back panel is minimized. The distribution, number and relative position of the sockets and corresponding ballasts on the back panel can be adjusted to achieve the desired light illumination.

Abstract: An indoor/outdoor advertising device and a method for manufacturing the same. The indoor/outdoor advertising device, which is used for indoor/outdoor advertisement materials or signboards, can be easily manufactured due to its simple structure and can provide an outstanding advertisement effect not only at night but also during the daytime by emitting light from the light elements throughout surfaces thereof with less consumption of electric power.

Abstract: An improved address display device that can automatically adjust its light output intensity to ambient light conditions and is readily changeable to any address. The device can be remotely turned on by either a bright light or radio signal from an emergency vehicle. An LED 7-segment display with numerals and letters, 7-segment lamp tubes, a dot-matrix LED, electric bulbs or tubes, or any other display means produces a display visible and readable to a person with normal vision at a distance of exceeding 50 feet and preferably over 100 feet both day and night. A photocell or other ambient light sensing device automatically adjusts intensity for various ambient conditions such as bright sunlight, night, fog, or other conditions. The device contains a circuit that allows immediate adjustment or change of the address. There are at least two embodiments of this feature: 1) the ability to set each digit with switches, and 2) a counter circuit that causes the address to count when a button is depressed.

Abstract: An illuminated sign assembly having opaque indicia arranged on a translucent back-lighted panel, the assembly comprising an opaque frame consisting of an elongated rectangular enclosure with four walls, a bottom enclosure and an open top. The back-lighted panel extends across the open top of the enclosure, with the outer surface of the translucent panel being secured in place by a frame means having an inwardly extending opaque surface which masks the illuminating means from the translucent panel so as to indirectly illuminate the panel.

Abstract: An advertising and display lamp box with optical catalyst waste gas treatment, including a lamp box main unit, an imaging panel, a waste gas treatment ultraviolet (UV) lamp and a compulsory convection device. On the lamp box main unit are air inlets and air outlets. A panel made of transparent or see-through plastic or glass material is installed at the front of the lamp box, presenting transparent or see-through advertising pictures or media materials that need backlight display. The waste gas treatment UV lamp is installed inside the lamp box main unit. . The compulsory convection device is installed on the lamp box main unit, for drawing outside air through the air inlets into the lamp box main unit. Air flows through the waste gas treatment UV lamp out of the air outlets.

Abstract: An illuminating display is provided a reflective panel having a graphical image formed therein. A laser is used to precisely etch the graphics pattern in an optically active surface, such as a mirrored surface. The graphical image is then reproduced on a paper carrier, and then brought into precise registration behind the laser-etched image. Upon backlighting, such as in a light box, the graphical image projects from the surrounding mirrored (reflecting) surface.

Abstract: A backlit sign is provided which utilizes a diffuser layer of numerous inks in a composition which allows the transmission of an illuminating source of light, but which substantially prevents the viewing of the source of light

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sign having multiple light translucent layers are adjacent one another with such translucent layers being broken to form in one or more areas indicia (i.e. letters, numbers, etc.) meant to be visualized by an observer. These areas include a mid-layer, which is preferably colored and may be florescent, and a forefront layer. A transparent substrate or void layer is located between the mid-layer and the forefront layer, the forefront layer being closest to the observer. The forefront layer is comprised of a base color layer, which may be reflective, and an outer color layer which is closest to the viewer. The base color layer and the outer color layer, like the mid-layer, are in the shape of letters and indicia to be communicated. At least one milky white background layer forms the back of the sign. Other milky white layers having breaks in their integrity may be located adjacent to the rear most milky white layer and resulting in a soft background design.

Abstract: A safety lighting device holdable by a crossing guard or the like that includes an illumination source as well as an audible attention attracting device so as to increase the likelihood that a motorist will see the crossing guard in time to avoid an accident. The safety lighting device includes a sign housing; a rigid exterior handle portion; a rechargeable 9 Volt battery power supply; a red transparent plastic front sign plate having translucent white lettering provided thereon to indicate a desired message; interior light bulb and socket assemblies; a battery operated siren; a siren activation switch an exterior top light bulb and socket assembly mounted to a top exterior surface of the sign housing; and a light bulb activation switch mounted to the rigid exterior handle portion.

Abstract: Horizontal street lamp (10) of an oblong concave structure housing a source of light, with a downward-facing mouth in whose center is applied a frame (60) with a cavity into which a substantially vertical plate (80) can be freely inserted, said plate being illuminated by a source of light to create a sort of road sign, or for purposes of advertising, decoration generally.

Abstract: The unique aspect of this invention is the utilization of numbers and letters as lighting to be placed outdoors so as to distinguish the property it is placed in front of. Each individual lighting unit would have a hollow plastic number or letter that would illuminate from an internal source so as to be visible at night and these units could be arranged together and placed outdoors to display street address numbers or whatever the individual cared to create to distinguish their property.

Abstract: A linear array of light emitting diodes with a lens stripe for evenly illuminating signs, which includes a linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for producing a light output, and an elongated lens stripe. The linear array of LEDs includes an elongated mounting member and a plurality of LEDs mounted along the length of the mounting member. The elongated lens stripe is attached to the linear array of LEDs, and includes a reflector portion and a lens portion. The reflector portion has two elongated and opposing side walls that form an elongated channel. The side walls are light reflective. The LEDs are disposed inside the channel. The channel side walls reflect the light output from the LEDs toward the elongated open end of the channel. The lens portion has an elongated lens disposed along the open end of the channel for focusing the light output from the LEDs.

Abstract: An overhead lighted exit sign and mounting includes a substantially rectangular box shaped sign housing with an electric light therein. A substantially cylindrically shaped two part hollow hinge is mounted on the top wall of the housing with one part fixed to the housing. The second part of the hinge is secured to a plate adapted to be secured to an overhead electrical box. Apertures are formed in the top wall of the housing, the two parts of the hinge and the plate to allow electrical wires to pass from the electrical box to the electric light within the sign without being exposed. The hinge allows the sign to pivot out of the way in the event that it is struck by an object being carried therebelow without the sign being broken from its support or otherwise being damaged.

Abstract: A luminaire for luminous advertisement. The luminaire is composed of: a massive core plate that reflects the desired contour shape of the luminaire, with the core plate made of a translucent material; a multitude of light diodes that are individually inserted into corresponding receptacle bores in the rear of the core plate, with the light diodes connected to a voltage supply; and a cover plate that tightly covers the rear with the light diodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a display apparatus which employs a display panel to display an image and has a large screen with a light weight and a sufficient structural strength and besides allows easy replacement of a light source of a lighting apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a circuit board, a light source unit and an optical panel all mounted on a rectangular frame formed from a combination of extruded members such as polygonal steel tubes. The frame serves also as an armor for the lighting apparatus, and this decreases the weight of the display apparatus. A light source of the light source unit can be replaced by taking out only the light source unit from the display apparatus.

Abstract: An emergency exit lighting apparatus comprises an emergency exit signal casing, and a mounting bracket mounted on a wall or a ceiling, wherein concave holes are formed in a diagonal direction to be extended to two punched linking holes at a center of one of top and side surfaces of the emergency exit signal casing, and an electric wire guiding hole is formed between the two linking holes. The emergency exit signal casing can be easily attached to the mounting bracket by bring rotated in a clockwise direction and easily detached therefrom by being rotated in an anti-clockwise direction.

Abstract: An advertising kiosk for holding a pair of translucent sheets of advertising copy. The kiosk is particularly suited for outdoor use and has a totally enclosed housing with pair of windows in which the sheets of the advertising copy are located. Plural fluorescent lamps are mounted at equidistantly spaced locations adjacent the windows and behind each sheet of advertising copy on a movable frame. Each window of the kiosk is covered by a transparent outer panel having an inner surface behind which the advertising copy is mounted. The advertising copy is held in place by a flexible diffuser sheet hingedly connected to the housing. Each diffuser sheet is adapted to flex into engagement with the advertising copy, whereupon the advertising copy is held tightly and evenly against the inner surface of the outer panel. The lamps provide even light through the diffuser sheet, the advertising copy and the outer panel, to illuminate the advertising copy for visibility by persons outside of the kiosk.

Abstract: A message display device for selectively displaying a variety of different messages from the rear of a vehicle. The message display device includes a message box that has a message plate with an inscribed message removably mounted thereon. The message box is secured on top of an adjustable bracket or a fixed bracket that is mounted to a vehicle surface. The message box is preferably mounted just inside the rear window, facing outward. The message display device is connected to the fuse box and is provided with a control switch that is mounted on the dash board of the vehicle to allow the driver to activate the message display device to illuminate the message plate.

Abstract: A display unit has multiple illuminators provided in a housing of the unit. The display unit has a right prism composed of at least four side faces each with a unique color and being detachably connected with a step motor. The display unit is able to provide the necessary brightness by means of the illuminators when the ambient light is not sufficient.