Abstract: According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes a light source module including a plurality of light sources, and a reflector opposed to the light source module. The reflector includes a plurality of incidence openings on which light from the light sources is made incident, a plurality of emission openings opposed to the incidence openings, and a plurality of reflective surfaces extending from the incidence openings to the emission openings, respectively. Each of the reflective surfaces is formed by combining a plurality of curved surfaces arranged in an optical axis direction of the light sources.

Abstract: An article of manufacture (160) in the form of a sign or label comprises a disclosed embodiment, produced in accordance with an example method. A substrate (170) is provided which forms a flat planar surface area having a desired shape, thickness and size. A design layer is formed through the use of inks and/or paints (172) applied to the substrate (170) in a predetermined pattern. When the inks and/or paints (172) are applied to the substrate (170), no ink or paint (172) is applied on one or more edges formed around the periphery of the sign (160) for an edge bare border (164). Also, a mounting hole (168) is provided, and an opening bare border (166) is formed around the mounting hole (168). A protective coating (176) is then applied over the inks and/or paints (172) so as to provide a protective cover.

Abstract: A light guide is provided that includes a light chamber defined by isotropically luminant top, bottom, and back surfaces, and a front surface having a translucent lens. The light guide also includes a reflective diaphragm within the chamber that defines a top gap between the diaphragm and the top surface, and a bottom gap between the diaphragm and the bottom surface. The light guide further includes an LED light source located between the diaphragm and the back surface of the chamber. The light guide may also be configured with a front surface having a partially transmissive lens and no reflective diaphragm. A vehicle lighting assembly is also provided that includes a plurality of interconnected light chamber sections comprising light guides.

Abstract: Transflective articles comprising a first layer having a first, outer major surface having a plurality of apertures therein; and a second layer having a major transflective surface. The transflective articles are useful, for example, in light assemblies.

Abstract: The inventors of the present application developed novel optically active materials, methods, and articles. One embodiment of the present application is an optically active article, comprising: an infrared-reflecting material positioned adjacent to an optically active substrate such that the infrared-reflecting material forms a pattern that can be read by an infrared sensor when the optically active substrate is illuminated by an infrared light source. Another embodiment of the present application relates to a method of manufacturing an optically active article, comprising: obtaining an optically active sheeting; and positioning an infrared-reflecting material on the optically active sheeting to form a pattern. The optically active article may be, for example, a license plate.

Abstract: Provided is an image display panel, image display panel installation equipment, and a manufacturing method for an image display panel, which display an image by using reflective light and realize a high reproducibility of a base image with a simple method. An image is displayed by a plate-like body processed through carving work. The plate-like body has a main portion made of a metal reflecting light and a surface layer portion made of a material absorbing light more than the main portion. The carving work forms linear V-shaped grooves on the front surface side of the plate-like body such that each minute section includes a plurality of grooves. Shading of the image is expressed by the depths of the V-shaped grooves. The image is displayed by light absorption on the surface layer portion and light reflection on the V-shaped grooves.

Abstract: Provided is an image display panel, image display panel installation equipment, and a manufacturing method for an image display panel, which display an image by using reflective light and realize a high reproducibility of a base image with a simple method. An image is displayed by a plate-like body processed through carving work. The plate-like body has a main portion made of a metal reflecting light and a surface layer portion made of a material absorbing light more than the main portion. The carving work forms linear V-shaped grooves on the front surface side of the plate-like body such that each minute section includes a plurality of grooves. Shading of the image is expressed by the depths of the V-shaped grooves. The image is displayed by light absorption on the surface layer portion and light reflection on the V-shaped grooves.

Abstract: A cylindrical reel for a slot machine, which includes a plurality of symbols having different patterns is provided. A reel according to an embodiment includes: a reel frame configured to receive rotational force from a rotational axis of a motor; a reel stripe disposed on an entire circumference of the reel frame and having a front surface including a group of the symbols thereon; a symbol piece including: a first surface having a flange shape; and a second surface protruding from the first surface and including one of the plurality of symbols thereon, wherein the reel stripe has at a least one opening exposing the second surface of the symbol piece, and the first surface of the symbol piece is attached to a rear surface of the reel stripe.

Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.

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 improved reflective yard sign that allows a user to select their own message and gives a user the option of choosing different interchangeable messages and different interchangeable reflectors. The sign includes at least one interchangeable reflector, at least one interchangeable graphic, and a least one clear lens. Front and back covers are fastened together to retain the reflector, graphic and lens. At least one of the covers includes an aperture through which the lens, graphic, and reflector may be viewed.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system that provides means for verifying the identity and authenticity of pursuing law enforcement vehicles by means of reversed or “mirrored” character indicia being placed on a law enforcement vehicle's windshield denoting the vehicle's identification so a motorist may look in their rearview mirror, call a police station and give the law enforcement vehicle identification to an operator who gives instruction to the motorist.

Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit shaped and two-sided signage. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light and a diffuser providing for diffusion. The shape of the signage from a viewer's perspective provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer. Two-sided signage includes two signs arranged back-to-back, each including a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. In the two-sided signage, the turning films receive light from an ambient light source and direct the light via the structured surfaces toward viewers of the two graphics in order to passively illuminate the signage. The two-sided signage can be shaped to provide content via the shape and graphics.

Abstract: A double-sided display structure comprising a light transmitting element comprising a light transmitting material. The light transmitting element has a pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) and a pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) substantially orthogonally disposed to the light receiving faces (22). A light reflecting layer (25) is disposed at an oblique angle to the light receiving faces (22) and the light emitting faces (23), and a pair of light-emitting displays (24) for displaying the same or different still and/or moving images are mounted such that an image from a respective light-emitting display (24) is emitted into a respective light receiving face (22) and is transmitted through the light transmitting element to be reflected by the reflecting layer (25) to a respective light emitting face (23), whereby the images received at the pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) are visible to observers through the pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) of the display structure.

Abstract: An article (101) is provided which includes a plurality of panels (103), wherein each panel comprises a first edge having a first longitudinally extending protrusion (107) adjacent thereto and a second edge having a second longitudinally extending protrusion (109) adjacent thereto, wherein each of the first and second protrusions has a planar exterior surface (131) and an interior surface (133) having an indentation (135) therein, and wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in an abutting manner such that the planar exterior surface of at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion are disposed in an opposing relation to each other. A coupler (113) is also provided which extends over said first and second protrusions. The coupler is equipped with at least a first protuberance (145) which engages the indentation on the interior surface of the first protrusion.

Abstract: A model that includes advertisement objects, shopping window advertisement, open air advertisement, closed space advertisement and with the real three dimensional characteristic within the sector of advertisement that is not virtual, including the following parts: main box, plates, the mirror/the reflecting surface, the electronic circuit, the soft (paper fabric) material/Teflon dry grease product, first engine, second engine, the mechanism engine, the metal plate, the battery, and the lighting unit, and the magnet, the metal rod, and the gear engine, the first main gear, the interim gears and the second main gear, and the magnet inside the product, capable of providing the image that a half of a real product is rotating in the air and the other half is being reflected on the mirror the reflective surface in a virtual manner and thus being able to provide the vision that the whole product is rotating on empty space.

Abstract: A safety sign that has a front panel with cut out letters or numbers that form the word or message of the sign. Behind the front panel a predetermined distance can be a reflective panel or other surface. Light from an oncoming vehicle can reflect from this reflective panel through the cut out letters causing the sign to function like any other safety sign when not lighted. One or more light sources like LEDs can be mounted facing the reflective panel at angles so that light from these sources is reflected from the reflective panel and out through the cut out letters causing the sign to increase significantly in visibility at night or in other low light conditions. Further light sources can be located around the periphery of the sign or around the word or words on the sign. All or part of the light sources can be made to blink, and the system can optionally be made to turn off during the daytime. The sign can be run from AC power or battery power.

Abstract: A retroreflective film (30) comprising a cover layer (40), a prismatic layer (42), a reflective layer (44), an adhesive layer (46), and a protective liner (48). The prismatic layer (42) has retroreflective prism elements (60) formed on its rear surface and the reflective layer (44) covers the rear surfaces of the prism elements. The film (30) has an elongation of at least 20% and can be constructed for use with a substrate subjected to a cold-work deformation process, such as stamping, embossing, or pressing.

Abstract: An improved reflective yard sign that allows a user to select their own message and gives a user the option of choosing different interchangeable messages and different interchangeable reflectors. The sign includes at least one interchangeable reflector, at least one interchangeable graphic, and a least one clear lens. Front and back covers are fastened together to retain the reflector, graphic and lens. At least one of the covers includes an aperture through which the lens, graphic, and reflector may be viewed.

Abstract: A portable message panel system is provided, comprising at least one message panel, wherein each panel includes a coilable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material covers selected portions of the frame member to form the panel, the fabric material held taut within the frame member when assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, so that the fabric material extends in a flat planar configuration when the frame member is in its unfolded orientation. The fabric material includes one or more reinforced holes formed into the fabric material, and includes one or more quick-release buckles adapted to engage other panels to form a multi-panel assembly. The system further includes one or more mounting brackets, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a base having one or more suction devices adapted for adhering to a surface, and a clamping device adapted to grip the panel.

Abstract: A safety sign that has a front panel with cut out letters or numbers that form the word or message of the sign. Behind the front panel a predetermined distance can be a reflective panel or other surface. Light from an oncoming vehicle can reflect from this reflective panel through the cut out letters causing the sign to function like any other safety sign when not lighted. One or more light sources like LEDs can be mounted facing the reflective panel at angles so that light from these sources is reflected from the reflective panel and out through the cut out letters causing the sign to increase significantly in visibility at night or in other low light conditions. Further light sources can be located around the periphery of the sign or around the word or words on the sign. All or part of the light sources can be made to blink, and the system can optionally be made to turn off during the daytime. The sign can be run from AC power or battery power.

Abstract: A warning triangle for a motor vehicle includes at least one light-emitting diode, which emits light when in operation, and a light guide, which guides light emitted by the light-emitting diode to a front portion of the warning triangle and to a back portion of the warning triangle.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be operated to selectively hide or reveal visual or graphical displays or material. In some embodiments, an apparatus useful for presenting advertising material which can be operated to reveal or display graphical advertising in a display-mode and, conversely, to hide or conceal such graphical advertising when in a conceal-mode.

Abstract: Provided is an image display panel, image display panel installation equipment, and a manufacturing method for an image display panel, which display an image by using reflective light and realize a high reproducibility of a base image with a simple method. An image is displayed by a plate-like body processed through carving work. The plate-like body has a main portion made of a metal reflecting light and a surface layer portion made of a material absorbing light more than the main portion. The carving work forms linear V-shaped grooves on the front surface side of the plate-like body such that each minute section includes a plurality of grooves. Shading of the image is expressed by the depths of the V-shaped grooves. The image is displayed by light absorption on the surface layer portion and light reflection on the V-shaped grooves.

Abstract: For illuminating an object and generating a light image, e.g. for presentation of the object, an illumination assembly comprises a reflective part for illumination and a diffractive part for generating the light image. A light source such as a LED light source is used for generating the light.

Abstract: This invention relates to traffic signs which are optimized for night vision based navigation. The symbol/word of the traffic sign is designed to have a thick outline with different reflectivity relative to the background in the infrared wavelength region. As a result, the traffic signs are not only visible to the human eyes but also discernible under night vision equipment.

Abstract: A rescue locator signal is provided that includes a central member with a first arm extending therefrom in a first direction. A second arm extends from the central member in a second direction that is completely opposite to the first direction, and a third arm extends from the central member in a third direction. A fourth arm extends from the central member in a fourth direction that is completely opposite to the third direction. A plurality of reflective members are located on upper surfaces of the first arm, second arm, third arm, and fourth arm.

Abstract: A backlit logo device includes an elongated light guiding member and two sources. The two light sources are arranged at opposite ends of the light guiding member. The light guiding member includes a display surface. The display surface includes a transparent logo so light from the light sources passes through the logo. The light guiding member further includes a light reflecting surface opposite to the display surface. The light reflecting surface includes a plurality of light diffusing portions formed in a middle portion of light reflecting surface. The light diffusing portions are configured to diffusely reflect the light from the light sources to the display surface.

Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.

Abstract: A vehicle showcase display badge is provided which includes a bezel, a substantially transparent front lens, and a rear lens comprising a light transparent front surface and a colored reflective rear surface. The badge also includes a graphic assembly disposed between the front lens and the rear lens, wherein the rear lens provides a three-dimensional appearance of the graphic assembly. The badge further includes an attachment for attaching the badge to a vehicle such that the graphic assembly is viewable. One or more curved surfaces may be employed on the rear lens to provide a shadow effect. One or more of the lenses may be overmolded.

Abstract: An identification apparatus and methods of use are presented. Embodiments include a loop of flexible material, having and exterior surface. Indicia, identifying an organization, is displayed on at least a portion of the exterior surface. A container is provided to store the loop of flexible material. Some embodiments couple the container with a belt or other article of clothing or clothing accessory. The loop of flexible material may be coupled with the container. The container may serve as an anchoring point for one or more methods of displaying the loop of flexible material. Some methods of use position the loop of flexible material over portions of a user's body. Some methods of use permit one hand operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable message panel system is provided, comprising at least one message panel, wherein each panel includes a coilable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material covers selected portions of the frame member to form the panel, the fabric material held taut within the frame member when assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, so that the fabric material extends in a flat planar configuration when the frame member is in its unfolded orientation. A message is located on the fabric material and comprises one or more alphanumeric characters, symbols, or icons. Fasteners on each panel enable more complex, multi-panel messages to be formed as needed.

Abstract: A double-sided display structure comprising a light transmitting element comprising a light transmitting material. The light transmitting element has a pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) and a pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) substantially orthogonally disposed to the light receiving faces (22). A light reflecting layer (25) is disposed at an oblique angle to the light receiving faces (22) and the light emitting faces (23), and a pair of light-emitting displays (24) for displaying the same or different still and/or moving images are mounted such that an image from a respective light-emitting display (24) is emitted into a respective light receiving face (22) and is transmitted through the light transmitting element to be reflected by the reflecting layer (25) to a respective light emitting face (23), whereby the images received at the pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) are visible to observers through the pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) of the display structure.

Abstract: A reflective sheet material for use on exterior signs and exposed surfaces includes a sheet member having a series of adjacent, parallel primary grooves extending across at least one surface. Each group is defined by first and second elongate facets forming an angle of at least 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface and to the length of the facets. A thin opaque, reflective layer extends over the surface in the region of the grooves and conforms to the series of grooves so as to form a series of associated angular grooves. A transparent material extends over and substantially fills these angular grooves, thereby forming a substantially smooth outer surface which is located at or close to the top edges of the grooves. The sheet material can be flexible or rigid.

Abstract: A sign including a panel having at least one indicator-shaped aperture therethrough from side to side. The panel includes a backing secured to a first surface of the panel. The backing can be made of fire-retardant material. A sheet can be secured to a second surface of the panel. The sheet can be made of fire-retardant material. A volume of fluid can be contained within a space defined by the at least one panel aperture, the backing and the sheet.

Abstract: A traffic sign includes a post; a base plate mounted on the post; at least one panel formed on the base plate, at least one panel formed on the base plate, each of the at least one panel being red, yellow, green, or blue; and at least one letter each formed on the panel, each of the at least one letter being “E” indicating east, “W” indicating west, “S” indicating south, or “N” indicating north. The traffic sign has colors of the panels chosen by considering common sense into consideration. A motorist may see the color of each panel of a traffic sign well ahead of the automobile driving on a highway. This is because the eyes are more sensitive to colors. A motorist can easily decide when to leave the highway when seeing the color of the panel with the further indication of the direction letter therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a mirror unit having a mirror unit front with a mirror surface and having a lighting unit comprising a plurality of light sources and a lenticular lens array. The light sources and the lenticular lens array are arranged to provide mirror unit light in a space in front of the mirror unit front.

Abstract: A direct point LED sign employs the use of flat head LED's embedded within a mirrored reflective panel where an upper layer of varying distance from the mirrored surface comprises a crushed ice diffuser with an irregular front surface which reflects and intensifies light passing therein creating an enlarged surface area of the LED's. This in turn greatly increases the readability of the character members in road and highway signs, commercial signs, or individual letters, numbers, and symbols.

Abstract: A display presenting a multi-faceted illumination effect includes a housing having an opening and a light source within the housing. A cover at least partially covers the opening of the housing and has a plurality of facets that are angled with respect to each other. One or more of the angles are formed such that facets abutting at the angles are visibly distinct to an observer outside the housing when illuminated by the light source within the housing to produce the multi-faceted illumination effect.

Abstract: An outdoor sign having a wire supporting frame for a sign panel, the sign panel being attached to the supporting frame with cable ties in a manner to allow free movement of the sign panel within the supporting frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of illuminated signs and displays, and to decorative and specialist lighting fixtures. A light transmissive device (1) includes a panel (2) having a cavity (4) for housing a light source (6), the panel having surfaces such that light emitted from a light source (6) in the cavity (4) propagating along the panel (2) will be substantially totally internally reflected. The invention provides a construction that allows for a slim lighting panel with an innovative feature in the form of an illuminated edge at the sides of the light transmissive device, of any colour, thus providing a display device with a high visual impact.

Abstract: A barrier for use in a barrier system is described. The barrier is movable to control access past the barrier, and said barrier comprises a media support means arranged to support a removable media to be displayed. The support means defines a media receiving path along which the media is movable to an inserted position in which the media is displayed.

Abstract: A safety sign that has a front panel with cut out letters or numbers that form the word or message of the sign. Behind the front panel a predetermined distance can be a reflective panel or other surface. Light from an oncoming vehicle can reflect from this reflective panel through the cut out letters causing the sign to function like any other safety sign when not lighted. One or more light sources like LEDs can be mounted facing the reflective panel at angles so that light from these sources is reflected from the reflective panel and out through the cut out letters causing the sign to increase significantly in visibility at night or in other low light conditions. Further light sources can be located around the periphery of the sign or around the word or words on the sign. All or part of the light sources can be made to blink, and the system can optionally be made to turn off during the daytime. The sign can be run from AC power or battery power.

Abstract: A backlight is disclosed and includes a visible light transmissive body primarily propagating light by TIR with a light input surface and a light output surface and a light guide portion and a light input portion. The light guide portion has a light reflection surface and a light emission surface. The light input portion has opposing side surfaces that are not parallel. One of the opposing surfaces is co-planar with either the light emission surface or the light reflection surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface. The light source emits light into the light input portion. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or on the opposing side surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle showcase display badge is provided which includes a bezel, a substantially transparent front lens, and a rear lens comprising a light transparent front surface and a colored reflective rear surface. The badge also includes a graphic assembly disposed between the front lens and the rear lens, wherein the rear lens provides a three-dimensional appearance of the graphic assembly. The badge further includes an attachment for attaching the badge to a vehicle such that the graphic assembly is viewable. One or more curved surfaces may be employed on the rear lens to provide a shadow effect. One or more of the lenses may be overmolded.

Abstract: A lamp assembly with a solid, opaque panel perforated by at least one aperture producing a silhouetted symbol representative of a traffic or pedestrian message and a reflective coating affixed to the light-facing inner side of the panel that reflects light. The lamp assembly further includes at least one optical element that scatters the reflected light through the mask at a plurality of angles relative to the path of the emitted light passing directly from the light source and a low reflective, dark colored layer affixed to the outer side of the mask in order to provide contrast with the light passing through the pattern of apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overlay for conventional signs that provides multi-dimensional visibility. The overlay includes a number of individual trim sections disposed around the peripheral edge of the sign. The trim sections have an interior slot that engages the peripheral edge, and a reflective surface on the rear portion, and optionally on the edge portion, of each trim section. A connecting cable is received in a channel of each trim section, and the free ends of the cable and connected to secure the trim sections in place around the sign.

Abstract: An identification apparatus and methods of use are presented. Embodiments include a loop of flexible material, having an exterior surface. Indicia, identifying an organization, is displayed on at least a portion of the exterior surface. A container is provided to store the loop of flexible material. Some embodiments couple the container with a belt or other article of clothing or clothing accessory. The loop of flexible material may be coupled with the container. The container may serve as an anchoring point for one or more methods of displaying the loop of flexible material. Some methods of use position the loop of flexible material over portions of a user's body. Some methods of use permit one hand operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A Hunter Safety Apparatus which includes a Marking Ribbon and a Safety Signage System. The Hunter Safety Signage System includes a Safety Sign and a place to store reflective pins which are used by the hunters to find their way through a hunting area. Hunters stick the reflective pins to trees and branches as they walk through the hunting area to mark their path. The Marking Ribbon is generally a rectangular length of flexible reflective material which is attachable to tree and other support indicate present or future hunting use of a location.

Abstract: A reflective sheet material for use on exterior signs and exposed surfaces includes a sheet member having a series of adjacent, parallel primary grooves extending across at least one surface. Each group is defined by first and second elongate facets forming an angle of at least 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface and to the length of the facets. A thin opaque, reflective layer extends over the surface in the region of the grooves and conforms to the series of grooves so as to form a series of associated angular grooves. A transparent material extends over and substantially fills these angular grooves, thereby forming a substantially smooth outer surface which is located at or close to the top edges of the grooves. The sheet material can be flexible or rigid.