LED symbol signal

• US 7,175,305 B2
• Filed: 01/26/2005
• Issued: 02/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Current Lighting Solutions, LLC (f/k/a GE Lighting Solutions, LLC) (American Industrial Partners)
• Original Assignee: Gelcore (General Electric Company)
• Inventors: Martineau, Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea; Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Truong; Bao Q.
• Application Number:
  US11/043,562
• Publication Number:
  US 20050128768A1
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 362/246, 362/247, 362/244, 362/308, 362/240, 362/248, 362/331, 362/333, 362/326, 362/355, 362/800, 362/812, 362/555, 362/540, 362/545, 362/544, 362/543, 362/254, 340/815.45, 340/815.55, 340/815.56, 340/907, 340/908, 405/41, 405/57
• US Class Current: 362/244
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/04 of lens shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/09 with a combination of different curvatures
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0409 Arrangements for homogeneous illumination of the display surface, e.g. using a layer having a non-uniform transparency arrangements of reflectors G09F13/14
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0413 Frames or casing structures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/06 using individual cut-out symbols or cut-out silhouettes, e.g. perforated signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/008 Sun shades, shades, hoods or louvres on electronic displays to minimise the effect of direct sun light on the display
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/3023 Segmented electronic displays
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/18 Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components H05K1/0201, H05K1/023, H05K1/0243, and H05K1/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/0052 Depaneling, i.e. dividing a panel into circuit boards; Working of the edges of circuit boards

Abstract

A LED symbol signal with LEDs arrayed to correspond to a desired symbol. A mask defines the desired symbol. A diffusion surface on the cover diffuses the display aspect, obscuring the individual LEDs. The mask is spaced a distance from the diffusing surface. The more aggressive the diffusion pattern the closer the mask is spaced to the diffusion pattern. Preferably, the ratio of the pitch of the optical elements to the width of the symbol at the diffusion surface is less than 1:2, preferably less than 1:4, more preferably less than 1:6 and most preferably approximately 1:10.

Claims

1. A light emitting diode symbol signal, comprising:

at least one light emitting diode mounted on

a printed circuit board, arranged in

a housing with an open end;

the open end covered by

a mask with at least one hole defining the symbol, and

a cover, with a plurality of optical elements substantially covering an inner face of the cover,

said signal being arranged for placement into an incandescent signal housing upon removal of an incandescent lamp and lens,

wherein the signal connects to an incandescent lamp socket with an incandescent socket power connector.

2. The signal of claim 1, wherein:

a power supply circuit is located on the printed circuit board.

3. The signal of claim 1, wherein:

a front surface of the cover is angled with respect to a back plane of the housing.

4. The signal of claim 1, wherein:

the symbol is an arrow.

5. The signal of claim 1, wherein the optical elements are one of spherical, arc, and a straight line face.

6. A light emitting diode symbol signal, comprising:

at least one light emitting diode mounted on

a printed circuit board shaped to support electrical circuitry and a light emitting diode configuration generally corresponding to the symbol but otherwise cut-away, arranged in

a housing with an open end;

the open end covered by

a mask with at least one hole defining the symbol, and

a cover, with a plurality of optical elements substantially covering an inner face of the cover.

7. The light emitting diode symbol signal of claim 6, wherein:

a power supply circuit is located on the printed circuit board.

8. The signal of claim 6, wherein the light distribution pattern is symmetrical and the optical elements are one of spherical, arc, and a straight line face.

9. The signal of claim 6, wherein the symbol is an arrow.