Abstract:
Single digit Light Emitting Diode (LED) modules for replacing plastic numerals in a gas station pricing sign. Three or four LED modules represent one fuel price. The LED modules are mounted to a transparent face present on existing signs, and may be mounted on an exterior or interior surface of the face. In one embodiment, first LED modules mechanically cooperate with backing plates, thereby sandwiching the face, in another embodiment, second LED modules attach to posts glued to the face. When mounted externally, the LED modules fit into tracks provided for the plastic numerals which are being replaced. An RF, infrared, or hard wired control signal may be used to change prices, and a photocell may be used to control LED intensity in response to ambient light. Additional low power consumption LEDs are provided inside the sign to back illuminate information provided on the face.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to signs for exhibiting prices at gasoline stations, and more particularly to single digit electronic sign elements suitable for using with existing signs. 
   During a business day, events may motivate one or more price changes at gasoline stations. For example, fuel costs may change or a competitor may change prices. The station operator may observe that sales are low due to too high of a price, or that long lines are developing at pumps are due to too low of a price. Additionally, station operators may wish to adjust prices at predetermined times during the day based on predictable changes in demand. For example, some stations are contractually obligated to remain open 24 hours of the day. Lower prices may add to sales (and thus profits) outside commuting hours, and both operating cost and market prices may increase between late night and early morning hours. 
   Gasoline stations are often operated by a single individual responsible for a variety of tasks including receiving payments for fuel and other purchases, resolving any problems that might arise, monitoring activity around the station, and adjusting fuel prices. Generally, gasoline stations are required to post fuel prices which are in agreement with actual prices on gasoline pumps. Although changing actual prices on the pumps may be fairly easy, changing prices on signs may be difficult and time consuming. Because the operator does not have time available to manually changes prices on signs posted for passing motorists, the station operator is not free to make desired price changes on the pumps. As a result, profits are reduced. 
   Known gasoline station signs use replaceable numerals comprising rectangular transparent plastic sheets bearing numerals, which replaceable numerals are changed to reflect new fuel prices. The replaceable plastic numerals reside over a transparent window (or face) which passes light radiated from light sources inside the sign. Generally, the replaceable plastic numerals slide into tracks or holders on the faces. Because of the expense of replacing the entire gasoline station sign, there is a need for an apparatus and method for replacing existing replaceable numerals with controllable electronic numerals. 
   Some replacement Light Emitting Diode (LED) numerals have been proposed, which numerals comprise a single LED panel displaying a three or four digit price of fuel. Unfortunately, such panels are heavy and are not effectively adaptable to signs with curved fronts. The large multi-digit panels may not match the curvature of sign fronts, and thus are not suitable for mounting outside the face, and when the large multi-digit panels are mounted inside the face, a gap between the curved face and the flat panel results in defusion of light and thus blurring of the prices. 
   Known sign faces are generally acrylic or poly carbonate. The acrylic faces are most common, and may crack if holes are drilled to mount LED panels. The poly carbonate faces may be drilled but are less frequent. 
   What is needed is a method and apparatus for replacing the existing plastic numerals with individual single digit LED modules, which method preferably does not require drilling mounting holes in acrylic faces of signs. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing single digit Light Emitting Diode (LED) modules for replacing plastic numerals in a gas station pricing sign. Three or four single digit LED modules represent one fuel price. The LED modules are mounted to a transparent face present on existing signs, and may be mounted on an exterior or interior surface of the face. 
   In one embodiment, first LED modules mechanically cooperate with backing plates, thereby sandwiching the face, in another embodiment, second LED modules attach to posts glued to the face. When mounted externally, the LED modules fit into tracks provided for the plastic numerals which are being replaced. An RF, infrared, or hard wired control signal may be used to change prices, and a photocell may be used to control LED intensity in response to ambient light. Additional low power consumption LEDs are provided inside the sign to back illuminate information provided on the face. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a pricing sign including LED numerals. The sign comprises at least one sign face and a multiplicity of single digit LED modules. Each LED module has a multiplicity of LEDs, wherein a subset of the LEDs may be energized to represent a selectable one of ten Arabic numerals. The LED modules are mounted to the face in an arrangement allowing representation of a price. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a first method for converting a pricing sign to use single digit LED modules. The first method comprising mounting at least one single digit LED module to the sign, connecting a data cable between a controller and the LED module, and connecting a power cable between a power supply and the LED module. Mounting the LED module to the sign comprising the steps of removing a plastic numeral, drilling mounting holes in a sign face at pre-defined locations, placing the LED module into tracks on an outside surface of the face, positioning a backing plate opposite the LED module against an inside surface of the face, and sandwiching the face between the LED module and the backing plate using fasteners passing through the backing plate, through the face, and into the LED module. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a second method for converting a pricing sign to use single digit LED modules. The second method comprises mounting at least one second single digit LED module to a face of the sign, connecting a data cable between a controller and the LED module, and connecting a power cable between a power supply and the LED module. Mounting the second LED module comprises the steps of, removing a plastic number from tracks on the face, gluing enclosure posts to the sign face, placing the second LED module into the tracks, and attaching the LED module to the enclosure posts; 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a prior art pricing sign. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts a prior art plastic numeral residing in first tracks on a sign face. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts the prior art plastic numeral residing in second tracks on a sign face. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a single digit Light Emitting Diode (LED) module according to the present invention residing in the first tracks on a sign face. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts the LED module residing in the second tracks on a sign face. 
       FIG. 3C  depicts the a side view of an LED module residing in the first tracks on a sign face. 
       FIG. 3D  depicts the a side view of the LED module having a shield, the LED module residing in the first tracks on a sign face. 
       FIG. 4  shows the elements of the LED module. 
       FIG. 4A  shows the elements of a second LED module. 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view of a louver board element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 5B  is a side view of the louver board element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 6A  is a front view of an LED Printed Circuit Board (PCB) element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 6B  is a side view of the LED PCB element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 7A  is a front view of an enclosure element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 7B  is a side view of the enclosure element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 7C  is a rear view of the enclosure element of the LED module. 
       FIG. 7D  is a backing plate for cooperating with the LED module to sandwich the sign face. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a top view of the LED modules mounted on an outwardly facing side of the sign face. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a top view of the LED modules mounted inside the sign. 
       FIG. 8C  is a detailed top view of a curved segment of the sign face sandwiched between the LED module and the backing plate. 
       FIG. 8D  is a detailed top view of a previously curved segment of the sign face sandwiched between an LED module and backing plate, wherein the previously curved segment of the sign face is substantially straightened. 
       FIG. 9A  is a front view of a second embodiment of the LED enclosure. 
       FIG. 9B  is a side view of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure. 
       FIG. 9C  is a top view of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure. 
       FIG. 9D  is a rear view of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure. 
       FIG. 9E  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure taken along line  9 E- 9 E of  FIG. 9D . 
       FIG. 9F  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure taken along line  9 F- 9 F of  FIG. 9D . 
       FIG. 9G  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure taken along line  9 G- 9 G of  FIG. 9D . 
       FIG. 9H  is a side view of a post used to mount the second embodiment of the LED enclosure to a sign face. 
       FIG. 9I  is a front view of the post used to mount the second embodiment of the LED enclosure to a sign face. 
       FIG. 9J  is a rear view of the second embodiment of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure with a back cover in place. 
       FIG. 9K  is the back cover. 
       FIG. 10  shows a tongue and groove cooperation of adjacent LED modules. 
       FIG. 11  shows a front view of the LED module. 
     FIG:  11 A shows a front view of the LED module in cooperation with tracks on the sign face. 
       FIG. 12  is a preferred arrangement of LEDs on the LED PCB. 
       FIG. 12A  shows a representation of a “1” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12B  shows a representation of a “2” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12C  shows a representation of a “3” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12D  shows a representation of a “4” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12E  shows a representation of a “5” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12F  shows a representation of a “6” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12G  shows a representation of a “7” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12H  shows a representation of an “8” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12I  shows a representation of a “9” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12J  shows a representation of a “0” using the preferred LED arrangement. 
       FIG. 12K  shows a fractional LED arrangement preferred for representation of a “9/10”. 
       FIG. 13  is an LED representation of a decimal point. 
       FIG. 14  is a sign having prices represented by LED numerals. 
       FIG. 15A  is an interior view of the sign converted using the first LED modules. 
       FIG. 15B  is an interior view of the sign converted using the second LED modules. 
       FIG. 16  is a first method for converting a known sign to an LED module sign. 
       FIG. 17  is a second method for converting a known sign to an LED module sign. 
   

   Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
   A known pricing sign  10  as might be used at a gasoline station is shown in  FIG. 1 . The sign  10  is constructed to allow plastic numerals  12  to be swapped in and out to change a fuel price. Additional fractional numerals  14  reflect typical fuel pricing. 
   The numerals  12  generally residing between horizontal upper track  20  and lower track  22  on a sign face (or window)  15  as shown in  FIG. 2A , or in vertical tracks  21  and the lower track  22  as shown in  FIG. 2B . The sign face  15  is generally transparent which allows light radiated inside the sign  10  to back illuminate the plastic numerals  12  and other information on the sign face  15 , for example, fuel types. 
   A single digit Light Emitting Diode (LED) module  42  according to the present invention is shown residing in the upper track  20  and the lower track  22  in  FIG. 3A . The LED module  42  is preferably sized to be inserted into the tracks  20 ,  22  by first sliding the top of the LED module  42  into the top track  20 , and then lowering the LED module  42  into the bottom track  22 . The LED module  42  is shown residing in the tracks  21 ,  22  in  FIG. 3B . 
   A side view of the LED module  42  is shown residing in the tracks  20 ,  22  in  FIG. 3C . In a preferred embodiment, the LED module  42  including shield posts  39  provided to facilitate attachment of a transparent shield  43  is shown in  FIG. 3D . The shield  43  is advantageous when the LED module  42  is located within reach from the ground, and may be vandalized by spray paint and the like, wherein the shield  43  may easily be cleaned or replaced at low cost. 
   The LED module  42  comprises a louver board  31 , an LED Printed Circuit Board (PCB)  28 , and an enclosure  24  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The LED module  42  is assembled as indicated by arrows  25 . The elements of a second LED module  42   a  comprise the louver board  31 , the LED Printed Circuit Board (PCB)  28 , and a second LED enclosure  24   a  as shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
   A front view of a louver board  31  is shown in  FIG. 5A , and a side view of the louver board  31  is shown in  FIG. 5B . The louver board includes a multiplicity of LED holes  33  corresponding to a multiplicity of LEDs  27  (see  FIG. 6A ). When the LED module  42  is assembled, the LEDs  27  are aligned with the LED holes  33  wherein the LEDs  27  pass through the LED holes  33 , protrude into the LED holes  33 , or are visible through the LED holes  33 . The louver board  31  includes louvers  32  which vertically shade the LEDs  27 . One of the louvers  32  preferably resides between each pair of vertically adjacent LED holes  33 . The louvers  32  extend a thickness T 1  from the louver board  31 , which thickness T 1  is preferably between approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 0.5 inches, and more preferably approximately 0.25 inches. The louver board  31  is mounted to the enclosure  24  using fasteners passing through first mounting holes  23   a  in the louver board  31  and into second mounting posts  37   b  (see  FIG. 7A ) projecting from the enclosure  24 . Post holes  23   b  are provided in the LED PCB  28  (see  FIG. 6A ), thereby allowing the mounting posts  37   b  to pass through the LED PCB  28 . The mounting holes  23   a  in the louver board  31  may be somewhat different in number and location depending on which LED enclosure  24 ,  24   a  the louver board  31  is mounted on. 
   A front view of the LED PCB  28  is shown in  FIG. 6A , and a side view is shown in  FIG. 6B . The LEDs  27  are attached to the LED PCB  28 , and the LEDs  27  are selectively electrically connected by electrical connections  30  to minimize the number of separate LED circuits required to form the desired numerals, thereby forming LED segments. The number of LED segments is preferably between seven segment (least expensive) and forty segments (for large signs). More preferably, twenty three LED segments are used. The actual number of LEDs  27  depends on the size of the LED module  42  and details of the numerals desired to be depicted, and larger LED modules  42  will generally have a greater number of LEDs. Preferably, the LEDs  27  comprise a column of fifteen LEDs on each edge of the LED PCB  28 , and columns of sixteen LEDs next to the columns of 15 LEDs. Two rows of four LEDs  27  each fit between the columns at the top, center, and bottom of the LED PCB  28 . Thus composed, the LEDs  27  form a square cornered “8”. 
   The LED PCB  28  further includes mounting holes  23   a  provided to mount the LED PCB  28  to the enclosure  24  using fasteners passing through the mounting holes  23   a  and into first mounting posts  37   a  (see  FIG. 7A ) projecting from the enclosure  24 . The LED PCB  28  also includes second mounting holes  23   b  for allowing the second mount posts  37   b  to pass through the LED PCB  28 . The LEDs  27  extend a thickness T 2  from the LED PCB  28 , wherein T 2  is preferably approximately 0.1 inches. A connector  29  extends from the rear of the LED PCB  28 . The mounting holes  23   b  in the LED PCB  28  may be somewhat different in number and location depending on which LED enclosure  24 ,  24   a  the LED PCB  28  is mounted on. 
   A front view of an enclosure  24  is shown in  FIG. 7A  and a side view of the enclosure  24  is shown in  FIG. 7B . The enclosure  24  includes first mounting posts  37   a  for mounting the LED PCB  28  to the enclosure  24 , and second mounting posts  37   b  for mounting the louver board  31  to the enclosure  24 . A rim  38  has an interior suitable for accepting the LED PCB  29  and/or the louver board  31 . The rim  38  extends a third thickness T 3  from the surface of the enclosure  24 , which thickness T 3  is preferably approximately 0.75 inches. A multiplicity of board supports  41  are spaced apart around the interior of the rim  38 , which board supports  41  are adapted to support the edge of the LED PCB  29  and/or the louver board  31 . An access hole  36  is provided to allow the connector  29  to pass through the enclosure  24 . A multiplicity of fastening features  34  are provided around the edge of the enclosure  24  for facilitating mounting the LED module  42  to the sign face  15 . Preferably, the fastening features include captive nuts, thereby allowing the LED module  42  and backing plate  46  (see  FIGS. 3C and 3D ) to be mounted to the sign face  15  using fasteners inserted from inside the sign  10 . Generally, the sign face  15  comprises hinged segments, wherein the segments pivot open, providing access to a back side of the sign face  15 . Such access allows the LED module  42  to be mounted using fasteners inserted from the inside of the sign  10 . 
   A rear view of the enclosure  24  is shown in  FIG. 7C . Fastener holes  35  align with fastening features  34 . A gasket  40  is provided, which resides on a back mounting surface of the enclosure  24  and has sufficient thickness to compensate for curvature or irregularities in the sign face  15 , which gasket thickness is preferably approximately 0.02 inches. The gasket  40  is preferably a double moisture gasket. 
   A backing plate  46  for cooperating with the LED module  42  to sandwich the sign face  15  is shown in  FIG. 7D . The backing plate  46  includes second fastener holes  44  positioned to cooperate with fastener holes  35  in the enclosure  24 . 
   A top view of several of the LED modules  42  mounted on an outwardly facing side (or outer surface) of the sign face  15  is shown in  FIG. 8A , and a top view of several of the LED modules  42  mounted inside the sign face  15  is shown in  FIG. 8B . The LED modules  42  are preferably mounted outside the sign face  15  to allow better heat dissipation, but because the LED modules  42  are constructed as single numeral segment, the LED modules may be mounted inside the sign face  15  without creating a substantial gap between the LEDs and the sign face (or window) and thereby avoid diffusion of the light radiated by the LEDs. 
   In some cases, the sign face  15  may have some degree of curvature. A detailed top view of a curved segment of a sign face  15  residing between the LED module  15  and the backing plate  46  is shown in  FIG. 8C . A second detailed top view of the previously curved segment of a sign face  15  now sandwiched between an LED module  42  and backing plate  46  is shown in  FIG. 8D . The backing plate  46  has been tightened against the LED module  42  and the segment of the sign face  15  between the backing plate  46  and LED module  42  is thereby straightened. Straightening of the curved sign face  15  also results when the LED module  42  is inside the sign  10  and the backing plate  46  is on an outside surface of the sign face  15 . 
   A front view of a second LED enclosure  24   a  which is part of the second LED module  42   a  (see  FIG. 4A ) is shown in  FIG. 9A , a side view in  FIG. 9B , and a top view in  FIG. 9C . The LED enclosure  24   a  includes four shield posts for facilitating mounting a shield  43  (see  FIG. 3D ) over the second LED module  42   a , six first mounting posts  37   a  for mounting an LED PCB  28  (see  FIG. 6A ), and six second mounting posts  37   b  for mounting a louver board  31  (see  FIG. 5A ) to the LED enclosure  24   a . The shield  43 , LED PCB  28 , and louver board  31  are attached to the LED enclosure  24   a  in a similar manner as they are attached to the LED enclosure  24 , however the position and number of mounting holes  23   a ,  23   b  are adapted to match the mounting posts  37   a ,  37   b  location and number shown for the LED enclosure  24   a . The LED PCB  28  resides against a seat  80  on the LED enclosure  24   a . The number of shield posts, mounting posts may be changed for convenience, and an LED module having a different number of shield posts or mounting posts is intended to come within the scope of the present invention. 
   Four openings  81  in the LED enclosure  24 , residing behind the LED PCB  28  mounting position, open approximately 85 percent of the area behind the LED PCB  28 . The openings  81  are similar in shape, and reside in two rows of two openings  81 . Bottom (or first) openings  88  near the bottom of the LED enclosure  24   a  allow air to enter the second LED module  42   a , and top (or second) openings  90  near the top of the LED enclosure  24   a  allow hot air to escape the LED module  42   a . The top openings  90  are preferably on sides of the LED module  42   a  near the top of the LED module  42   a . Wire passages  86  are provided in each side of the LED enclosure  24   a  to allow wiring to pass between second LED modules  42   a  to thus avoid creating holes in the sign face  15  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
   A top piece  84  is attached to the top of the LED enclosure  24   a . The top piece  84  is preferably snapped into place, and is removable, but may be held by screws or similar fasteners, pop rivets, glue, or the like. The top piece  84  is provided so that a small number of LED modules may be adapted to fit the vertical space provided by a variety of existing signs. The Top pieces  81  are preferably provided in approximately ¼ inch increments of height. 
   A rear view of the LED enclosure  24   a  is shown in  FIG. 9D . Latches  94  attached to the top piece  84  extend through notches  95  in the LED enclosure  24   a  to attach the top piece  84  to the LED enclosure  24   a . Four bottom openings  88  allow an air flow  92  to enter the second LED module  42   a . A portion of the air flow  92  enters bottom openings  88  near the bottom corners of the LED enclosure  24   a  and flows upward through channels  93 , and out though the side openings  90  near the top of the LED enclosure  24   a . Another portion of the air flow  92  flows upward through a main center portion of the second LED module  42   a  to cool the LEDs  27  (see  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B), and out though the side openings  90  near the top of the LED enclosure  24   a . Baffles  87  at the tops of the channels  93  prevent water from entering the LED enclosure  24   a  through the side openings  90 , wherein the water drains through the channels  93 . 
   A cross-sectional view of a portion of the channel  93  of the LED enclosure  24   a  taken along line  9 E- 9 E of  FIG. 9D  is shown in  FIG. 9E . Side openings  90  are separated by the baffle  87 , thereby preventing water from entering the interior of the second LED module  42   a . A second cross-sectional view of a portion of the channel  93  of the LED enclosure  24   a  taken along line  9 F- 9 F of  FIG. 9D  is shown in  FIG. 9F , showing the channel  93  and the seat  80 . A third cross-sectional view of a portion of a bottom end portion of the channel  93  of the LED enclosure  24   a  taken along line  9 G- 9 G of  FIG. 9D  is shown in  FIG. 9G , showing a cross-section of the bottom opening  88 . 
   A side view of an enclosure post  82  used to mount the LED enclosure  24   a  to the sign face  15  is shown in  FIG. 9H , and a front view of the enclosure post  82  is shown in  FIG. 9I . The enclosure post  82  has a square base  82   a  which may be glued to the sign face  15 , and a cylindrical portion  82   b  which extends away from the sign face  15 . The LED enclosure  24   a  in mounted by aligning the channels  93  with the enclosure posts  82 , and inserting screws through the LED enclosure into the enclosures posts. The cylindrical portions  82   b  are smaller than the width of the channels  93 , thereby allowing the air flow  92 , or a water flow, to pass the cylindrical portions  82   b  when the LED enclosure  24   a  is attached to the sign face  15 . The enclosure posts  82  are preferably made from an acrylic material. Other methods of attaching the LED module  24   a  to the sign face  15  may include hooks, catches, and the like, and an LED module attached to a sign face using any of these types of fasteners in intended to come within the scope of the present invention. It is preferred that the mounting method does not require breeching the sign face  15 . 
   A rear view of the second embodiment of the LED enclosure  24   a  with a back cover  96  in place is shown in  FIG. 9J , and the back cover alone is shown in  FIG. 9K . The back cover  96  is attached to the LED enclosure  24   a  using back cover screws  98  passing through screw holes  99  into cover attachment points  97  (see  FIG. 9D ). The back cover  96  may be removed to adjust the LED brightness and to make electrical connections. The screws  98  are preferably recessed into the back cover  96 . 
   A preferred tongue and groove  54  cooperation of adjacent LED modules  42  is shown in  FIG. 10 . Because a light source preferably resides inside the sign  10 , light leaks between adjacent LED modules  42  might result from the absence of an overlap of the LED modules  42 . The LED enclosures  24 ,  24   a  preferably include a tongue on one side, and a cooperating groove on the opposite side. 
   A front view of the LED module  42  alone, and a front view of the LED module  42  attached to a sign face  15  is shown for comparison in  FIGS. 11 and 11A . 
   The preferred arrangement of LEDs  27  with the LEDs off is shown in  FIG. 12 . LED numerals  26   a - 26   j  representing ten Arabic numerals “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, “9”, and “0” are shown in  FIGS. 12A-12J . Generally, fuel prices also include a fractional amount “ 9/10” which may be represented by an LED fractional numeral  26   k  as shown in  FIG. 12K . In cases where a decimal point is desired or required by law, a narrow decimal point module  26 I may be used to provide an LED decimal point as shown in  FIG. 13 . A sign  10  having prices represented by LED numerals according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
   An interior view of the sign  10  having LED modules  42  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 15A . Power cables  66  provide a power signal to a power supply  64 , and distribute power to the connectors  29  on the LED modules  42 , LED light sources  74 , a fan  76  connected to the power supply  64  by a fan cable  77 , and/or to a heater  78  connected to the power supply  64  by a heater cable  79 . Data cables  62  provide price (or other) data to a controller  60 , and from the controller  60  to the connectors  29  on the LED modules  42 . The power cables  64  and the data cables  62  are preferably connected daisy chain fashion between the connectors  29 . A dimmer sensor  58  senses ambient light, and sends a dimmer signal over a dimmer cable  56  to the controller  60 . Preferably, four LED intensity levels are provided to adjust the LED intensity to ambient light levels, and the light sources  74  may be turned on or off based on the sensor  58  data. An input sensor  68  receives price (or other) information from a Radio Frequency (RF), infrared, or any wireless signal type, and provides a data signal to the controller  60  through a second data cable  70 . A preferred data cable for carrying data signals to the sign  10  is a phone wire. 
   A side view of the sign  10  converted to an LED sign using the second LED modules  42   a  is shown in  FIG. 15B . The second LED modules  42   a  are mounted to the sign face  15  using the enclosure posts  82  (see  FIGS. 9H ,  9 I), and the sign face  15  is not breached. Further, the data cable  62  and the power cable  66  exit the sign at a cable exit  67  preferably on the side of the sign and do not breach the sigh face  15  (see  FIG. 14 ). The cable  62 ,  66  thus do not breach the sign face  15 . Other aspects of a converted sign using the second LED modules  42   a  is similar to a sign converted using the first LED modules  42 . 
   A first method for converting a known sign to an LED sign is described in  FIG. 16 . The method comprises the steps of mounting at least one LED module to the sign, comprising the steps of removing a plastic number at  100 , drilling mounting holes in a face at pre-defined locations at  102 , placing an LED module into tracks on an outside surface of the face at  104 , positioning a backing plate opposite the LED module against an inside surface of the face at  106 , and sandwiching the face between the LED module and the backing plate using fasteners passing through the backing plate, through the face, and into the LED module at  108 . Steps  100 - 108  are repeated for each LED module. Data is provided to each LED module by connecting a data cable between a controller and the LED module at step  110 , and power is provided to the LED modules by connecting a power cable between a power supply and the LED module at step  112 . The method may further include connecting the data cable between a controller and the LED modules in a daisy chain fashion. Drilling the mounting holes may be facilitated by using a template to determine where to drill the holes. 
   A second method for converting a known sign to an LED sign is described in  FIG. 17 . The method comprises the steps of mounting at least one second LED module  42   a  to the sign, comprising the steps of removing a plastic number at  100 , gluing enclosure posts to the sign face at step  120 , placing an LED module into the tracks at step  122 , and attaching the LED module to the enclosure posts at step  124 . Steps  100 ,  120 - 124  are repeated for each LED module. A data cable is connected between a controller inside the sign and the second LED module  42   a  by running the data cable out of a side of the sign near the top of the sign, and down the outside of the sign, without breaching the sign face  15 , at step  110 . A power cable is connected between a power supply and the second LED module  42   a  in the same manner as the data cable is connects, at step  112 . 
   While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.