Neon illumination apparatus and method of using same
US5546290A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q1/56
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A new and improved neon illumination apparatus and method for illuminating large and small areas, such as the exterior and interior of a motor vehicle and the like, with bright glowing light. The apparatus includes an elongated transparent tube holder member for receiving an elongated neon bulb and a high voltage power distribution system. The high voltage power distribution system is encapsulated with an end cap adapted to be secured to the tube holder member for insulating and sealing the neon bulb and distribution system from the exterior environment and for forming a unitary illuminating device. The end cap includes an electrical input arrangement adapted to be coupled to a conventional low voltage, direct current source, such as the low voltage electrical system of a vehicle. In the preferred form of the present invention, the high voltage power distribution system includes a power converter for transforming low voltage direct current to low voltage, high frequency alternating current and a high voltage, high frequency transformer coupled to the power converter for generating high voltage, high frequency electrical power to energize the neon tube. The preferred method of using…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.