Abstract: A LED lamp for use in lighted sign assemblies has a base configured to engage an associated electrical socket, a light array extending from the base, the base has conductive elements on the outer surface thereof to effect a power connection to the socket and internal contacts coupled thereto. The light array consists of three elongated circuit boards extending from the end of the base and oriented with respect to each other to form an array of triangular cross section. Each of the circuit boards has a multiplicity of light emitting diodes mounted upon its outer surface and spaced along its length, and a conductor connected to the diodes. A power transfer circuit electrically connects the circuit board conductor to the contacts in the base to provide electrical power to the diodes, and a generally tubular housing of light transmitting material mounted upon and extending from the end of the base in spaced relationship to the array.

Abstract: An illuminated exit sign having at least one chevron-shaped opening on its outer surface and a replaceable directional arrow cover that is substantially similar in shape to the opening and removable from the opening in order to selectively indicate an exit direction. A shoulder which is formed in the cover is adapted to abut with a shoulder formed at the opening. At least two snap tabs located on opposite sides of the arrow cover fit securely within corresponding notches disposed in the shoulder formed at the opening. The opposing configuration of the shoulders and the corresponding configuration of the snap tabs and notches facilitate the removal and replacement of the arrow by a single, quick snapping action which secures the cover in a snug, flush fit.

Abstract: An illuminated sign, such as an emergency exit sign, includes a stencil in which a pair of oppositely-directed, arrow-shaped through-holes are disposed. At least one arrow-shaped snap-in element is provided which is inserted into either of the through-holes to block the passage of light therethrough. The snap-in element includes elastic spring fingers having hook-shaped ends adapted to engage a rear end of a ridge which borders a rear side of a respective through-hole, thereby yieldably retaining the snap-in element within the through-hole. All of the spring-fingers are movable simultaneously through a respective through-hole.

Abstract: Lighting fixtures which feature indicia illuminated more uniformally and with greater brightness than in conventional lighting fixtures. LEDs which operate at a higher frequency/shorter wavelength, such as blue LEDs, emit light which causes the transformation material to reemit, reradiate or emit light at a lower frequency/longer wavelength with increased brightness and uniformity. In a preferred embodiment of the lighting fixtures, blue LEDs cause the transformation material to emit green light for bright and even illumination of indicia such as letters and chevrons in exit signs, and at a wavelength to which the human eye is serendipitously sensitive.

Abstract: A plate closure for use in an internally illuminated sign having a plurality of wiring ports to provide access to the interior of the sign for connecting wires from a power source including a housing made up of a pair of interlockable halves. Each of the halves has a peripheral sealing lip opposed to the peripheral lip of the other half to form a peripheral housing wall. The housing wall has a pair of substantially parallel opposed end walls, a top housing wall and a bottom wall. A top wiring port is formed in the top wall. A left wiring port is formed in one of the end walls, and a right wiring port is formed in the other of the end walls. Each of the wiring ports provides a selective access to the interior of the housing to provide wiring for a light source. Each of the walls, having one of the wiring ports, has a mounting groove in a portion of the housing wall defining the wiring port. Each mounting groove extends into the respective wall and opens into the respective wiring port.

Abstract: Detachable chevron-shaped panels that fit within chevron-shaped apertures in the cover of an exit sign. The panels are dimensioned to fit integrally into the apertures in order to withstand years of stress, temperature changes, and wear and tear but continue to perform in a light-fast and reliable manner. Yet they may be easily installed from the exterior of the exit sign, with minimum risk that they will fall into the interior during installation. Surprisingly, the present devices permit such easy installation without the need to use conventional "slide `n` snap" exit sign arrow fasteners that usually allow reliable installation but have proven to be destructive of a secure fit and light fastness. The panel accomplishes this by employing at least three tabs positioned in a certain manner about the perimeter of each wing of the panel which engage the (preferably bevelled) edge of the chevron-shaped aperture.

Abstract: A light bulb or lighting element protector apparatus is disclosed which comprises a socket assembly, a cage assembly, wherein the cage assembly further comprises a means for protecting a light bulb, a message area wherein the message area is located on the cage assembly, a word, a message or a logo wherein the word, message or logo is located on or in the message area, and a means for latching the cage assembly to the socket assembly.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign having opposed directional indicating arrow openings including a housing. A light source is mounted in the housing. The housing has a flat stencil with letter openings forming a message. A first directional indicating arrow opening is positioned adjacent to one end of the message and a second directional indicating arrow opening is positioned at the other end of the message. The two arrow openings indicate direction in opposite directions, each away from the message. A first arrow cover is positioned in the first arrow opening and a second arrow cover is positioned in the second arrow opening. A stiff resilient translucent sheet diffuser is mounted on the stencil between the stencil and the light source. The translucent sheet holds the arrow covers in their respective arrow openings.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign having indirect illumination provided by light emitting diodes (LED). A plurality of LED's are mounted on a printed circuit board (PC board) and mounted within the sign. The PC board is offset to a side of the sign housing with the somewhat directional LED light source directed toward a reflector. The reflector is angled to convert the generally narrow directional light source of an LED into a substantially even, diffused and non-uniform light distribution pattern.

Abstract: A lighting device (32) is provided to illuminate indicia (18) of an EXIT sign (10) having a sign housing (12) defining an enclosure (22) therein and having a primary electrical power source. The lighting device is provided with a reflector (40) having a shallow V-shaped contour (43,44,45) defining a centrally located valley in the reflector and a source of illumination (42) positioned in the valley of the reflector and powered by the primary power source, the source of illumination including two rows of LEDs (65), each row having a plurality of LEDs, and the rows being separated from one another and positioned on either side of the valley. The LEDs are positioned on either side of the valley (44,45) a sufficient distance from the valley to illuminate the edges of the sign parallel to the valley while preventing areas within the valley from having dark and/or unilluminated spots. The rows of LEDs are mounted on opposite edges of a printed circuit board (70) positioned in the valley of the reflector.

Abstract: In a lighting fixture such as an exit sign, a light emitting diode lighting device is provided for mating engagement with an electrical socket of the lighting fixture. The light emitting diode device has a plurality of light emitting diodes recessed in a U-shaped channel for directing light through a diffuser into a desired illumination pattern.

Abstract: Emergency lighting housing/canopy interfacing structure. The structure employs one or more fasteners which may be positioned into place quickly and simply without the aid of tools in order to retain the housing and canopy securely together. Additional redundance members such as conventional snap-fitting barb members may additionally be employed to assist in installation and for extra safety. The present invention accordingly provides emergency lighting housing/canopy interfaces which allow simple, quick and reliable installation of emergency lighting fixtures, but which add additional structure to support the housing and the considerable load imparted by transformers, batteries and other structure within the housing. A preferred embodiment includes an elongated fastener which may be snapped and rotated into place into mounting posts formed on the canopy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conversion kit whereby building or plant signs illuminated by incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes may be converted to electroluminescent illumination. The kit includes an electroluminescent panel and an opaque sign mask, The opaque sign mask is adapted to overlie the electroluminescent panel and the sign indicia of the mask are in the nature of stencil like cutouts to allow the light emitted by the underlying electroluminescent panel to pass only through the indicia cutouts.

Abstract: In lighting fixture such as an exit sign, a light emitting diode lighting device is provided for mating engagement with an electrical socket of the lighting fixture. The light emitting diode lighting device has a plurality of light emitting diodes with a light directing member spaced therefrom for directing light into a desired illumination pattern. The light directing member can be wedge or parabola shaped.

Abstract: An illuminated sign apparatus comprised of a reflector with dedicated cavities which are formed by having the perimeter walls of each cavity conform precisely to each individual area of the sign desiring illumination, typically alphabetic characters and the background area they create. The bottom walls of these cavities will project towards the viewers eye parabolically. The midpoint of the cavity, when viewed in cross section, is to be slightly less in height than that of the cavity-defining perimeter walls. The perimeter walls have point source lights such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed along their surface. These cavities may be filled in with transparent substance, fully encapsulating the LEDs thereby eliminating any reflective air space and facilitating light diffusion. The light sources may be provided with circuitry allowing unique powering to each of the individual cavities, resulting in the possibility of a variety of different display effects.

Abstract: A centrally powered, low voltage emergency sign and control circuit using high voltage AC power simultaneously providing continuous low voltage DC power to a plurality of emergency signs connected in parallel through a plurality of branch circuits and to continuously charge a single battery backup to all of the emergency signs should AC power fail. Each emergency sign is illuminated by electroluminescent diodes which are individually connected in parallel and in series throughout the emergency sign. When a fire alarm or emergency situation exists, the control circuit pulses the low voltage DC power to the emergency signs causing the LEDs to flash regardless if the control circuit is powered by high voltage AC power or backup battery power.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign having indirect illumination provided by light emitting diodes (LED). A plurality of LED's are mounted on a printed circuit board (PC board) and mounted within the sign. The PC board is offset to a side of the sign housing with the somewhat directional LED light source directed toward a reflector. The reflector is angled to convert the generally narrow directional light source of an LED into a substantially even, diffused and non-uniform light distribution pattern.

Abstract: In a lighting fixture such as an exit sign, a mounting base assembly is provided on a light emitting diode lighting device for mating engagement with an electrical socket. Once full mating engagement is achieved between the electrical socket and a base member of the mounting base assembly, the position of the housing carrying the light emitting diodes of the lighting device can be adjusted for alignment purposes without disturbing the full mating engagement of the electrical socket and the base member.

Abstract: In a lighting fixture such as an exit sign, a light emitting diode lighting device is provided for mating engagement with an electrical socket of the lighting fixture. The light emitting diode device has a plurality of light emitting diodes recessed in apertures for directing light into a desired illumination pattern.

Abstract: A kit retrofits a conventional exit sign, which normally uses internally mounted incandescent or fluorescent lamps, to operate using multiple LED sources in a group or assembly on a board. Indicia lighting is accomplished substantially indirectly through reflection of light from the LED sources. The LED source is electrically powered through an adapter that fits into the socket of the original incandescent lamp or fluorescent lamp, which is removed in the retrofit process. Metalized plastic light reflective panels are provided in the kit for adhesively connecting to inner surfaces of the enclosure for improved lighting efficiency of the indicia. Reduction of energy consumption by 10 or 20 times is coupled with virtually zero maintenance costs over long periods of time.

Abstract: A light unit for use in lighted sign assemblies has a housing with a rear wall, upstanding opposed side walls, and shield elements extending inwardly from adjacent the upper ends of the side walls. Light arrays extending along the side walls have light emitting diodes disposed in spaced relationship above the rear wall and below the shield elements, and a diffuser extends across the housing above the shield elements. The rear wall is configured to reflect light emitted from the diodes relatively uniformly across the diffuser which further contributes to relative uniform transmission of light therethrough. The power supply may include a circuit to transform alternating current line voltage into a reduced direct current voltage for the diodes, and the power supply may also provide direct current to the diodes from a battery power source when power is interrupted.

Abstract: An illuminating module with battery backup consisting of an array of light-emitting diodes is provided wherein the module combines the battery backup with the LED array in a self-contained light bulb-like unit which can be retrofitted into an existing incandescent light bulb socket. The batteries and the LED array are attached to a planar baseboard which further includes two base connectors. The base connectors are adapted to fit into existing light bulb sockets and are rotatably mounted on an edge of the baseboard to enable screwing them into light bulb sockets while the baseboard is kept stationary. The backup batteries are recharged from an external source of electrical current flowing through the base connectors. An automatic switching device switches the supply of electrical power for the LED array from the external source of electrical power to the backup batteries, when the flow of external electrical power is disrupted.

Abstract: An emergency light fixture is disclosed which includes a frame and a cover for the frame that has translucent and non-translucent portions thereon. The translucent portions of the cover define the word EXIT. The cover is indirectly lit from the interior of the fixture by an array of light emitting diodes mounted in the frame beneath the cover. The light emitting diodes are positioned directly beneath the non-translucent portions of the cover adjacent the translucent portions thereof in order to provide a uniform illumination to the translucent portions of the cover.

Abstract: A removable and reinsertible arrow cover for a sign stencil. The cover is equipped with an edge bevel, a tongue and an edge snap rail positioned remotely of the tongue to facilitate snap action insertion and removal as well as a snug, flush fit which provides a closed seal to the passage of light with an arrow shaped void in the stencil.

Abstract: An illuminated sign comprising a housing, illumination component within the housing and electrical components for powering the illumination component. The housing has a front wall with apertures representing information to be illuminated, sidewalls, a bottom wall, a back wall, an upper wall, the housing also has interior thereof a translucent panel positionable behind the front wall, a stencil panel with the apertures representing the information to be illuminated mounted behind the translucent panel, and a reflector within the housing. The illumination component is mounted on the rear of the stencil panel facing the back wall whereby illumination of the illumination component will reflect light from the back through the stencil panel, translucent panel, and the front wall. Electrical components feed current from the battery to the illumination component for effecting the illumination of the sign.

Abstract: An electrical lighting fixture of the "EXIT" sign type formed of a high-impact-strength, molded, substantially rigid plastics material including a transparent principal panel for viewing therethrough a flexible, translucent, light-diffusing sheet imprinted with an informative legend thereon. A perimetric, framing, marginal edge zone of the legend-carrying sheet is coated with a uniformly applied adhesive composition of even thickness. The latter constitutes means for firmly and securely bonding the sheet to the coextensive supporting panel of the fixture. The framing border of the panel, in registry with the adhesive-coated margin of the imprinted sheet, is preferably etched visually to shield the adhesive composition from view. A peelable, protective cover film overlies and is bonded, temporarily, to the legend carrying sheet for removal prior to fastening of the sheet in place on the panel.

Abstract: An illuminated display which utilizes optical fibers to convey visible light from a singular light source to a display board. The display board is provided with channels (apertures) into which ends of optical fibers are inserted and secured. The placement of optical fibers at regular intervals around the perimeter of an alphabetical character and an irregular, random locations within the area defined by the perimeter produces a display with enhanced visual effects, greater reliability, and lower operating costs than conventional illuminated displays.

Abstract: This invention relates to means for indication and/or illumination which can be mounted to project from vertical walls and horizontal beams consisting of a sign portion of substantially prismatic shape hinged to a supporting member adapted for attachment to a wall or beam, the sign portion of which has two diverging faces joined by a bevel portion having a flat surface lying at right angles to the bisector of the dihedral formed by the surfaces of the diverging faces, on which bevel portion are provided hinge means having an axis at right angles to the flat surface of the bevel portion. An attachment member is provided in the supporting member which can be engaged by one of the diverging faces placed in front thereof and rigidly attached thereto.

Abstract: In an exit sign, a plurality of rugged low voltage incandescent lamps are mounted on a printed circuit board to provide proper illumination. The lamps are positioned to provide indirect illumination to the "EXIT" stencilling of the exit sign. The exit sign can be adapted for use with both low voltage alternating current and low voltage emergency direct current. Because the lamps are driven at low voltage and are resistant to failure due to vibration, etc., they can be expected to attain a long life in service.

Abstract: An illuminated exit sign having a novel layered arrangement including a multiplicity of miniature incandescent light bulbs. The light bulbs are mounted on a lamp assembly board in such a manner as to spell out the word "EXIT." A plastic sheet having holes therein is laid over the lamp assembly board, each of the bulbs entering a hole in the sheet. A stencil-type mask on top of the sheet defines the work "EXIT." When power is supplied, the bulbs provide direct illumination to the observer, and also diffuse light throughout the plastic sheet, providing background illumination of the lettering, with improved field of vision.

Abstract: An illuminated exit sign having a plurality of series connected light emitting diodes arranged to form the word "exit" and a control circuit for supplying power to the series connected diodes from line power and, during power failures, from battery power. The control circuit illuminates the diodes continuously during normal operation and alternately switches the diodes on and off during a power failure.

Abstract: An emergency light, designed primarily for use in residences, comprises a trapezoidal-shaped box to be mounted above an exit door or other emergency object and having a downwardly and inwardly inclined front face formed of a translucent material bearing the word EXIT or other appropriate directive, and a horizontal bottom wall of transparent or translucent material, the housing containing one or more lights for illuminating the front face to illuminate the directive thereon and to cast light forwardly and downwardly through the front face and downwardly through the bottom wall to illuminate the exit door or other emergency object and the surrounding area to facilitate location of and access to the object; the light or lights preferably being energized at 6, 9 or 12 volts to provide for economy of use and operation.

Abstract: An illuminated sign with an opaque sign plaque employs a light source overlying the sign plaque embraced by a concave downward facing reflector, and a flat lower reflector underlying the sign plaque, providing both direct and reflected illumination over the face of the sign plaque. In its preferred form, the concave reflector is compoundly curved over the ends of the sign plaque and the flat lower reflector is tilted toward the sign plaque.

Abstract: In a marking display structure for a motor vehicle window, a means is provided which is arranged to illuminate, from inside, a marking display element so that the marking, which represent the type, model or the like of the motor vehicle, can be recognized not only during day time but also at night.

Abstract: An emergency exit sign utilizes an EL lamp in combination with a pilot light which is connected to the EL lamp via a photoelectric link. The photoelectric link monitors the brightness of the EL lamp and keeps the pilot light on so long as the EL lamp is lit. The pilot light is necessary because the illumination provided by the EL lamp may be less than the illumination of background brightness making it difficult to tell by looking at the EL lamp whether or not the EL lamp is energized. Since the pilot light provides a "point" of illumination, it is easy to see when it is on so that one can tell whether or not the sign is lighted by simply looking at the pilot light.In order to see the exit sign even if power to the EL lamp is interrupted and the room is dark, a translucent sheet of phosphorescent material is placed over the EL lamp to transmit light from the EL lamp while at the same time storing energy so as to "glow in the dark" should the EL lamp be extinguished.

Abstract: An "EXIT" sign utilizes a flat fluorescent lamp for illuminating the word "EXIT" through a stencil. The sign also includes a phosphorescent material which cooperates with the stencil to display the word "EXIT" when power to the lamp is cut.

Abstract: A phosphorescent escape route indicator having at least one protruding indicia formed within or attached to a sheet of material. The protruding indicia has incorporated therewith a phosphorescent substance capable of emitting a glow in the absence of light. An adhesive formed as part of the sheet is utilized to apply the indicator to the surface of walls or stairways thereby aiding in delineating escape routes or access routes to emergency equipment during time of emergency.

Abstract: A self-luminous safety sign with variable legend capability. A housing supports a faceplate having safety warnings or symbols thereon. Self-luminous lights, adapted to illuminate selected characters or symbols on the faceplate without external electrical connections, are selectively mounted in the housing. The lights are removable from and displaceable within the housing so that the desired characters or symbols on the faceplate can be illuminated.

Abstract: An electrically illuminated sign has a box-like frame with a front face opening and encloses a message plate displaying a message unit through the opening. A separate opaque border strip circumscribes the message unit of the message plate forwardly overlying the same and being forwardly engaged by a frame flange. Opposite side parts of the border strip have directional signal openings formed therethrough normally exposing a contrasting coloration of the message plate therethrough and selectively slidably removable cover strips are positioned between the message plate and border strip covering the border strip directional signal openings with a coloration matching the border strip. The sign may be attached to a mounting surface by a two-piece mounting bracket having a first part secured to the frame and a second part securable to the mounting surface with the bracket parts having slidably interfitting dove-tail portions securing the parts.

Abstract: A conversion kit or assembly for standard exit sign constructions is provided which allows quick and easy changeover of the sign (which is normally illuminated only by standard 120 volt building current) to a design wherein a secondary source of illumination and electrical power is provided for emergency use. The conversion kit includes a replacement support housing having a battery and printed circuit board therein, along with secondary bulbs designed for quick attachment within the sign lens unit, and wiring means for connecting the primary and secondary illuminators to respective power sources. The secondary bulbs are wired to light only upon a failure of normal power, so as to ensure operation of the exit sign. A test switch is also provided for periodically testing the secondary illumination system.

Abstract: The invention is an emergency illumination apparatus for use in areas where the presence of gases, vapors, dust, or combustible matter makes the use of conventional apparatus hazardous. The apparatus has a front compartment and a rear, explosion proof compartment that is separated, from the front apartment, by a divider wall. This divider wall has sealed light sockets on the front compartment side. Furthermore, the rear compartment has sealed electrical connections to at least two independent power sources.