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US5469347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Retro-fit illuminated sign module and method
Assignee: AFC ACQUISITION Inc
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Filing: 1994-02-07
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Granted: 1995-11-21
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Expires: 2014-02-07
Abstract
Abstract A module for retro-fitting an illuminated Exit sign, includes a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted in the module. Light emitted by the diodes is reflected and scattered by a reflector panel in a generally uniform distribution pattern to illuminate the sign.
Inventors
- 👤 George Duve
- 👤 Jeffrey S. Gieger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:48
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/04; G09F13/0409; G09F13/14; F; F21; F21Y; F21Y2115/00; F21Y2115/10; G09F13/0418; G09F13/0422; G09F2013/145; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A module for retro-fitting an illuminated sign, comprising: a) a housing having a generally planar back wall, a light-transmissive front wall overlying and spaced from the back wall, and side walls extending between the front and back walls; b) a plurality of light sources mounted in the housing on the front wall and facing the back wall, said light sources being arranged in a plurality of longitudinally-extending rows spaced transversely apart of one another; c) a plurality of generally planar support strips, one for each row, for supporting the light sources, each support strip being inclined relative to the generally planar back wall; d) means for electrically energizing the light sources to emit light; and e) reflector means for reflecting the light emitted by the energized light sources away from the back wall and toward and through the front wall in a generally uniform distribution pattern.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A module for retro-fitting an illuminated sign, comprising: a) a housing having a generally planar back wall, a light-transmissive front wall overlying and spaced from the back wall, and side walls extending between the front and back walls; b) a plurality of light sources mounted in the housing on the front wall and facing the back wall, said light sources being arranged in a plurality of longitudinally-extending rows spaced transversely apart of one another; c) a plurality of generally planar support strips, one for each row, for supporting the light sources, each support strip being inclined relative to the generally planar back wall; d) means for electrically energizing the light sources to emit light; and e) reflector means for reflecting the light emitted by the energized light sources away from the back wall and toward and through the front wall in a generally uniform distribution pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The module according to claim 1, wherein the housing is constituted of a synthetic plastic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The module according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a box.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The module according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are miniature, light emitting diodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The module according to claim 4, wherein each diode has an elongated bulb envelope inclined relative to the front and back walls.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The module according to claim 1, wherein there are three of said rows.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The module according to claim 1, wherein each support strip is a printed circuit board.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The module according to claim 1, wherein the reflector means is a generally planar, reflector panel overlying the back wall and having an irregular, light-reflecting, textured surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The module according to claim 1, and further comprising means on the housing for adhering the module in a predetermined position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The module according to claim 4, wherein the energizing means includes main power supply means for converting AC voltage to DC voltage to energize the light emitting diodes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The module according to claim 10, wherein the energizing means includes back-up power supply means for converting a low, back-up DC voltage to a higher DC voltage to energize the light emitting diodes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-11-20 | 1999-05-22 | 1999-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-05-22 | 2003-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-20 | 2007-05-22 | 2007-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |