US4319310A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar signs
Assignee: Photocomm Inc
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Filing: 1980-06-25
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Granted: 1982-03-09
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Expires: 2000-06-25
Abstract
Abstract Self-contained solar signs utilizing incident solar energy employing solar cells or thermal absorbers for generating electricity which is stored and later used for energizing sign illuminating lamp or lamps.
Inventors
- 👤 Vernon T. Kingsley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:31
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S9/00; F21S9/02; F21S9/03; F21S9/035; B; B61; B61L; B61L5/00; B61L5/12; B61L5/18; B61L5/1809; B61L5/1881; G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/22; G08B5/36; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/812
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A sign assembly employing incident solar energy for self-illumination thereof comprising in combination: a display sign, a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells mounted on said sign and exposed to the sun for collecting incident solar energy and converting it into electrical energy, said cells being mounted on a rack extending laterally from the top of said sign, battery means connected to said solar cells for receiving and storing the electrical energy generated by said solar cells, lamp means comprising at least one fluorescent tube mounted on said sign for periodic illumination thereof, timing means connected to said battery means for selective energization of said lamp means from said electrical energy stored in said battery means, and means connected between said battery means and said lamp means for converting the energy of said battery means into high voltage alternating electrical energy sufficient to operate said lamp means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A sign assembly employing incident solar energy for self-illumination thereof comprising in combination: a display sign, a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells mounted on said sign and exposed to the sun for collecting incident solar energy and converting it into electrical energy, said cells being mounted on a rack extending laterally from the top of said sign, battery means connected to said solar cells for receiving and storing the electrical energy generated by said solar cells, lamp means comprising at least one fluorescent tube mounted on said sign for periodic illumination thereof, timing means connected to said battery means for selective energization of said lamp means from said electrical energy stored in said battery means, and means connected between said battery means and said lamp means for converting the energy of said battery means into high voltage alternating electrical energy sufficient to operate said lamp means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sign assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: said battery means comprises more than one 12 volt battery vertically mounted in a rack vertically positioned in a vault buried in the ground adjacent said sign.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sign assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: said sign comprises a U-shaped configuration; and said battery means is mounted between the legs of said U-shaped configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sign assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: said timing means further comprises a sensor energizable by an absence of sun light.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3979656A
Cited
US4080221A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-03-08 | 1985-09-07 | 1986-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-03-08 | 1989-09-07 | 1990-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-03-08 | 1993-09-07 | 1994-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |