Emergency exit sign utilizing an electro-luminescent (el) lamp and a

Abstract

An emergency exit sign utilizes an EL lamp in combination with a pilot light which is connected to the EL lamp via a photoelectric link. The photoelectric link monitors the brightness of the EL lamp and keeps the pilot light on so long as the EL lamp is lit. The pilot light is necessary because the illumination provided by the EL lamp may be less than the illumination of background brightness making it difficult to tell by looking at the EL lamp whether or not the EL lamp is energized. Since the pilot light provides a 'point' of illumination, it is easy to see when it is on so that one can tell whether or not the sign is lighted by simply looking at the pilot light. In order to see the exit sign even if power to the EL lamp is interrupted and the room is dark, a translucent sheet of phosphorescent material is placed over the EL lamp to transmit light from the EL lamp while at the same time storing energy so as to 'glow in the dark' should the EL lamp be extinguished. In order to increase utilization of this exit sign, structure is provided for easily retrofitting the sign to existing emergency exit housings. The structure includes spring-closed, U-shaped clips which are frictionally attached to the housing and which each have an exposable adhesive surface against which the exit sign is pressed for permanently installing the sign on the housing. In addition, an adapter is provided which allows the exit sign to be readily plugged into the existing lightbulb socket prior to adhering the exit sign to the housing.