Display sign - Patent Review 5151679

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claims are as follows:

1. A sign comprising at least one light pipe of a suitable material of substantially uniform index of refraction having a longitudinal axis of extension, said at least one light pipe made of light-transmitting material, said at least one light pipe for displaying a predetermined message or design, said at least one light pipe having at least two ends and carrying at least one light source being a light-emitting diode proximate at least one end wherein the at least one light source is contained in said at least one end, said light source directed towards anther end of the light pipe in the direction of the longitudinal axis of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of said light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, the sign further carrying electrical circuit means for energizing said light source, and means for mounting the at least one light pipe to display the predetermined message or design; whereby energizing of said light source causes to be transmitted in said light pipe, light therefrom emerging through the translucent outer surface of said light pipe for the display of the predetermined message or design.

2. The sign of claim 1 wherein said light pipe is made of acrylic.

3. The sign claim 1 or 2 wherein light scattering means are disposed within the light pipe proximate the light source to improve the dispersion of the light through the light pipe.

4. The sign of claim 3 wherein the light scattering means are bubbles, some which are formed in a predetermined locations about the light-emitting diode.

5. The exit sign of claim 4 wherein the light pipes are manufactured from acrylic or epoxy plastic materials wherein the index of refraction allows for substantially total internal reflection of any light engaging any surface other than the translucent surface of said light pipe.

6. The exit sign of claim 3 wherein the light pipes are manufactured from acrylic or epoxy plastic materials wherein the index of refraction allows for substantially total internal reflection of any light engaging any surface other than the translucent surface of said light pipe.

7. The sign of claim 1 wherein means are provided within the light pipe for scattering some of the light within the light pipe at an angle greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection for the material from which the light pipe is made.

8. The light pipe of claim 7, wherein the scattering means comprises bubbles.

9. For use as a light source in a sign a light pipe having at least two ends of a suitable material of substantially uniform index of refraction, having a longitudinal axis of extension, and carrying at least one light source being a light emitting diode proximate at least one end wherein the at least one light source is contained in said at least one end, said light source directed towards another end of the light pipe in the direction of the longitudinal axis of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of the light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, whereby when light is transmitted in the light pipe, the light therefrom emerges through the translucent outer surface of the light pipe.

10. The light pipe of claim 9 wherein bubbles created during manufacturing around an opening within which the LED (Light Emitting Diode) is contained assists the dispersion of the light, the majority of light passing through the translucent surface because of the design of the light pipes taking advantage of the substantially total internal reflection of incident light upon all surfaces with the exception of the translucent surface.

11. The light pipe claim 9 wherein means are provided within the light pipe for scattering some of the light within the light pipe at an angle greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection for the material from which the light pipe is made.

12. The light pipe of claim 11 wherein the scattering means comprises bubbles.

13. The light pipe of claim 9 wherein light scattering means are disposed within the light pipe proximate the light source to improve the dispersion of the light through the light pipe.

14. The light pipe of claim 13 wherein the light scattering means are bubbles, some of which are formed in a predetermined location about the light-emitting diode.

15. A light pipe for use as illuminating elements in signs, said light pipe comprising at least one portion having two ends, of a suitable material of substantially the uniform index of refraction, having a longitudinal axis of extension and having contained in at least one end thereof a light source being a light-emitting diode, the light source directed toward the other end of the light pipe in the direction of the longitudinal axis of extension of the light pipe, the light pipe having disposed adjacent the light source means for scattering some of the light from the light source within the pipe at an angle greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection for the material from which the light pipe is made, a portion of the outer surface of the light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom; whereby energizing of each light source causes light to be transmitted int he light pipe emerging through the translucent outer surface.

16. The light pipe of claim 15 wherein the light pipe comprises an acrylic material having a light-emitting diode embedded therein.

17. An exit sign comprising a housing having a frame, circuit means, a plurality of light pipes, and power supply means:

a) said light pipes of a suitable material of substantially uniform index of refraction, having a longitudinal axis of extension comprising plastic portions having at least two ends and having disposed in at least one end thereof light sources, the light sources directed towards the other end of the light pipe in the direction of the longitudinal axis of extension of the light pipe, said light pipes being manufactured from transparent material and having a portion of the outer surface of said pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom in use, said multiplicity of light pipes displaying the word "exit" and being interconnected with said circuit means and mounted therewith;

b) circuit means comprising normal low voltage A/C power input means connected to a rectifying means and regulation means which energize the light pipes during normal operation of said exit sign, emergency power supply means in conjunction with rectification means which energize said light pipes during emergency situations, control means for engaging the emergency circuit within said circuit means, said control means being accessible remotely to engage the functions of said control means said circuit means being mountable within said housing;

c) said housing comprising a frame within which said circuit means is contained and having disposed proximate said light pipes a singular sheet of material through which the word "EXIT" may be read clearly, said housing further comprising a mounting means fastened to said frame for mounting said exit sign;

d) power supply means for providing power to said exit sign; whereby the letters of the exit sign are formed of illuminated light pipes.

18. The exit sign of claim 17 wherein the light sources are light-emitting diodes.

19. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein the light pipes are of substantially rectangular a shape.

20. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein said control means comprises a timer and driver for allowing flashing of the exit sign and for the increase in the illumination level thereof.

21. The exit sign of claim 19 wherein said control means comprises a timer and driver for allowing flashing of the exit sign and for the increase in the illumination level thereof.

22. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein the exit sign comprises light pipes having a substantially rectangular shape and having a predetermined axis, having disposed at each end thereof light-emitting diodes embedded within the light pipe by firstly drilling a hole within the end of the light pipe in which a light-emitting diode will be disposed, mixing the shavings created from drilling the hole with a solvent thereby providing a potting mixture, inserting the potting mixture back within the opening in which the light-emitting diode is embedded and allowing it to cure.

23. The exit sign of claim 20 wherein the exit sign comprises light pipes having a substantially rectangular shape and having a predetermined axis, having disposed at each end thereof light-emitting diodes embedded within the light pipe by firstly drilling a hole within the end of the light pipe in which a light-emitting diode will be disposed, mixing the shavings created from drilling the hole with a solvent thereby providing a potting mixture, inserting the potting mixture back within the opening in which the light-emitting diode is embedded and allowing it to cure.

24. The exit sign of claim 21 wherein the exit sign comprises light pipes having a substantially rectangular shape and having a predetermined axis, having disposed at each end thereof light-emitting diodes embedded within the light pipe by firstly drilling a hole within the end of the light pipe in which a light-emitting diode will be disposed, mixing the shavings created from drilling the hole with a solvent thereby providing a potting mixture, inserting the potting mixture back within the opening in which the light-emitting diode is embedded and allowing it to cure.

25. The exit sign of claim 22 wherein the solvent is methylene chloride.

26. The exit sign of claim 23 wherein the solvent is methylene chloride.

27. The exit sign of claim 22 wherein the face of the rectangular light pipe opposite the circuit means is painted with a solvent and then exposed to vapor thereby rendering said surface translucent.

28. The exit sign of claim 23 wherein the face of the rectangular light pipe opposite the circuit means is painted with a solvent and then exposed to vapor thereby rendering said surface translucent.

29. The exit sign of claim 25 wherein the face of the rectangular light pipe opposite the circuit means is painted with a solvent and then exposed to vapor thereby rendering said surface translucent.

30. The exit sign of claim 26 wherein the face of the rectangular light pipe opposite the circuit means is painted with a solvent and then exposed to vapor thereby rendering said surface translucent.

31. The exit sign of claim 27 wherein the solvent is methylene chloride.

32. The exit sign of claim 28 wherein the solvent is methylene chloride.

33. The exit sign of claim 30 wherein the solvent is methylene chloride.

34. The exit sign of claim 18 wherein said light pipes have light-emitting diodes at each end thereof.

35. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein light scattering means are disposed within the light pipe proximate the light source to improve the dispersion of the light through the light pipe.

36. The exit sign of claim 35 wherein the light scattering means are bubbles, some of which are formed in a predetermined location about the light-emitting diode.

37. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein the light pipes are manufactured from acrylic or epoxy plastic materials wherein the index of refraction allows for substantially total internal reflection of any light engaging any surface other than the translucent surface of said light pipe.

38. The exit sign of claim 22 wherein the light pipes are manufactured from acrylic or epoxy plastic materials wherein the index of refraction allows for substantially total internal reflection of any light engaging any surface other than the translucent surface of said light pipe.

39. The exit of claim 23 wherein the light pipes are manufactured from acrylic or epoxy plastic materials wherein the index of refraction allows for substantially total internal reflection of any light engaging any surface other than the translucent surface of said light pipe.

40. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein bubbles created during manufacturing around an opening within which the LED (Light Emitting Diode) is contained assist the dispersion of the light, the majority of light passing through the translucent surface because of the design of the light pipes taking advantage of the substantially total internal reflection of incident light upon all surfaces with the exception of the translucent surface.

41. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein the exit sign comprises circuit means having auxiliary flashing features wherein the sign may flash during emergency situations.

42. The exit sign of claim 41 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with flashing of said exit sign.

43. The exit sign of claim 22 wherein the exit sign comprises circuit means having auxiliary flashing features wherein the sign may flash during emergency situations.

44. The exit sign of claim 43 wherein the exit may comprise circuit means having means to boost the illumination of the light pipes engaged therewith during emergency situations,

45. The exit sign of claim 43 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with flashing of said exit sign.

46. The exit of claim 23 wherein the exit sign comprises circuit means having auxiliary flashing features wherein the sign may flash during emergency situations.

47. The exit sign of claim 46 wherein the exit may comprise circuit means having means to boost the illumination of the light pipes engaged therewith during emergency situations.

48. The exit sign of claim 46 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with flashing of said exit sign.

49. The exit sign of claim 17 or 18 wherein the exit may comprise circuit means having means to boost the illumination of the light pipes engaged therewith during emergency situations.

50. The exit sign of claim 49 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with increased illumination of said exit sign.

51. The exit sign of claim 22 wherein the exit may comprise circuit means having means to boost the illumination of the light pipes engaged therewith during emergency situations.

52. The exit sign of claim 51 wherein the circuit means further comprise audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with increased illumination of said exit sign.

53. The exit sign of claim 23 wherein the exit may comprise circuit means having means to boost the illumination of the light pipes engaged therewith during emergency situations.

54. The exit sign of claim 53 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with increased illumination of said exit sign.

55. The exit sign of claim 44 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with increased illumination of said exit sign.

56. The exit sign of claim 47 wherein the circuit means further comprises audio output means wherein audio signals are provided in conjunction with increased illumination of said exit sign.

Description Submit all comments and votes

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to signs which display a message or pattern when illuminated and specifically to emergency exit signs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a requirement in most countries according to the national building codes thereof and the fire prevention organizations therein, to provide exit signs near main exits from the lobby of, for example, offices. Most exit signs found within the prior art are powered by either incandescent or fluorescent bulbs contained within a housing having the letters "EXIT" embossed or otherwise fashioned in a plastic planar member wherein the letters are illuminated by the bulbs contained within the exit sign and the background for the letters is normally covered and opaque. Further, there are normally slits in the bottom portion of the exit sign to allow for some down lighting when the main office lighting is shut off either by emergency or necessity.

It is quite customary to power the exit signs by standard 110 Volt A/C current during normal operations and to provide either battery or generator back up for lighting the exit sign during emergencies. In one example of an exit sign, three sockets are provided within the sign which provides for the outer two bulbs being lit during normal operation and the inner bulb being lit during emergency operation.

The afore-mentioned structure is typical of an exit sign found in the prior art wherein the illumination level of the exit sign decreases during the emergency requirement of said exit sign contrary to the desirable attributes of an effective exit sign.

A report prepared by the National Research Council of Canada published in June, 1985, Article No. 24627, entitled "Photometric And Psychophysical Measurements Of Exit Signs Through Smoke", discusses in detail the variables which contribute to the effectiveness of exit signs. One of the main recommendations of the report was that the illumination or brightness of the sign was one of the most important factors in determining the visibility of said exit sign in smoke-filled rooms. Further, it was found that any down lighting embodied as part of prior art exit signs scattered in the smoke and created a degrading effect during the emergency for the exit sign.

Another type of sign found within the prior art is the self-illuminating sign used as an exit sign providing Beta radiation induced by chemi-luminescence of tritium gas. However, such exit signs have been found to be insufficient during an emergency and are questionable as to their visibility as itemized in the afore-mentioned report of the National Research Council.

Beyond the effectiveness of the sign, there is the concern for radiation and such signs must be properly monitored to ensure that there is no leakage from the source and hence creating a real safety hazard instead of being a piece of operating safety equipment.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,436, by Hughes, is such a typical device. Although the radioactive material is a phosphorescent material, the principles are very closely resembling products available today.

If a power outage occurs, it is of course desirable for the emergency exit sign to stay lit to provide guidance to the occupants of the building for a safe exit therefrom. However, it is a common feature of incandescent bulbs that those bulbs which have or are approaching their life expectancy may fail during such a power outage, especially if the power outage is caused by a surge thus rendering any exit sign useless. Those bulbs which are weakened because of the surge during the power failure may further fail when the current is turned back on again. Incandescent bulbs also have a problem in that they dissipate a great deal of the energy which they draw as heat. Such heat accumulating in the housing of the exit sign and possible causing an overheating situation destroying members within the exit sign or worse causing a fire.

Fluorescent bulbs on the other hand have other disadvantages well known within the prior art. For example, a ballast resistor must be provided in order to effectively light a fluorescent tube. Ballast resistors are not effective in -45.degree. C. temperature operation as may be the case if the sign were placed within an unheated area or be used externally. It has been found however that LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) do not have such a severe temperature limitation as the operating considerations for fluorescent tubes.

Another consideration from the practical standpoint of exit signs is the maintenance program which must be put in place in order to maintain them, especially when considering a large office structure or complex. If we would consider one exit sign only having three bulbs therein with a lifetime expectancy of approximately four months each, it can be readily seen that a total of nine bulbs will be used in the exit sign for an annual period. These bulbs must be changed by a qualified technician and in some organizations because of union contract requirements an electrician must obtain an extension ladder and replace the burnt out bulbs. Also one must consider for the total cost of the maintenance of such an exercise, the power consumption of the sign, assuming three 15 Watt incandescent bulbs, the cost will vary depending upon the hydro rates within the area of installation. However it is well known that LED's have a considerable longer life than light bulbs or even fluorescent tubes expected to be of the order of thirty years and have considerably less power consumption than the afore-mentioned structures. Further the exit sign components as described herein are effectively shock resistant and rugged in construction withstanding vibration and blows beyond those of incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems.

It is desirable to only light the letters within the exit sign structure and not light all of the remaining area of the sign.

Although discussing the prior art to this invention in relation to exit signs, one may generalize and say that signs in general giving information or direction to the public such as "NO SMOKING", "NO EXIT", "ENTER", or "EXIT/SORTIE", in any language whatsoever "OPEN", "CLOSED", or house numbers or house names would be applicable when considering the maintenance thereof in relation to the applicant's invention. It is therefore not applicant's intention to limit the invention to only exit signs but exit signs are the preferred embodiment of the invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,354,367 discloses a display sign as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 and described at column 2, line 73 through column 4, line 24, wherein the side surface of the letters is cut in order to provide the diffusion of the light passing through the rods and said rods comprising a bar of methyl-methacrylate. However the light source is not embedded in the rod nor is the light source a light-emitting diode having great reliability in contrast to an incandescent bulb as illustrated in FIG. 1.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,244, by Arnold, discloses an illuminated display device having inserted at the end thereof similar to a flashlight a light 100 as best illustrated in FIG. 3 being adjacent the end of a light pipe described at column 2, line 30, made of water white methyl methacrylate resin especially having a relatively high index of refraction and a low critical angle and low absorption of visible light. However such a light pipe does not have an LED embedded in the end thereof to allow light to pass through the sides thereof but the light shines through similar to an optical fibre to the end 103 in FIG. 3.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,578,973 discloses a self-luminous light source having the source embedded in one end thereof a fiber optic type media wherein the light travels to the end of the optical fiber as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A. Further, since the source is a radioactive source, it is preferred that a bend in the light path be provided to contain the radioactivity in the source. In emergency situations the operation thereof is questionable as described in relation to U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,436.

Another example of a self-illuminating light-emitting unit is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,409,770 wherein the sources are located within a groove within a plastic body 13 made from transparent polymethylmethacrylate described at column 3, line 65. A transparent elastomeric potting material 17 is then filled in the groove 14 around the tube 10 and the elastomeric cushions 16. A low-temperature curing transparent silicone gel is especially suitable for the potting material. The entire exterior surface body 13 is coated with a light-reflective white paint 20, the practical effect of which is to greatly enhance the uniformity and efficiency of the distribution of light within the unit. The function of the white paint 20 is to provide an opaque coating about the entire body of the unit which reflects as much of the light as possible back into the body and eventually permits it to be transmitted undiminished through the window area. The light source is a particulate phosphorous layer to adhere to and exposed on the phosphoric acid film and a radioactive beta-ray emitting gas within the element. The light is transmitted at 20 as shown in FIG. 2 in a linear relationship with the source within the cavity.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,139, by Slomkowski, discloses a device for displaying numbers using bulbs at 60 and a facing 64 wherein the light reflects along a reflective surface 34 as best illustrated in FIG. 3.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,507,909 describes an advertising display using light pipes wherein the light is transferred to the end of the pipe but not on the side thereof.

French Publication No. 2,431,659 as best illustrated in relation to FIGS. 7 and 13 describes a device which can be used for display signs wherein light transfers to the end of the optical fiber.

Nowhere within the prior art is there found an exit sign which increases in illumination during emergency procedures nor which flashes. Further, nowhere within the prior art is there found display signs constructed from light pipes having light-emitting diodes embedded in the ends thereof which illuminate only the letters of the display sign or the pattern of the display and which substantially reduces the maintenance and cost of operation of such exit signs. It is also not disclosed within the prior art to provide an exit sign which is durable and rugged which may withstand the beating which exit signs take especially those installed within institutions such as schools and public housing projects where vandalism is a main concern for superintendents of the buildings.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an exit sign and components therefor which overcome all of the afore-mentioned problems in the prior art reducing the maintenance and operating costs of said signs and increasing the life expectancy thereof.

It is further object of this invention to provide lighting elements which are used within display signs which drastically reduce the safety hazards and energy waste of the heat generated within conventional display signs.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an exit sign which may be used in conjunction with security or fire systems installed within buildings in order to carry out special functions and features embodied with the sign.

Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to a man skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To these ends according to one aspect of the invention there is provided a sign comprising at least one light pipe, each light pipe made of light-transmitting material (for example acrylic), said at least one light-pipe arranged to form a predetermined message or design, each light pipe having at least two ends and carrying at least one light source (for example a light-emitting diode) proximate at least one end (preferably embedded in such end), each light source directed towards another end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of each light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, the sign carrying electrical circuit means for energizing each light source, and means for mounting the at least one light pipe to form the predetermined message or design; whereby energizing of each light source causes light to be transmitted in each light pipe, light therefrom emerging through the translucent outer surface of each light pipe for the display of the predetermined message or design.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided for use as a light source in a sign a light pipe having at least two ends and carrying at least one light source (for example a light-emitting diode) proximate at least one end (preferably embedded in such end), each light source directed towards another end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of the light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, whereby when light is transmitted in the light pipe, the light therefrom emerges through the translucent outer surface of the light pipe.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, means may be provided within the light pipe for scattering some of the light within the light pipe at an angle greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection for the material from which the light pipe is made.

In one embodiment the scattering means comprises bubbles (for example gas bubbles).

In another embodiment some of the bubbles are arranged in a predetermined manner relative to one another, for example forming a circle at the end of the light source in the light pipe.

In another embodiment the light source is embedded in the light pipe.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a light pipe for use as illuminating elements in signs, said light pipe comprising at least one portion having two ends and having embedded in at least one end thereof a light source (for example the light pipe comprising an acrylic material having a light-emitting diode embedded therein), the light source directed towards the other end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, the light pipe having disposed adjacent the light source means for scattering some of the light from the light source within the pipe at an angle greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection for the material from which the light pipe is made, a portion of the outer surface of the light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom; whereby energizing of each light source causes light to be transmitted in the light pipe emerging through the translucent outer surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exit sign in any language comprising a housing, circuit means, a plurality of light pipes, and power supply means:

a) said light pipes comprising plastic portions having at least two ends and having disposed in at least one end thereof light sources (preferably light-emitting diodes), the light source directed towards the other end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, said light pipes being manufactured from transparent material (preferably being of substantially rectangular shape) and having a portion of the outer surface of said pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom in use, said multiplicity of light pipes forming the word "exit" in any language and being interconnected via said circuit means and mounted thereon (preferably said light pipes having light-emitting diodes at each end thereof);

b) circuit means comprising normal low voltage A/C power input means connected to a rectifying means and regulation means which energize the light pipes during normal operation of said exit sign, emergency power supply means in conjunction with rectification means which energize said light pipes during emergency situations, control means for engaging the emergency circuit within said circuit means (preferably said control means comprising a timer and driver for allowing the flashing of the exit sign and for the increase in the illumination level thereof), said control means being accessible remotely to engage the functions of said control means, said circuit means being mountable within said housing;

c) said housing comprising a frame within which said circuit means is contained and having disposed proximate said light pipes a singular sheet of material through which the word "EXIT" may be read clearly, said housing further comprising a mounting means fastened to said framing means for mounting said exit sign in the conventional locations;

d) power supply means for providing power to said exit sign;

whereby the letters of the exit sign are illuminated by said light pipes and the remaining portions of the sign remain unlit.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the exit sign may comprise light pipes having a substantially rectangular shape and having a predetermined axis, having disposed at each end thereof light-emitting diodes embedded within the light pipe by firstly drilling a hole within the end of the light pipe in which a light-emitting diode will be disposed, mixing the shavings created from drilling the hole with a solvent (preferably methylene chloride) thereby providing a potting mixture, inserting the potting mixture back within the opening in which the light-emitting diode is embedded and allowing it to cure. Preferably the face of the rectangular light pipe opposite the circuit means is painted with a solvent (preferably methylene chloride) and then exposed to vapor thereby rendering said surface translucent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, light scattering means are disposed within the light pipe proximate the light source to improve the dispersion of the light through the light pipe.

In another preferred embodiment, the light scattering means are bubbles, some of which are formed within a predetermined pattern about the light source.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the light pipes may be manufactured from acrylic or epoxy plastic materials wherein the index of refraction allows for substantially total internal reflection of any light engaging any surface other than the translucent surface of said light pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, bubbles created during manufacture around a cone opening within which the LED (Light Emitting Diode) is embedded assist the dispersion of the light which are preferably gas bubbles the majority of light passing through the translucent surface because of the design of the light pipes taking advantage of the substantially total internal reflection of incident light upon all surfaces with the exception of the translucent surface.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the exit sign may comprise circuit means having auxiliary flashing features wherein the sign may flash during emergency situations.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the exit may comprise circuit means having means to boost the illumination of the light pipes engaged therewith during emergency situations.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the circuit means may further comprise audio output means wherein audio signals may be provided in conjunction with increased illumination or flashing of said exit sign.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of fabricating a light pipe is provided, said method comprising forming a hole at least one end of said light pipe (preferably said hole having a cone at the end thereof), capturing the shavings fabricated when forming said hole, mixing said shavings with a solvent (preferably