Abstract: The LED modular display system includes a frame of support members of triangular cross sections. The frame supports a plurality of LED display modules which include a generally planar front face upon which an array of LEDs is placed. The LED display modules further include inwardly tapered vertical sidewalls and horizontal upper and lower trapezoidal faces. The support members of triangular cross section fit flush against the inwardly tapered vertical sidewalls of the LED display modules. Fasteners on the inwardly tapering walls of the LED display modules engage complementary elements on the support members.

Abstract: The apparatus is a lamp assembly with a plurality of bulb assemblies used for data (or similar) display with varying character sizes. The bulb assemblies include a reflector with three bosses. Two of the bosses snap detent engage a lampbank while the third boss extends through the lampbank, attaches to a printed circuit board and serves as a standoff or spacer therefrom. The bulb assemblies further include a louver which snap engages onto the lens to form a lens/louver assembly which hinges and snaps to the reflector. The louver can be used as a handle to remove the lens from the bulb assembly.

Abstract: Wide color range display systems comprising integrated, phase modulated light from three light emitting diode (LED) pixels. Each pixel comprises a large number of LED chips arranged compactly to provide a discrete element light source of sufficient output to be viewed as a point source of light from a substantial distance. The arrays of pixels are placed in a matrix of a type typically used in scoreboards, message centers and other large display systems, although the various combinations, subcombinations, and elements are not limited to such uses. Each pixel is mounted in a molded package which may include a transparent lens covering and sufficient number of connecting leads to provide for the number of colors of LEDs contained in the pixel array. Each pixel is placed in a mounting fixture which also accommodates the necessary electrical connections to multiplexed driving circuitry.

Abstract: A long useful life, light permeable cover of pigmented, injection-molded silicone rubber for elastic manual placement over and self-retention on a light source enclosure. The cover, due to memory, is self-biasing and self-retaining upon the light source enclosure against inadvertent removal and may be used in large multicolor, automatically programmable, electrically changeable, broad spectrum displays, such as scoreboards.

Abstract: Novel systems, circuits, and methods for initiating ionization, maintaining constant illumination current, and extinguishing illumination in a gas discharge tube and in gas discharge tube arrays. Input controls for current regulating circuits for gas discharge tubes comprise directly connected semiconductor logic circuits. In the currently preferred embodiment, each gas discharge tube is maintained in consistently bright illumination by a constant current or extinguished by inhibition of the constant current, as controlled by a surprisingly simple circuit comprising a single PNP transistor and three resistors. A parallel coupled input which provides an impedance connection for a gas discharge tube ionizing high voltage pulse comprises a single resistor and a serially interposed isolating diode which protects the transistor from the high voltage ionizing pulse and imposes the ionizing pulse primarily upon the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A light matrix display system and a lamp socket for use therein. The lamp socket receives a single lamp which may be easily replaced by another lamp. The lamp socket is also designed so that it may be readily replaced if necessary. A solid state switching circuit is replaceably mounted on each lamp socket. Thus, if a switching circuit fails, it may be quickly replaced without disturbing the operation of other lamps. The light matrix display system includes a plurality of lamps arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of row control conductors and column control conductors are provided which are connected to a matrix system controller. Hot and neutral AC current supplying conductors and one row control conductor and one column control conductor are directly connected to each lamp socket and the switching circuit associated with the lamp socket.

Abstract: A visual display element, which may be used singly or as part of a large bank or like and similar elements, each element comprising an encasement, a slotted plate, and an actuating assembly. The actuating assembly comprises a planar face with a colored pattern of lines thereon and is situated immediately behind and parallel to the slotted plate. When viewed from the front, the planar face and adjacent slotted plate, the slots of said plate comprising highly reflective surfaces, which collectively appear as a solid color. Selective relative movement between the planar face and the slotted plate causes the visually perceived color to change from one color to a contrasting color and thereafter back to the original color.