Kenneth Robert Ungard, 81Lock Haven, PA

6234641, May 22, 2001

Feb 25, 1999

9/257845

Kenneth R. Ungard - Hanover NH

F21L 1514

362 84

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a one-piece unit for retrofitting back-lit incandescent or compact fluorescent, LED, and EL signs with electroluminescent (EL) panels, or for fitting new signs with EL panels. The EL unit comprises an EL lamp attached to a diffuser, a connection module which may have built-in surge protection and which is connected to first and second electrical connection leads, or traces, of the EL lamp and heat wrapped in place by heat shrink tubing 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 in the location to be fitted or retrofitted. Another embodiment of the invention is a kit which may include the EL unit, wire nuts, adhesive mountings, and instruction sheets. The EL units of the present invention may also be used in new construction where there was never any signage, but where there are simply new back-lit signs required to be installed.