GB404721A - Improvements relating to illuminated signs, advertisements and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

404,721. Electric discharge tube signs; changing signs. VEREKER, H. C., 19, Eton Villas, Hampstead, London. May 5, 1933, No. 13022/32. [Classes 3 (i) and 3 (ii).] A sign comprises a glass panel bearing representations illuminated from the rear and forming a background for an electric discharge tube shaped as a character, and a casing which houses the electrode chambers of the discharge tube and the transformer energising the tube. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 a panel 3 serves as a background and support for discharge tubes 4 having electrode chambers 6 projecting through the panel into a casing 1 which houses a transformer 11. The panel is non-transparent save for an arrow inscription 7 illuminated by a discharge tube 8 similarly shaped or by a discharge tube 9 mounted in a reflector 10. In a modification Fig. 4, the panel is illuminated by a discharge tube 13 mounted in a reflector 14. In a further modification in which the tubes 4 are shaped to form an elephant, the panel is illuminated by an incandescent lamp mounted in a reflector such as 10, Fig. 2. The panel 3 may be suspended below the casing 1, the tubes 4 then being bent upwardly behind the panel, and a discharge tube may be arranged around the edges of the panel. The tubes 4 and the lamp illuminating the panel may be flashed and the surface of the panel which does not bear the representation may be silvered.