Sign Manufacturer's Brochures and Manuals
Luminator (Mark IV Industries, LTG)
In February 1925, Albert L. Arenberg, a lighting engineer, formed a corporation in Chicago, Illinois, under the name of New England Mills Company. It was primarily
a wholesale mail-order business selling horse blankets and auto parts. On September 1, 1926, the name New England Mills Company was changed to Harrison
Wholesale Company. While operating the mail-order business, Mr. Arenberg was also pursuing his interest in the lighting field. His passion for the game of bridge
actually prompted him to develop the first metal torchere using a 300 watt incandescent lamp. He was frustrated over the lack of adequate lighting to see his cards.
The torchere lamp lighted an entire room giving shadowless, glareless light for a number of card tables. Consequently, on April 14, 1928, Luminator, Inc. was formed
and incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrison Wholesale Company. A variety of styles of lamps were produced which was widely copied throughout the
entire industry. One of the first lamp catalogues has been on exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Prior to the 1933 "Century of Progress" World's Fair in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Arenberg approached Mr. Pullman of Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing Company
with a request to install his newly designed fixture in the sleeper cars of the train that was to be exhibited. The fixture was designed to put light beams precisely where
they were needed. In 1934, Luminator decided to specialize in interior lighting for transportation vehicles. Legend has it that Mr. Arenberg was the only "salesman"
to call upon Pullman, the Chicago Transit Authority, South Shore Railway and the North Western Railway Company in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac. Luminator's
innovative fixtures secured a niche in this new market providing growth and reputation. By the late fifties, Luminator had designed and manufactured interior lighting
systems for over 75% of all new streamlined trains. Luminator fluorescent and incandescent lighting systems were standard products used by major bus builders.
Streetcars, trolley coaches and subway cars in every large city in the United States contained Luminator lighting fixtures. These could also be found on the leading
luxury liners and other types of ships. Air diffusers for aircraft and inter-city buses were added to Luminator's product line. Contracts with government agencies
prompted Luminator to diversify their product line to include items such as metal water closets for ships and small metal parts for sets of filters used in binoculars.

Lighting for trains became the initial thrust and driving force in pushing Luminator to the forefront, followed by commuter cars, buses,
and subway cars. The "Visionator Division" was formed in 1940 to design and sell completely glazed window sashes to the
transportation industry. The need for this product disappeared with the advent of air conditioning on public transportation.
In May, of 1949, Harrison Wholesale Company was changed to Luminator-Harrison, Incorporated. The Korean Conflict afforded still another
avenue for controlled lighting utilizing Luminator's techniques. This was for airborne trailers used by the military that were filled with electronic
gear and parachute dropped to forward command posts. These units had to meet strict military requirements regarding rugged construction,
shock, vibration, fungus- proofing, dust, sand, and corrosion. The lighting requirements were for Red-White and Black light, as well as
collimated light, which was used to illuminate large TV screens (CRTs), plot boards, and map tables.

As the company continued to grow, the need for additional space became necessary. In November, of 1964, Luminator-Harrison, Inc. moved its
national headquarters and executive staff from Chicago to Plano, Texas. On August 31, 1965, the Harrison Wholesale Company Division was
sold but the company name remained Luminator-Harrison, Inc. until May, 1967, when the name was changed to Luminator, Inc.
In May, 1968, Gulton Industries, Inc. bought controlling interest in Luminator, Inc. Less than a year later, on January 2, 1969, Luminator, Inc. was
merged into Gulton and became Luminator Division of Gulton Industries, Inc. Gulton Industries, Inc. was acquired by Mark IV Industries Inc. in 1986,
and since then Luminator has been a part of Mark IV Industries Inc., a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Luminator was separated into two divisions in 1992, Luminator Mass Transit and Luminator Aircraft Products. These divisions employee over 300 people and are
the world's largest manufacturer of lighting equipment for the transportation industry. Each Luminator division regards itself as a leader in its field in both design and
quality of product, as evidenced by the registration of both the Aircraft and Mass Transit divisions by the International Standards Organization under ISO 9001.

The company was inspired to venture into the electronic sign business when they had an opportunity to install curtain signs on several Long Island Railroad trains.
Persons involved in the project discovered firsthand that installing curtain signs presented some logistical problems and that the system had limitations. Their
findings were reported to the company's president. A decision was made to develop an electronic sign. MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
was the first transit authority to buy Luminator's first electronic sign known as LIDS (Luminator Information Destination Sign) for their railcars. Houston Metro
followed suit and installed LIDS on their buses. The benefits and features of the electronic signs, although much more expensive than curtain signs, convinced
many transit authorities to switch from curtain signs to LIDS, which became the premier system on the market. By today's standards, LIDS was a relatively
unsophisticated sign. Years of research and development have been spent in perfecting Luminator's electronic sign systems. The LIDS sign was followed by MAX.
This individual 15 character sign was widely used until Luminator developed a matrix sign. In 1989, two years before the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA),
became law, Luminator introduced the GTI matrix sign system, which would meet ADA requirements. The GTI MATRIX:MAX replaced the 15 character MAX sign.
The large format GTI MEGA:MAX sign was first introduced in Nice, France, in 1989 . As many public transit riders are senior citizens, it was of particular
importance that destination signs be highly visible. The large format GTI MEGA:MAX is one of Luminator's most popular signs. The ADA has presented
Luminator with some interesting opportunities. The Act requires that major bus stops be announced to passengers on board public transportation vehicles.
Consequently, Luminator developed integrated Automatic and Semi-Automatic Next Stop systems. The systems consist of an audible announcement
informing the passengers of the next stop. It operates in conjunction with an interior sign displaying the next stop. The system enables visually and hearing
impaired passengers to travel with confidence knowing that they will be automatically advised of an approaching stop. In the mid-1990s, Luminator introduced the
MAX3000 sign system, using traditional flip dot technology while featuring individual LEDs to illuminate each flip dot on the display. Other innovations like all LED
lighting fixtures from Luminator's Rail Products division, replaced interior and exterior lighting fixtures. In 1999, Luminator introduced its Horizon all LED destination
signs to the market, and later in 2003 introduced their Spectrum full color LED signs and their GEN 4 monochrome LED signs, becoming the industry standard since.
In March 2012, DRI Corporation, the parent company of Luminator's closest competitor, TwinVision na, Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection. July 2012, DRI Corporation agreed to be acquired by Luminator. TwinVision branded products were still made by Luminator
after the acquisition, with the two companies not fully merging until 2020.
To see the various Luminator signs in my collection, click or tap HERE.

To see the various Luminator flip dot signs that are for sale, click or tap HERE.
To see the various Luminator LED signs, keypads and other items that are fore sale, click or tap HERE.
(Be sure to review the Terms of Service before purchase.)
(Including info on Pocatec & Axion signs)
Luminator's Older Brochure Folder from the MID 1990s.
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Outside Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Brochure Folder - Outside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Inside Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Brochure Folder - Inside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Inside Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Brochure Folder - Inside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Outside Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Brochure Folder - Outside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Destination
Signs Brochure.
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Destination Signs Brochure - One sided. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Florescent Light
Brochure.
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Florescent Light Brochure - One sided. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
LED Lighting
Brochure.
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator LED Lighting Brochure - One sided. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Indicator Lighting
Brochure.
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Indicator Lighting Brochure - One sided. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mid 1990s
Luminator
Specialty Lighting
Brochure.
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mid 1990s Luminator Specialty Lighting Brochure - One sided. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Luminator's Newer Brochure Folder from the Early to Mid 2000s.
Early / Mid 2000s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Outside Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Early / Mid 2000s Luminator Brochure Folder - Outside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Early / Mid 2000s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Inside Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Early / Mid 2000s Luminator Brochure Folder - Inside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Early / Mid 2000s
Luminator
Brochure Folder
(Outside Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Early / Mid 2000s Luminator Brochure Folder - Outside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Display System
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Display System brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Display System
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Display System brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Display System
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Display System brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Display System
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Display System brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Front Display
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Front Display brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Front Display
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Front Display brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Side Display
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Side Display brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Side Display
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Side Display brochure - Side. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Original 1999
Luminator Horizon
LED Rear Display
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Original 1999 Luminator Horizon LED Rear Display brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Original 1999
Luminator Horizon
LED Rear Display
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Original 1999 Luminator Horizon LED Rear Display brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Rear Display
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Rear Display brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Rear Display
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Rear Display brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Dash Display
brochure. (Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Dash Display brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator Horizon
LED Dash Display
brochure. (Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Horizon LED Dash Display brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Sept. 23, 2003
Luminator Spectrum
Full Color LED
Display brochure.
(Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
September 23, 2003 Luminator Spectrum Full Color LED Display brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Sept. 23, 2003
Luminator Spectrum
Full Color LED
Display brochure.
(Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
September 23, 2003 Luminator Spectrum Full Color LED Display brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
2003 Luminator
Horizon GEN 4 LED
Amber / Full Color
4 panel brochure
(Outside Front)
Click / tap to enlarge.
2003 Luminator Horizon GEN 4 LED Amber / Full Color 4 panel brochure - Outside Front.<br>(Click / tap the X to close.)
2003 Luminator
Horizon GEN 4 LED
Amber / Full Color
4 panel brochure
(Inside Front)
Click / tap to enlarge.
2003 Luminator Horizon GEN 4 LED Amber / Full Color 4 panel brochure - Inside Front.<br>(Click / tap the X to close.)
2003 Luminator
Horizon GEN 4 LED
Amber / Full Color
4 panel brochure
(Inside Back)
Click / tap to enlarge.
2003 Luminator Horizon GEN 4 LED Amber / Full Color 4 panel brochure - Inside Back.<br>(Click / tap the X to close.)
2003 Luminator
Horizon GEN 4 LED
Amber / Full Color
4 panel brochure
(Outside Back)
Click / tap to enlarge.
2003 Luminator Horizon GEN 4 LED Amber / Full Color 4 panel brochure - Outside Back.<br>(Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator
Integrated Voice
System brochure.
(Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Integrated Voice System brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator
Integrated Voice
System brochure.
(Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Integrated Voice System brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
October 7, 2003
Luminator Mark IV
Integrated Voice
System brochure.
(Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
October 7, 2003 Luminator Mark IV Integrated Voice System brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
October 7, 2003
Luminator Mark IV
Integrated Voice
System brochure.
(Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
October 7, 2003 Luminator Mark IV Integrated Voice System brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Talking
Sign System
brochure. (Front)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Talking Sign System brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator Talking
Sign System
brochure. (Back)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator Talking Sign System brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator Talking
Sign System
brochure. (Front)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Talking Sign System brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator Talking
Sign System
brochure. (Back)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator Talking Sign System brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator's
Aftermarket Services
brochure. (Front)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator's Aftermarket Services brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
April, 2001
Luminator's
Aftermarket Services
brochure. (Back)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
April, 2001 Luminator's Aftermarket Services brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
December 18, 2001
Luminator 100%
LED Platform
Signs brochure.
(Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
December 18, 2001 Luminator 100% LED Platform Signs brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
December 18, 2001
Luminator 100%
LED Platform
Signs brochure.
(Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
December 18, 2001 Luminator 100% LED Platform Signs brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
October 7, 2003
Luminator Mark IV
LED Platform
Signs brochure.
(Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
October 7, 2003 Luminator Mark IV LED Platform Signs brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
October 7, 2003
Luminator Mark IV
LED Platform
Signs brochure.
(Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
October 7, 2003 Luminator Mark IV LED Platform Signs brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator LED
Stairwell Light
brochure. (Front)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator LED Stairwell Light brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
September, 2001
Luminator LED
Stairwell Light
brochure. (Back)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
September, 2001 Luminator LED Stairwell Light brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
August 25, 2003
Luminator LED
Stairwell Light
brochure. (Front)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
August 25, 2003 Luminator LED Stairwell Light brochure - Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
August 25, 2003
Luminator LED
Stairwell Light
brochure. (Back)  
Click / tap
to enlarge.
August 25, 2003 Luminator LED Stairwell Light brochure - Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Luminator Ground
Transportation
Systems folder.
(Outside Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Luminator Ground Transportation Systems folder - Outside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Luminator Ground
Transportation
Systems folder.
(Inside Front)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Luminator Ground Transportation Systems folder - Inside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Luminator Ground
Transportation
Systems folder.
(Inside Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Luminator Ground Transportation Systems folder - Inside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Luminator Ground
Transportation
Systems folder.
(Outside Back)
Click / tap
to enlarge.
Luminator Ground Transportation Systems folder - Outside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV: 10 Reasons
to Count on
Luminator, 4 panel
brochure. (Outside
Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV: 10 Reasons to Count on Luminator, four panel brochure - Outside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV: 10 Reasons
to Count on
Luminator, 4 panel
brochure. (Inside
Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV: 10 Reasons to Count on Luminator, four panel brochure - Inside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV: 10 Reasons
to Count on
Luminator, 4 panel
brochure. (Inside
Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV: 10 Reasons to Count on Luminator, four panel brochure - Inside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV: 10 Reasons
to Count on
Luminator, 4 panel
brochure. (Outside
Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV: 10 Reasons to Count on Luminator, four panel brochure - Outside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV Passenger
Information Display
Systems, 4 panel
brochure. (Outside
Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV Passenger Information Display Systems, four panel brochure - Outside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV Passenger
Information Display
Systems, 4 panel
brochure. (Inside
Front)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV Passenger Information Display Systems, four panel brochure - Inside Front. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV Passenger
Information Display
Systems, 4 panel
brochure. (Inside
Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV Passenger Information Display Systems, four panel brochure - Inside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)
Mark IV Passenger
Information Display
Systems, 4 panel
brochure. (Outside
Back)   Click / tap
to enlarge.
Mark IV Passenger Information Display Systems, four panel brochure - Outside Back. (Click / tap the X to close.)