Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units

Abstract

An indicator display (20) comprises a fluorescent plastic first member (30) of a first color and having a first face (40) and a fluorescent plastic second member (32) of a second color, different from the first color, and having a first face (42). One or more first light emitting diodes (60) are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the first member preferentially to the second member. One or more second light emitting diodes (62) are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the second member preferentially to the first member.

1 . An indicator display ( 20 ) comprising:
 a fluorescent plastic first member ( 30 ) of a first color and having a first face ( 40 ) and an edge ( 64 );   a fluorescent plastic second member ( 32 ) of a second color, different from the first color, and having a first face ( 42 ) and an edge ( 66 );   one or more first light emitting diodes ( 60 ) between the first member edge and the second member edge and positioned to illuminate the first member edge preferentially to the second member edge; and   one or more second light emitting diodes ( 62 ) between the first member edge and the second member edge and positioned to illuminate the second member edge preferentially to the first member edge.   
     
     
         2 . The indicator display of  claim 1  wherein:
 the one or more first light emitting diodes are on a first strip or tape ( 70 ); and 
 the one or more second light emitting diodes are on a second strip or tape ( 72 ) facing oppositely to the first strip or tape. 
 
     
     
         3 . The indicator display of  claim 1  wherein:
 the first and second members are fluorescent dye-doped acrylic; 
 the first member first face and second member first face are coplanar; and 
 the first member first face and second member first face bear relieved indicia ( 34 ,  36 ). 
 
     
     
         4 . The indicator display of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a light sensor ( 50 ). 
 
     
     
         5 . The indicator display of  claim 4  wherein:
 the light sensor is between the first member and the second member. 
 
     
     
         6 . The indicator display of  claim 4  wherein:
 the light sensor is a phototransistor. 
 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The indicator display of  claim 1  wherein:
 a first condition the one or more first light emitting diodes are on and the one or more second light emitting diodes are off; and 
 a second condition the one or more first light emitting diodes are off and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on. 
 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for using the indicator display of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 operating in a first condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are on and the one or more second light emitting diodes are off; and   operating in a second condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are off and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising:
 detecting, via a controller ( 250 ), an abnormal situation; and 
 responsive to the detecting, switching from the first condition to the second condition. 
 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The indicator display of  claim 1  wherein:
 the one or more first light emitting diodes are a first plurality; and 
 the one or more second light emitting diodes are a second plurality. 
 
     
     
         19 . The indicator display of  claim 2  wherein:
 the one or more first light emitting diodes are a first plurality; and 
 the one or more second light emitting diodes are a second plurality. 
 
     
     
         20 . The indicator display of  claim 2  wherein:
 the first strip or tape ( 70 ) and the second strip or tape ( 72 ) are embedded in a body ( 68 ). 
 
     
     
         21 . The indicator display of  claim 20  wherein:
 the body ( 68 ) is an epoxy. 
 
     
     
         22 . The indicator display of  claim 20  wherein:
 a face of the body ( 68 ) is covered by paint ( 150 ) or by a separate material ( 160 ) to prevent infiltration of ambient light. 
 
     
     
         23 . The indicator display of  claim 20  wherein:
 the one or more first light emitting diodes are a first plurality; and 
 the one or more second light emitting diodes are a second plurality. 
 
     
     
         24 . The indicator display of  claim 20  wherein:
 the first member first face and second member first face bear relieved indicia ( 34 ,  36 ); and 
 the first member first face and second member first face away from the relieved indicia are masked via paint ( 150 ).