초록 ▼

An illumination device employs electroluminescent lamps which may be used alone or may cooperate with mask layers to define one or more rows of illuminated indicia which may be easily replaced to provide other types and colors of indicia. A circuit including a photocell automatically energizes the d

An illumination device employs electroluminescent lamps which may be used alone or may cooperate with mask layers to define one or more rows of illuminated indicia which may be easily replaced to provide other types and colors of indicia. A circuit including a photocell automatically energizes the device so as to operate above or below a threshold level of visual illumination depending on the intensity of surrounding light shining on the device. The circuit can be either hardwired to a structure, connected to a standard power cord or have an integral plug for connection to a conventional outlet. One or more interconnectable housings may be provided. The locations of the interconnectable housings may be varied relative to each other to create a unique visual impact when illuminating indicia.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An illumination system comprising:first and second electrical paths to be powered by a power source for lighting at least one light source, the power source to generate a periodically repeating signal having within each period a first half-cycle and a second half-cycle, the first an

[ I claim:] [1.] An illumination system comprising:first and second electrical paths to be powered by a power source for lighting at least one light source, the power source to generate a periodically repeating signal having within each period a first half-cycle and a second half-cycle, the first and second electrical paths respectively to conduct the first and second half-cycles of power to the light source;current regulating means including means sensitive to light intensity, the current regulating means interposed along one of the first and second paths, the light-sensitive means generating a relatively low electrical resistance when the intensity of light impinging on the light-sensitive means is above a predetermined triggering level, the relatively low resistance causing the current regulating means to substantially block one of the half-cycles to be conducted along the path with the current regulating means interposed therealong so that the light source receives one-half of the cycles from the power source and provides less than a threshold level of visual illumination, andthe light-sensitive means generating a relatively high electrical resistance when the intensity of light impinging on the light-sensitive means is below a predetermined triggering level, the relatively high resistance causing the current regulating means to substantially permit said one of the half-cycles to be conducted along the path with the current regulating means interposed therealong so that the light source receives the first and second half cycles from the power source and provides greater than the threshold level of visual illumination.