Jaime A Gonzalez

US Patent:

54368138, Jul 25, 1995

Filed:

Aug 18, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/108886

Inventors:

Jaime D. Gonzalez - Downey CA

Assignee:

U.S. Neon Corporation - Huntington Park CA

International Classification:

F21S 300

US Classification:

362216

Abstract:

A new and improved illumination apparatus and method of making and using it for illuminating large and small areas, such as the exterior and interior of a motor vehicle, building structure or the like. The apparatus includes an elongated neon tube for radiating bright glowing light both radially and axially, an elongated tube holder for holding the neon tube stationary relative to a mounting surface, an energy conversion device adapted to be coupled to a source of low voltage power for electrically energizing the neon tube, and a mounting arrangement to secure the energy conversion device within the tube holder without blocking the bright glowing light radiating axially from the neon tube. The preferred method of using the apparatus is mounting the apparatus to a surface in close proximity to an area to be illuminated and coupling the apparatus to a source of low voltage direct current electrical power. The preferred method of making the apparatus is mounting an elongated neon tube having a pair of spaced apart U-shaped end portions within a tube holder, mounting an energy conversion device in a space between the corresponding distal ends of the end portions and coupling the energy conversion device between the neon tube and electrical conductor means to facilitate coupling the energy conversion device to a source of low voltage direct current electrical power.

US Patent:

55462901, Aug 13, 1996

Filed:

Jan 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/005643

Inventors:

Jaime D. Gonzalez - Downey CA
Michael J. Talbert - Huntington Beach CA

International Classification:

F21V 3100

US Classification:

362223

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 the apparatus is to mount the device in an area to be illuminated, such as the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle, and to connect the apparatus to a source of low voltage, direct current power, such as the low voltage electrical system of a vehicle.

US Patent:

52551660, Oct 19, 1993

Filed:

Jan 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/005583

Inventors:

Jaime D. Gonzalez - Downey CA

International Classification:

B60Q 156

US Classification:

362 832

Abstract:

A new and improved apparatus for illuminating the rear portion of a vehicle and particularly the license plate of such a vehicle with a bright glowing light. The apparatus includes a transparent channel member for receiving a high voltage high frequency transformer and a single annularly shaped neon bulb therewithin for illumination purposes. The neon bulb is energized by the high voltage, high frequency transformer that is coupled to the vehicle electrical system by a low voltage high frequency power converter. The channel member is adapted to mounted adjacent to the license plate of a vehicle and scaled with a protective cover to help prevent accidental shock and to protect the bulb from exposure. The preferred method of using the apparatus is to connect the apparatus to the lighting system of the vehicle so that when the brake pedal of a vehicle is depressed, the low voltage power converter generates a source of low voltage high frequency electrical energy to power the high voltage transformer and in turn the associated neon bulb to augment the vehicle brake lighting system.

US Patent:

51921251, Mar 9, 1993

Filed:

Feb 21, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/839814

Inventors:

Jaime D. Gonzalez - Downey CA

International Classification:

B60Q 156

US Classification:

362 832

Abstract:

A new and improved apparatus for illuminating the rear portion of a vehicle and particularly the license plate of such a vehicle with a bright glowing light. The apparatus includes a transparent channel member for receiving a high voltage high frequency transformer and a single annularly shaped neon bulb therewithin for illumination purposes. The neon bulb is energized by the high voltage, high frequency transformer that is coupled to the vehicle electrical system by a low voltage high frequency power supply. The channel member is adapted to mounted adjacent to the license plate of a vehicle and scaled with a protective cover to help prevent accidental shock and to protect the bulb from exposure. The preferred method of using the apparatus is to connect the apparatus to the lighting system of the vehicle so that when the brake pedal of a vehicle is depressed, the low voltage power supply generates a source of low voltage high frequency electrical energy to power the high voltage transformer and in turn the associated neon bulb to augment the vehicle brake lighting system.

US Patent:

51509610, Sep 29, 1992

Filed:

Aug 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/741784

Inventors:

Jaime D. Gonzalez - Downey CA

International Classification:

B60Q 156

US Classification:

362 832

Abstract:

A new and improved apparatus for illuminating the rear portion of a vehicle and particularly the license plate of such a vehicle with a bright glowing light. The apparatus includes a transparent channel member for receiving a high voltage high frequency transformer and a single annularly shaped neon bulb therewithin for illumination purposes. The neon bulb is energized by the high voltage, high frequency transformer that is coupled to the vehicle electrical system by a low voltage high frequency power supply. The channel member is adapted to mounted adjacent to the license plate of a vehicle and scaled with a protective cover to help prevent accidental shock and to protect the bulb from exposure. The preferred method of using the apparatus is to connect the apparatus to the lighting system of the vehicle so that when the brake pedal of a vehicle is depressed, the low voltage power supply generates a source of low voltage high frequency electrical energy to power the high voltage transformer and in turn the associated neon bulb to augment the vehicle brake lighting system.