Abstract: The abandoned vehicle messaging sign comprises a housing, a control circuit, a display surface, and a vehicle. The control circuit and the display surface mount in the housing. The housing mounts on the vehicle. The abandoned vehicle messaging sign displays an image of indicia indicating a sentiment that the vehicle has been abandoned. By abandoned is meant that the vehicle has been left temporarily unattended. The sentiment indicated by the abandoned vehicle messaging sign is customizable to the specific circumstances regarding the abandonment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A branding device includes a housing, a faceplate, a backlit recess within the housing, housing retention features, and faceplate retention features. The branding device is configured to be installed within a corresponding recess of a panel, such that the faceplate can be removed and replaced without requiring replacement of the entire branding device. To update the branding information of the branding device, the faceplate retention features must be disengaged from the rear of the branding device, the faceplate is then removed, and a faceplate with updated branding information is then installed.

Abstract: A punching device is provided for processing samples applied to a sample card comprising at least one punching head with a punch and a lower die, the punch being movable between a resting position and a punching position. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by a movable gripping unit, and a punching drive, which drives the movement of the punch between the resting position and the punching position. A piece of sample punched out from the sample card can be discharged at an outlet opening of the lower die into a receiving recess of a receiving container. The gripper unit comprises a sample card gripper and a receiving container gripper which are moveable by a drive unit in three main directions that are orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: A screening for separating a protected area has a plurality of vertical supports with removable panels between the supports. Upper attachment members on the supports have a vertical channel for slideably receiving a complementary attachment member on the panel. A hook on one attachment member engages a catch on the other to retain the attachment members together. The lower end of the panel is retained between parallel flanges on the vertical supports. A tool is provided to release the hook for removal of the panel from the vertical supports.

Abstract: A graphic display device illuminates interchangeable graphic panels and is mountable to a translucent mounting surface. The graphic display device includes a housing assembly, a light guide assembly, and select device support structure. The housing assembly includes a housing back, a housing front, and peripheral housing edging. Together, the housing back and housing edging define an assembly-receiving volume. The light guide of the light guide assembly is positionable within the assembly-receiving volume for guiding light from the light source in an anterior direction. The device support structure alternatively fasten the graphic display device to a translucent mounting surface or support the device upon a support surface adjacent a window such that the light from the light source is guided in an anterior direction through the window.

Abstract: A graphic display device illuminates interchangeable graphic panels and is mountable to a translucent mounting surface. The graphic display device includes a housing assembly, a light source assembly, a light guide assembly, and device-to-surface mounts. The housing assembly includes a housing back, a housing front, and peripheral housing edging. Together, the housing back and housing edging define a panel-receiving volume. The light source assembly includes a power source, a light source, and circuitry. A light guide of the light guide assembly is positionable within the panel-receiving volume for guiding light from the light source in an anterior direction. The device-to-surface mounts fasten the graphic display device to a translucent mounting surface, and are cooperably associated with the peripheral housing edging for supporting the housing assembly such that the light from the light source is guided in an anterior direction through the translucent mounting surface.

Abstract: An illuminated sign having a housing unit with a frame and one or more light emitting arrays to provide visible indicia and a backlight module for mounting a transparent backlight panel which is held in close contact with a reflection panel and optically positions a light emitting unit to emit light through the backlight panel for emission from the front of the sign. The replaceable sign member accommodates the display of visible indicia and is backlit by the light emitting unit. A light sensor is mounted on the backlight module for measuring ambient light. The light emitting unit can be driven by a signal from the light sensor to automatically set a contrast level of illumination to optimize the information presented by the illuminated sign.

Abstract: A readily modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for use as easily changed advertisement media such as in department stores and retail stores. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a preferably translucent substrate or mounting board which is preferably planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are formed to be aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets on the front surface. The magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheets, each of which may have wording or pictorial information or both. The magnets contact the metal shims through the mounting board holes, and are held firmly in position by virtue of both the magnetic attractive force and the shape of the walls of the mounting board holes.

Abstract: A lighting device configured for projecting a unique lighting to illuminate letters, figures and shapes displayed on the top of the device is disclosed. The letter and figures are interchangeable and maybe customized to individual tastes and interests. The lighting device comprises a chamber containing a light source and a plurality of reflector strips disposed in the inner portion of the chamber. The letters and figures are inserted into a longitudinal aperture at the top of the chamber and snapped onto a lip that protrudes from an aperture wall. An inclined reflector strip comprising of a plurality of flat portions and angled portions directs the light toward the bottom and sides of the letters and figures that permeates through the substantially transparent material the letters and figures comprise to produce the unique lighting effect. Alternatively, angled reflector tabs are used in lieu of the inclined reflector strip.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable illuminated display device. The device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light to the device, a substrate that is lit by the LEDs, a plurality of batteries that power the display, an image that includes a message or other indicia and a color insert that can change the LEDs light color. The device also includes a core with an electronics component, a light panel that receives the light from the LEDs and provides a homogenous area of light, a cover with a cover surface, a casing with a back lid, a front lid and an opening between the lids, a vertical and horizontal attachment point, a on and off push button and a metal plate and a plurality of magnets to allow a user to attach the device.

Abstract: A self-addressing control unit system and method for controlling a sequence of or an array of display signs comprising of a remote or master controller and a plurality of control units interconnected by a physical or logical parallel electrical bus having multiple connections to transfer data or power between the plurality of control units; wherein the electrical bus further comprises of a main broadcast line, an addressing line and a feedback line to every control unit. The remote or master controller transmits an initial address to a first of the plurality of control units on the addressing line of the bus where a calculator or computer within each of the plurality of control units computes its own address by performing a mathematical operation that changes the initial address by adding a constant of one to the address received to produce its own new address.

Abstract: An accessory that can be mounted over a mailbox has a base with a pair of sidewalls that are spaced to straddle the mailbox. A frame assembly mounted on at least one of the sidewalls has one or more indicia bearing members removably attached thereto. These indicia bearing members are installed and arranged to supply address information. A light mounted at the frame assembly is powered by a power supply that has a solar powered charger for charging a battery in order to illuminate the indicia bearing members at night.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a base having at least one light source positioned therein, a lens removably mounted over the light source, and a display applied onto the lens for illumination by the light source. In example forms, the display takes the form of a cartoon character, a team logo, product merchandising text and/or graphics, branding materials, informational text or diagrams, patterns, artwork, or the like. Multiple lenses can be provided, each having a different display applied thereon, for interchangeable attachment to a common universal base.

Abstract: A light box display configured for frontal access to change out graphics and to perform maintenance tasks. This is accomplished in the present invention while assuring that the graphics is held in a state of moderate tension to retain the graphics in a flat and properly oriented configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the light box comprises a moveable interior frame to which the graphics sheet and diffuser are both secured. The moveable interior frame rests on a plurality of upper and lower slides which facilitate movement of the inner frame. Such movement is controlled, in part, by at least one pneumatic piston which biases the frame toward the front of the light box and provides a mechanical lock that holds the frame in its rearward position to facilitate frontal access. The graphics sheet is held in place along the top and bottom front peripheral edges of the moveable frame by a plurality of spring-biased wire connection members within roller guides.

Abstract: An LED sign may include a top frame member, two side frame members connected to the top frame member, a bottom frame member connected to the side frame members. A first detachable outer sheet member may include indicia to cooperate with the top frame member, the bottom frame member and the side frame members. The LED sign may further include a second translucent sheet member to cooperate with the top frame member, the bottom frame member and the side frame members. The LED sign may further include a sign frame member. The LED sign may include LED lighting modules an LED photocell. The LED lighting modules may be detachably connected to the LED sign, and the top, bottom and side frame members may be substantially U-shaped to define a channel for the outer sheet member.

Abstract: A lighting unit adapted to be mounted to a vertical member, preferably a pole for use at a checkout counter in a retail service location. The lighting unit includes a substantially polygonal housing secured to the pole. The housing typically includes at least three sides, a top, and a base; the top may have slots to promote ventilation. An opening is formed in the first side of the housing and defines a receiving location for the pole, situated between the top and base of the housing. A clamp plate is releasably engageable with the first side of the housing spans the opening adjacent to the pole, and releasably engages the pole to provide for easy vertical adjustment of the housing relative to the pole. Each flange can advantageously include at least one set of teeth for enhancing the gripping strength of the clamp plates and penetrating the vertical member.

Abstract: A lighted display for an address indication. The display includes a housing with a solar panel on top and a depending acrylic panel having numbers and letters etched thereon. The housing includes a rechargeable battery and appropriate electronics. A series of LEDs provided above the acrylic panel light the display. The panel includes grooves on the side of the top which interact with projections on the bottom of the housing which allow the panels to slide into place. A channel on the top of the panel receives the LEDs. The solar panel is preferably angled to receive more light and to shed water.

Abstract: The illuminated cabinet soffits and aprons each include at least one pocket formed therein for removably placing a panel capable of transmitting light therethrough. The pockets may be formed by cutting a saw kerf between the two opposite panel faces, by separating the front and rear sheets of the panel with spacers, or by adding spacers to the back of a front sheet and attaching a series of webs to the spacers. The front of each panel includes at least one light passage therein. The light passage may have any regular or irregular geometric shape, or may be in the outline of a caricature, an object or symbol relating to an occupation or hobby, etc. The light passage through the rear of the panel may be any desired shape. Various attachments may be provided for removably attaching the panels to the cabinets for interchanging the panels.

Abstract: An improved display is disclosed for a dispensing machine having a plurality of switches for dispensing a plurality of products. The improved display comprises a plurality of illuminators located in proximity to the plurality of switches. A decorative panel indicates the types of the plurality of products for dispensing by the dispensing machine. A mounting fixes the decorative panel for enabling the plurality of illuminators to illuminate the decorative panel. A control is connected to the plurality of switches for energizing the plurality of illuminators in response to an actuation of a selected one of the plurality of switches for indicating the dispensing of one of the plurality of products by the dispensing machine.

Abstract: An illuminated display device having a menu board and a light source is provided. The menu board has translucent display members and a frame with substantially parallel frame members and at least one cross member connected to the frame members. The cross members are located between the display members and the lighting sources. The cross members may be offset from the display members so that the cross members do not cast a shadow upon the display members. The cross members may be disposed at various angles to the frame members and to other cross members.

Abstract: Illuminated poster frame with a frame box including a front frame, side panels and a rear panel, the frame box including a front clear panel. The top panel of the frame box has a slit to removably retain an inner frame that houses a poster. The inner frame has a front frame portion and a rear frame portion to removably retain the poster. The poster is printed on transparent of translucent material capable of transmitting light so that the entire poster is illuminated. The inside of the frame box includes a formed sheet having a plurality of recesses that each retains an amber LED. A translucent sheet placed in front of the LED holding sheet diffuses the light emanating from the LED's. A power source such as a battery supply or a wall pack transformer powers the LED's.

Abstract: A lighted display frame for a jigsaw puzzle includes a light transmissive top and a switch activating slide actuator which results in a light emitting element illuminating the puzzle, the slide actuator being actuated by engagement of the puzzle therewith.

Abstract: A light box display for use in a retail environment includes a light box, a graphic, and a graphic cover. The light box includes a first member and a second member configured to collectively house a plurality of light sources. The graphic cover is selectively coupled to the light box with at least one of static build up and friction fit to secure the graphic between the light box and the graphic cover such that the graphic is configured to be backlit with light emanating from the plurality of light sources. The first member of the light box includes a first member side wall and the second member of the light box includes a second member side wall. The second member side wall generally fits around and overlaps a substantial entirety of the first member side wall. Associated methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: Label holders include a label retention member and an illumination source positioned relative to the label retention member to provide back lighting to one or more labels retained by the label retention member. The label holders hold labels which include information readable by a consumer or other person or computerized device, such as merchandising information and the like. The label holders can be attached to or near a front edge of a shelf, such as a gondola shelf, or can be provided as a stand alone sign or top spanner sign. The illumination source can include a plurality of low voltage bright illumination devices, such as light emitting diodes. Merchandise display systems including, methods of making, and methods of using the present label holders are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a board that can be used especially as a board for a door in offices or administrative buildings. A base body (1) of said board comprises guiding grooves (2, 3) for an information carrier (4), on two opposing edges thereof, and a cover (5). Clamping slides (15) that can be introduced into a central groove (6) of the base body (1) are used to secure the position of the information carrier (4) and the cover (5), at least one of said slides being provided preferably with at least one display panel (23) that can be pivoted back and forth.

Abstract: A holding device attaches to the license plate screw bosses of a vehicle in the usual way and has a first receptacle with a first pair of slots for receiving a temporary driving tag and a second pair of slots, behind the first pair, for receiving an advertisement plate of the dealer. A second receptacle has an actuator that dispenses an information disc through a slot upon the depression of a switch. A delay circuit may provide a time delay between disc dispensing cycles. A lamp is controlled by a depression switch located within the first pair of slots so that a plate acts on the switch in order to illuminate the lamp for night test driving, which illumination may be overridden by a photoelectric cell for daytime use. Posts extend rearwardly of the second receptacle and have ears with openings through which screws pass and the screws received within the bosses. A stabilizer bar also extends rearwardly of the second receptacle.

Abstract: An illuminated sign, internally illuminated by a source such as one or more LED'S generally located at one end, and having a character panel with at least partially transmissive portions to define the characters of the sign. The character panel is curved so as to face the source more squarely at distances further from the source. By this arrangement, the geometric fall-off of illumination with increasing distance from the source is compensated for by the curvature of the character panel, such that more uniform illumination is provided than with prior art flat panels. Power management systems for solar charged illuminated signs are also described, in which the illumination level of the sign is adjusted according to the ambient solar flux and according to the charge-holding capacity of the battery. The system also warns of the impending end of battery life without interrupting the sign functionality.

Abstract: A merchandiser includes a front door or wall portion which forms a barrier between an exterior side and an interior side of the merchandiser. The front door or wall portion holds a first display panel in a relatively fixed manner so that an exterior side of the first display panel forms at least a portion of the exterior side of the merchandiser. The first display panel including portions that are clear, so as to allow a user of the merchandiser to see through the clear portion of the first display panel. A replaceable graphics display panel, which itself has replaceable graphics cards thereon, is placeable in juxtaposition with an interior facing side of the first display panel, so that the replaceable graphics cards thereon are aligned with the clear portions, so that the replaceable graphics cards are viewable from the exterior side of the merchandiser.

Abstract: A display module for an illuminated display device is provided having an at least substantially translucent panel and a plurality of retention members for removably retaining a plurality of spaced apart divider members and display members to the panel. The retention members are secured to the panel in fixed relation to the panel and are arrayed in first and second opposed vertically spaced apart columns. Preferably, each divider member includes retaining structures, and preferably longitudinally extending channels, for retaining portions of at least partially translucent display members bearing food, pricing, or other advertising information in a predetermined position between opposed sets of retaining structures. An illuminated display device is also provided which includes a housing having an opening, at least one lighting source inside the housing for projecting light through the opening, and a display module. A method of assembling a display module in accordance with the invention is further provided.

Abstract: A display module for an illuminated display device is provided having a flexible, non-self-supporting, at least substantially translucent sheet and a plurality of spaced apart, horizontally disposed divider members positioned on one side of the sheet. Each of the divider members may include a retaining structure for retaining portions of display members in a predetermined position. A plurality of display members having translucent portions are positioned between spaced apart sets of divider members. An illuminated display device is also provided which includes a housing having an opening, at least one lighting source inside the housing for projecting light through the opening, and a display module. A method of assembling a display module in accordance with the invention is further provided.

Abstract: A menu system comprises a frame that receives interchangeable menu sections with different heights such that sections of various heights are combined to fill the frame space. The menu sections have a central web with upper and lower front channels that receive a presentation strip. Clips, catches, latches, and magnets are used to secure the menu sections in the frame. A preferred menu section uses upper and lower middle web portions attached to web ends. An end cap at the end of a menu section prevents inadvertent loss of presentation strips from the menu section. The end cap can be formed from resilient matter and latched to a web end.

Abstract: A sign includes a housing, and at least one symbol plate that provides a visual representation of at least one symbol. A symbol plate attaches to the housing in at least two orientations relative to the housing. Optionally, a symbol plate has at least one cutout that provides the visual representation. Optionally, the housing includes a light source that emits light waves that pass through cutouts to illuminate visual representations. Optionally, a sign includes a sheet, disposable between the housing and a symbol plate, and adapted to filter at least one color from the light waves. The at least two orientations can include a first position, and a second position 90 degrees to the first position. Optionally, a sign includes a cover, or a cover and a deluxe plate, having at least one respective opening that exposes the visual representation.

Abstract: A merchandiser includes a front door or wall portion which forms a barrier between an exterior side and an interior side of the merchandiser. The front door or wall portion holds a first display panel in a relatively fixed manner so that an exterior side of the first display panel forms at least a portion of the exterior side of the merchandiser. An access port (such as a slot) is included in the front door or wall portion, and is dimensioned and oriented so as to allow a replaceable graphics display panel to be passed, for example, from the interior side to the exterior side of the merchandiser, so as to be placed in juxtaposition with an interior facing side of the first display panel.

Abstract: A sign display apparatus. The apparatus includes a moveable display face for displaying information; a stationary display body having a source of illumination for the display face when the display face is in a position over the display body; and a drive mechanism coupled to the display face for moving the display face relative to the stationary display body and its source of illumination. Also provided are an apparatus and a retrofit kit for lowering the display face to change a message displayed on the display face and for raising the display face to a visible position. Included are housing assemblies affixed in a spaced relationship, each housing assembly having a guide track such that, in combination, the housing assemblies provide a pair of substantially parallel guide tracks into which is disposed the display face, thereby defining a plane of travel as the display face is lowered and raised.

Abstract: A sign unit includes a translucent holder unit which has a solar-powered lighting unit supported thereon. A container is mounted on one side of the holder unit and is adapted to contain printed information. Anchor stakes support the holder unit.

Abstract: A cover for a hitch receiver includes a removable cover plate, which may incorporate a theft deterrent design and may be illuminated by an electroluminescent sheet.

Abstract: A light string with personalizable light covers. The light string includes multiple individual light bulb assemblies each including a light bulb electrically connected to a light bulb socket and having a light bulb housing secured over each light bulb assembly. The light bulb housings each have a slide out bottom panel provided with airflow apertures therethrough for allowing cooling of the housing as well as allowing replacement of the light bulb therein as needed and also have a three sided, picture frame style transparency holder.

Abstract: An advertisement light box is disclosed. The light box comprises a main frame, a panel, a light guiding structure, a light guiding source positioning device. The inner side of the panel is provided with a locking hole and the four sides of the panel can be lifted or the entire panel can be lifted by means of the fastening of connection plate, and the light box is provided with a clip for easy mounting of an advertisement material, and the four lateral sides of the light guiding structure are provided with a light guiding source fastener which is an inverted U-shaped board directly mounted to the edge of the light guiding structure so as to prevent the light guiding board to deform or to prevent the light to leak, the interior of the inverted U-shaped board is provided with light tubes, and the inner wall of the U-shaped board is coated with a silver or the like material to provide good reflection of light.

Abstract: A color coded sign system comprises a base frame mounted on a wall or a ceiling, and a plurality of replacement panels each having at least one opening. A selected one of the replacement panels is detachably hooked in hook rails of the base frame and the opening is covered by a colored member.

Abstract: An illuminated sign display is mounted on a truck or trailer sidewall. The display includes a four sided frame with one of the frame sides being hinged so that it can be opened to receive an advertising sheet, between a front clear plastic sheet for protecting the advertising sheet, and a rear white translucent sheet. The display also includes a white metal back sheet adjacent the truck wall and an illumination device mounted between the white metal back sheet and the white translucent sheet in a chamber formed between the two.

Abstract: A fire receiver for use in a building is divided into sections for each of which window indication is made by using a corresponding window. The fire receiver includes: a base having a frame for window indication; a rectangular window sheet to which the names of the sections are written and which is fitted into the frame of the base; and a substantially transparent protective sheet which is substantially of the same configuration as the window sheet and arranged in front thereof. The window sheet has at its longitudinal ends rectangular engagement members to be engaged with engagement grooves of the frame and at its center a central rectangular engagement member to be engaged with a central engagement groove of the frame.

Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides defining the figuration of the letter of shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is retained by a plurality of retainer clips to a shoulder recessed within the walls of the enclosure and a cable between opposing walls provides lateral support to the walls. Each of the retainer clips has a first and a second leg extending from a back with the legs spaced a distance sufficient for the legs to fit around the end of the sheet metal of the walls. A partially flexible finger extends from one of the legs into the space between the legs so a to wedge against a surface of the sheet metal wall and thereby retain the retainer clip to the wall.

Abstract: A modular sign having a signboard that positively and removably engages a signboard housing. The signboard housing includes a top wall, left and right sidewalls and a lower wall. The housing also includes upper and lower upward extending lips extending from front edges of the top wall and the lower wall of the housing respectively. First and second hanger strips are mounted to the back surface of the signboard. The hanger strips form notches in conjunction with the back surface of the signboard. When the signboard is slidably disposed into a mounting position with respect to the signboard, the upper and lower lips upward extending lips extend into the notches formed by the first and second hanger strips to positively mount the signboard with respect to the housing while permitting easy removal of the signboard therefrom.

Abstract: An illuminated display assembly includes a flexible, translucent and rectangular display plate having an outer edge including two opposing side edges and two opposing end edges, and an image depicted on the display plate within the outer edge of the plate. The display plate also has a width dimension measured from the opposing side edges. The display plate is mounted to a support frame having a rectangular panel and a support member extending along a periphery of the panel. The support member includes two opposing side supports and two opposing end supports. A retainer is disposed along each of the side supports and the support frame has a dimension measured from the retainer on the side support that is less than the width of the display plate. Thus, when the retainer receives respective side edges of the display plate, the display plate deforms in a convex shape with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: An illuminated display apparatus for use with a gaming device, where the display device includes a generally planar template with a plurality of sections having different sizes and shapes. The template is adapted to be illuminated by the gaming device. The sections define a plurality of apertures of differing shapes and sizes adapted to receive a plurality of removable and replaceable inserts. The plurality of inserts have corresponding differing shapes and sizes, wherein the inserts are adapted to removably engage the insert holders that have a similar shape and size.

Abstract: A menu system comprises a frame that receives interchangeable menu sections of a width such that sections of various width are combined to fill the frame space. The menu sections have a central section with upper and lower front channels that receive backing strips, copy strips, and digital price carriers. The central section may also have upper and lower rear channels, an upward extending light blocking projection, and a central aperture for back lighting. A clip may be used in the front or rear upper and lower channels to secure the menu sections to the frame.

Abstract: A display enclosure includes a case, a driver board assembly configured to provide signals to a display, a clamp assembly having a head configured to slidably engage the case and a protrusion configured to secure the driver board assembly to the case. A message center enclosure includes a case, a driver board assembly configured to generate a display, a pivot clamp assembly coupled to the case, and configured to couple the driver board assembly to the case, in a manner that is devoid of apertures through the driver board assembly for coupling the driver board assembly to the case. A method of manufacturing a message center enclosure includes obtaining a case having opposing first and second ends and at least one pivot clamp assembly, sliding a driver board assembly into the case, and sliding the pivot clamp assembly into the case.

Abstract: An illuminated identification system for providing efficient identification of a building structure in various light conditions. The illuminated identification system includes a housing unit, one or more light bulbs positioned within the housing unit, an identifying plate containing an indicia, a transparent cover plate, and a photocell switch unit electrically connected to the light bulbs. The light bulbs illuminate the interior of the housing unit when the photocell switch unit detects reduced outdoor lighting. The indicia may be formed within the identifying plate by coloring or by cutting out one or more slots forming the indicia.

Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sides defining the figuration of the letter of shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens may be retained by a plurality of retainers to a shoulder recessed within the walls of the enclosure. As a first alternative, the retainers may retain a lens without a shoulder where a sealing edging is fitted around the perimeter of the lens. As a second alternative a lens having dimensions greater than those of the enclosure may be retained across the forward end thereof.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with a name plate sign includes an elongate frame having a planar bottom with an upper portion defining an interior space. The frame bottom includes a bracket for attachment to the name plate. A rechargeable battery is mounted within the interior space of the frame and is electrically connected to a plurality of light sources depending from the frame bottom. A thin film solar panel is positioned atop the upper frame portion and is electrically connected to the battery to repeatedly recharge it as the panel collects solar energy. A photoelectric light sensor is mounted to the frame and permits current to flow from the battery to the light sources when a sensed level of ambient light is less than a predetermined level. Therefore, the name plate is illuminated when insufficient ambient light is available.