Electroluminescent lamp kit

Details Electroluminescent lamp kit Electroluminescent lamp kit

1999-02-25

2001-05-22

Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)

Illumination

Light source or light source support and luminescent material

C362S812000, C040S544000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06234641

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electroluminescent lamp technology as applied to retrofit existing back-lit signage or for installation as lighting for new signage. More particularly the invention relates to a unit or kit which allows for inexpensive and easy fitting of new signs, retrofitting and replacement of existing signs which are illuminated by conventional incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs, other electroluminescent (EL) lamps, and LED's, with electroluminescent light panels. Most particularly the invention relates to a pre-assembled electroluminescent (EL) light panel unit with an attached electrical connection module that is custom made and pre-assembled to a given specification such that installation time, cost, and error are substantially reduced.
The most critical feature of an emergency sign, for example an exit sign, is its visibility—in uniformity of illumination and contrast.
Another crucial aspect of emergency exit signs is their reliability. Lamp failure is a common problem in conventional fixtures.
Electroluminescent technology provides a more uniform illumination source than incandescent or fluorescent bulb lighting and lasts significantly longer, without other common problems associated with bulbs, such as hot spots that can eventually damage the sign, and dark spots that impair the visibility of the sign.
Electroluminescent technology itself has been known for many years. Some of its common uses are to illuminate the dials of instrument panels of automobiles and aircraft, and to illuminate the faces of wristwatches.
Recently this technology has been applied to replace the light source for signage such as EXIT signs which had traditionally been illuminated by one or more bulbs. The electroluminescent panels provide a more uniform light, and last much longer than bulbs, without other common problems of bulbs such as eventual distortion or removal of coloring on signs at areas nearest the bulbs due to the heat of the bulbs. An electroluminescent panel provides an extremely durable solid-state device which cannot bum out and which requires virtually no maintenance.
However, to date it has not been an easy task to retrofit or install electroluminescent lamp (EL) panels in signs. Each EL lamp panel typically has two electrical connection sites (leads or traces) which are connectable to a power source to provide the electrical field to illuminate the panel. Connections connecting the EL panel to the power source in a building must be made at the time of installation and are often physically difficult to make. The connections often break off, or otherwise become disconnected over time, resulting in installation error and failure of the retrofitted EL panel to light. In addition, there are various AC and DC voltages at which building electrical systems are supplied. Each EL panel must be appropriately connected such that in non-emergency systems the voltage across the EL panel is approximately 120V. Improperly adjusted voltage across the EL panel can result in installation error and possible failure of the EL retrofit panel.
It would be advantageous to have an inexpensive, easily installed retrofit kit or unit which can simply and easily be connected to the available power source, and which can also work with battery back-up systems in case of emergency or power failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the invention is a one-piece unit usable for retrofitting back-lit signs with electroluminescent panels, comprising: an EL lamp secured and preferably laminated to a diffuser; a connection module, which may have built-in surge protection, connected to first and second electrical connection leads of the EL lamp and secured in place to ensure a stable connection; and at least two electrical connection lead wires extending from the connection module for attachment to one or more power sources. The connection module is selected based on the AC and/or DC voltage of the power supply or supplies in the location to be fitted or retrofitted.
Another embodiment includes a kit form containing the one-piece unit, adhesive means for connecting the EL unit to an existing sign frame, wire connectors and installation instructions. Other embodiments provide retrofit units having inverters for applications in which an emergency power source provides direct current (DC) to the emergency sign fixture. In such situations, the brightness of the letters and direction indicators is actually increased by 25% over brightness during normal use, thereby further enhancing its safety capabilities.
Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit which is inexpensive, easy to install and which significantly reduces installation error and subsequent failure of newly fitted or retrofitted signs.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that can withstand sudden shocks and vibrations, and that can even withstand multiple power surges of up to 6,000 volts.
A still further aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that requires no regular maintenance.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that delivers uniform, high-contrast illumination.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that, unlike conventional red emergency exit signs, is calming, green, and will not be confused with a fire source in an emergency situation. The color scheme is also consistent with traffic signals, with green meaning go as opposed to red which has meant stop and danger.
It is a still further aspect of the invention to provide an electroluminescent unit that extends the life of the conventional emergency battery due to the minimal power requirements of the electroluminescent light panel.
It is a further aspect of the invention to provide an electroluminescent unit that meets or exceeds all code requirements for emergency exit sign retrofit kits.
A still further aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that, unlike compact fluorescent lamps which contain mercury, and incandescent bulbs which contain lead, contains no EPA-designated hazardous materials.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that operates on a fraction of a watt of power, and costs, on average, less than 60 cents per year to operate. No other electrically powered technology is more efficient.
Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that is inexpensive to produce and that can be made and assembled using standard equipment such as a paper cutter.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent unit that is fully-integrated, with no bulbs to change and no parts to replace, and that also eliminates the related costs of bulb lighting including purchase, maintenance, installation and disposal costs, as well as other costs due to damage of wiring from excessive heat in the fixture (which can itself create hazardous situations), and the cost of cooling to offset the heat produced by conventional fixtures.
Still another aspect of the invention is to provide an electroluminescent kit that contains a one-piece electroluminescent unit, adhesive materials for attaching the unit to a sign, wire connectors and installation instructions such that installation is easy, rapid, and significantly reduces associated installation error and failure of the unit.
These and other aspects of the invention are described in greater detail below.


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