Abstract: A smaller sized flip dot display utilizes a magnetically actuated pixel that rotates between two orientations. The orientations display two different optical states. A simulated dot matrix design improves the aesthetics and consumer appeal, and also permits a flip dot display capable of producing a positive contrast display image with darker colored “ON” pixels contrasting with brighter background and “OFF” pixels by reducing the visibility of the spacing gap between each rotating pixel and the surrounding background. An interwoven configuration of magnetic actuators with a coil around each arm of a U-shaped core may result in lower power consumption, low production cost, and small size required for use in consumer and small mobile devices such as watches and mobile phones.

Abstract: A light guiding plate is provided on the obverse side of a display for displaying a display image while varying the display image. Unevenness is formed at a predetermined position at a reverse surface of the light guiding plate. A light emitting element is disposed at the side surface of the light guiding plate in such a manner as to introduce the light to the light guiding plate. Alternatively, an uneven portion in conformity with a pattern of a desired display image may be formed at a reverse surface of the light guiding plate, and a light emitting element is disposed at the side surface of the light guiding plate in such a manner as to introduce the light to the light guiding plate.

Abstract: A light emitting display for generating a selectable character (number, letter or alphanumeric character) comprises a plurality of independently operable light emitting display elements (segments). Each display element comprises: a light guiding medium having a light emitting display face; at least one excitation source (LED) associated with the light guiding medium and independently operable to generate excitation light of a first wavelength range and couple the excitation light into the light guiding medium; and a pattern of at least one phosphor material provided on the light emitting surface and configured to define the light emitting element wherein the phosphor material absorbs at least a part of the excitation light and emits light of a second wavelength range. Each display element can comprise a discrete light guiding medium or display elements can be defined within a single light guiding medium by one or more light reflecting planes.

Abstract: Mechanical digital display including at least one digit consisting of at least seven segments (1) for the display of alphanumeric characters. Each segment (1) is a body in the form of a bar (1) which can pivot about its longitudinal shaft (3), the said bars (1) having at least two areas resembling a first and a second strip (1?, 1?). These have different appearances, and are arranged along the length of the bar (1) in such a way that the orientation of the bar (1) by rotation about its longitudinal shaft (3) enables either the first or the second strip (1?, 1?) to be made visible. The display of an alphanumeric character is achieved as a result of the dissimilarity of the appearance between the first and second strip (1?, 1?) of the set of bars (1). The pivoting of one or more bars (1) to replace the first strip (1?) with the second strip (1?) or vice versa generates the display of different alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: A numerical display device includes a base panel, a plurality of numerical sections provided on the base panel to form a numerical character, a plurality of folding panels pivotally coupling at the base panel to fold between a first position and a second position to selectively change the numerical character, and a magnet arrangement for retaining each of the folding panels at the first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the folding panel is pivotally folded on the base panel to fully cover the respective numerical section, and at the second position, the folding panel is pivotally folded at 180° to expose the respective numerical section.

Abstract: Mechanical digital display including at least one digit consisting of at least seven segments (1) for the display of alphanumeric characters. Each segment (1) is a body in the form of a bar (1) which can pivot about its longitudinal shaft (3), the said bars (1) having at least two areas resembling a first and a second strip (1?, 1?). These have different appearances, and are arranged along the length of the bar (1) in such a way that the orientation of the bar (1) by rotation about its longitudinal shaft (3) enables either the first or the second strip (1?, 1?) to be made visible. The display of an alphanumeric character is achieved as a result of the dissimilarity of the appearance between the first and second strip (1?, 1?) of the set of bars (1). The pivoting of one or more bars (1) to replace the first strip (1?) with the second strip (1?) or vice versa generates the display of different alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: A display unit that does not use any characters, but uses pieces (or chips) that are housed within prearranged slots on a base unit to form human recognizable characters. The slots are arranged into a group, with each group of slots forming a specific topography within a group that enables a variety of characters to be displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the display state of a bistable liquid crystal display on a display tag having a plurality of electrical contact pads connected to a corresponding plurality of electrodes in the liquid crystal display includes a body defining a slot for receiving and locating the display tag with respect to the body; a plurality of contact pins located in the body and being mounted for movement into the slot to contact the electrical contact pads of a display tag located in the slot; drive electronics electrically connected to the contact pins for receiving display command signals from an external source and for applying electrical drive signals to the electrodes of the display when the contact pins are in contact with the electrical contact pads; and operator control means for moving the contact pins into electrical contact with the electrical contact pads and causing the drive electronics to apply the electrical drive signals to the contact pins.

Abstract: A variable numeric character from which any individual numeral from zero to nine may be formed. The variable numeric character is preferably a substantially hollow rectangular figure having both a horizontal and vertical bisecting leg. Individual segments of the legs forming the variable numeric character may be removed to form individual numerals. A plurality of individual variable numeric characters may be used to produce the individual numerals of a multi-digit number, such as on a sign. Each variable numeric character may be disposed between a removable backing sheet and removable covering sheet, and may possess an adhesive or magnetic mounting surface. The vertical bisecting leg of the variable numeric character allows for the creation of a numeral one that will exhibit proper spacing and alignment when used in a multi-digit number—without requiring that the numeral one be deliberately offset or otherwise located differently than the other numerals.

Abstract: A seven-segment display for displaying the digits 0 to 9 has a top segment (1), a middle segment (4), a bottom segment (7), left and right upper segments 2, 3 and left and right lower segments (5, 6). The bottom segment (7) is composed of a horizontal limb (7a) and a vertical limb (7b). The interface between the top segment (1) and the upper left segment (2) is substantially horizontal. The interfaces between the middle segment (4) and each of the adjacent vertical segments (2-6) are arcuate. The interfaces between the top and bottom segments (1, 7) and the adjacent right segments (3, 6) are vertical. The characterising features increase the clarity of the display without increasing the total number of segments.

Abstract: A display system for displaying display members such as numbers, letter or other indicia, e.g., for use in signage for displaying the price of gasoline on the premises of a service station. The display system of the invention utilizes magnets to facilitate easy substitution of display elements. The display system has a support surface supporting at least one securing member, which is preferably a V-shaped member having an upwardly facing recess. A magnet is provided proximate the securing member. A display member is provided with at least one secured member, e.g., an inverted isosceles triangle having a downwardly facing apex for complementary engagement with said upwardly facing recess of the securing member. A metallic mass is located proximate to the secured member for magnetic engagement with the magnet proximate the securing member. An extendable arm is preferably provided for manipulating the display members when the display members are mounted high off of the ground.

Abstract: A manually adjustable display device for displaying information. The display device includes a frame containing a plurality of designated grooves; a plurality of side segments each including a display side and a non-display side disposed on an opposite side of the display side; a center segment including a display side and a non-display side disposed on an opposite side of the display side of the center segment; and a plurality of suspension members for suspending the side segments and the center segments in the designated grooves so that the side segments and the center segments can rotated within the designated grooves to display either the display or the non-display side of the segments.

Abstract: A manually adjustable display device for displaying information. The display device includes a frame containing a plurality of designated grooves; a plurality of side segments each including a display side and a non-display side disposed on an opposite side of the display side; a center segment including a display side and a non-display side disposed on an opposite side of the display side of the center segment; and a plurality of suspension members for suspending the side segments and the center segments in the designated grooves so that the side segments and the center segments can rotated within the designated grooves to display either the display or the non-display side of the segments.

Abstract: A portable games board is provided which may be employed as a scoreboard. The games board includes a flexible sheet and a support structure for holding the sheet. The sheet has a series of digits in the form of the number “eight”, made of contrasting material and laid out in the format commonly used in LED displays, with seven linear strokes forming the “eight”. Each of the seven linear strokes of each digit has a flap which, when closed, covers the stroke, and, when open, the stroke is visible. The set of flaps may be used to form any number from 0 to 9.

Abstract: A configurable numbering device includes a body portion having one or more numbering sections where each numbering section having reflective material in a number 8 configuration and a plurality of strips are adapted to overlay portions on the number 8 configuration so that any number zero through nine may appear in each numbering section. In an alternate embodiment, the device includes a plurality of reflective strips adapted to overlay portions on the number 8 configuration so that any number zero through nine may appear in each numbering section. In another configuration, the reflective strips may be replaced with an internal lighting source. The device may also include a wedge shaped portion for insertion into the ground, or may be adapted to a mailbox configuration. In addition, the device includes a message section wherein words, numbers, symbols or a combination thereof may be displayed, including advertising.

Abstract: Each element in an array of display elements has first and second limiting positions and in respective limiting positions selectively displays a bright and a dark surface in a viewing direction. A transparent sheet is intermediate the array and the viewer. Conductors on the sheet power light sources in the sheet to thereby direct light toward the array.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a base member that defines a display surface and nine panel segments mounted to the base member. At least eight of the panel segments are moveable between a first position in which a panel segment lies in a general parallel and overlapping relation with the display surface and a second position. A driving assembly moves the eight panel segments between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A variable character display and a method for making and using the display is provided. The display is composed of three layers of material including a substrate layer having an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side of a first color. A backing layer is secured to the adhesive side of the substrate and a front layer having an adhesive backing is secured to the non-adhesive side of the substrate layer. The front layer is provided with a plurality of individual removable sections arranged in at least one figure eight configuration. The individual sections are selectively removable to form a specific number on the substrate layer. The individual sections are a second color that is different than the first color.

Abstract: Each element in an array of display elements has first and second limiting positions and in respective limiting positions selectively displays a bright and a dark surface in a viewing direction. A transparent sheet is intermediate the array and the viewer. Conductors on said sheet direct light toward said array.

Abstract: A changeable sign comprises an enclosed outer housing and inner changeable number display areas. The number display areas are comprised of vertically spaced sections, each including a plurality of rotatable horizontal flaps. The flaps are rotated by motors which may be controlled on-site or remotely using telephone, pager or radio remote controllers. Different arrangements of number displays may be provided to display the time, temperature, single digit numbers, multiple digit numbers and decimals as well as other characters. The sign has a compact construction and is weather resistant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display sign for displaying diverse alphanumeric representations of a figure eight configuration within a windshield of a motorized transport, such as a car or truck. The sign permits a variety of sales information to be displayed and easily changed. The sign is made of a flexible panel conformable to the shape of the windshield. The flexible panel is resilient so as to return to its original shape when taken out of the windshield. The sign may be biased against the windshield with a wedge or biasing bar using a dashboard, rearview mirror and sun visors as anchoring points for biasing.

Abstract: A display with rearrangeable characters, for instance for price display at sales points, has a front plate with recesses for mounting rearrangeable digital, rod-shaped elements in the plate and displaying digital characters. A removable rear or locking plate is affixed to the plate. In their unlocked position, the elements are rotatable in the front plate about a transverse axis in each recess for the display of a desired digital character. Each element is self-locking in its resting position and secured so as to avoid further rotation in this position by the rear plate, thus together with adjacent elements showing the desired character as an unbroken whole.

Abstract: A changeable image display sign includes a carrier panel of corrugated board material that includes a plurality of openings each corresponding to a different segment of the changeable image. The sign further includes a plurality of image-forming elements of the corrugated board material, each having oppositely facing first and second major surfaces visually conforming to and differing from at least one of the exposed major surfaces, respectively. A multitude of shafts each passing through respective interstices of the corrugated board material of the carrier panel and of at least an associated one of the image-forming elements is used for mounting the image-forming elements in the openings.

Abstract: A display device for allowing quick and easy manual modification of the displayed information. A set of display plates each having two sides and a central bore which are parallel to one another are kept releasably biased against a backboard by a corresponding set of resilient strips extending through the plates. Each one of the bores of the plates has a contrasting surface colored with a color contrasting with respect to the backboard. The plates are selectively pulled away from the backboard and pivoted about said bore in either direction to expose their contrasting surfaces in order to form displayed numerals, letters or other symbols. The pivoting action is very fast and the plates cover the same area of the backboard in both their pivoted positions.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a configuration of members rotatably mounted in a base. One face of each rotatable member is a different color or pattern to that of the base, whereas the other face is the same as the base. By selectively rotating the members, different letters and/or numbers can be formed by their contrasting faces. The base can be hingeably joined to a backing plate which is adapted to be fixed in any position where the display apparatus is to be located. Alternatively, the backing plate and base can be formed as an integral piece incorporating a flexible section between the backing plate and the base to function as a hinge. With either arrangement, the backing plate and base are pivotable relative to one another, wherein their edges can be clipped together to form a flat member. A plurality of these flat members can be joined together to form a panel or sign board.

Abstract: A sign displaying characters in a manner emulating a digital display, in that the characters are formed using character elements to define parts of a particular font of characters. However, unlike a digital character that uses electrical control to activate character elements making up particular characters in the font, the present sign defines particular characters by covering the character elements not required for that character. The digital characters are formed on one or more sign inserts that removably fit within a sign body. The sign body includes a window exposing to view the character elements of each insert. The sign inserts may be of ferrous material and the cover members of magnetic material attachable to the inserts, so that the cover members are readily repositionable to change the message displayed by the digital characters.

Abstract: Two thin sheets of material have slits to define coplanar flaps that are configured and arranged in conformity with segments of a segmental display such as a seven-segment digital display. The layers are superimposed such that corresponding segments are superimposed. The layers have contrasting colors. Applying a force against the overlying flap in a segment causes the overlying and underlying flaps to deflect in the same direction for the outer edges of the flaps to pass each other. When the force is removed the flaps restore to positions that are substantially coplanar with the layers in which they are formed. When the flap in the overlying layer is coplanar with its layer that flap and, hence, the segment is not visible because there is no contrast between the flap and the layer being viewed. When the flap of the underlying layer is caused to switch over the flap in the overlying layer there is contrast between the flap and the overlying layer so the segment represented by the flap is visible.

Abstract: A numeric display has a background and seven panels positioned to form a stylized FIG. 8. The seven panels include four vertical panels, each revoluably mounted about a horizontal axle, and three horizontal panels each revoluably mounted about a vertical axis. The axis of each of said seven bars pass substantially through the geometric center the panel. The panels each have a front face and a back face. The front face of the panels contrasts optically with the background. The rear face optically melds with the background.

Abstract: A sign for the display of characters, such as price digits, is disclosed in which each character is formed of line segments with pivoting character elements. The character elements are mounted within openings of a panel and may be pivoted to display either a contrasting surface or a noncontrasting surface.

Abstract: A numeral display device having at least one visible face. Each segment of the device has a transparent outer pane and a spaced, parallel inner pane forming a pocket, a first portion of the pocket being aligned with and visible through an opening in the face. A flexible film is received in each pocket. A mechanism is provided to insert and withdraw each film from the first portion of each pocket so that each segment will either contrast with or match the face.

Abstract: A numeral display device having at least one visible face. Each segment of the device has a transparent outer pane and a spaced, parallel inner pane forming a pocket, a first portion of the pocket being aligned with and visible through an opening in the face. A flexible film is received in each pocket. A mechanism is provided to insert and withdraw each film from the first portion of each pocket so that each segment will either contrast with or match the face.

Abstract: A lighted sign, particularly useful for identifying a residence number on a street, has a display panel having a plurality of aligned numbers illuminated by LED's which are selectively programmable by the user to display the proper house number. In the event of an emergency, the sign is changeable to an emergency mode in which the numbers flash intermittently, and the LED's change from a first color to a red color indicating the emergency. The sign is activated manually or by means of a photocell, and the emergency condition may be actuated by a manual switch for a remote transmitter. The device may also be used to activate other emergency alert signals, such as an audible signal or a signal transmitter over phone lines.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a display means.This display means comprises a thin, light pivoting flap (5) with two principal surfaces (6, 6') and a rotating stepping motor (13). The motor drives the shutter by means of an elastic device (16) which times motor acceleration. A predetermined number of motor steps corresponds to one complete rotation of the flap.The display means is used to form large display units for train stations, airports, etc.

Abstract: A card for exhibiting and displaying alphanumeric information, such as a pricing sign for retail use, is provided. Generally the card is reusable. At least a portion of the face of the card has a background formed thereon in a dark colour, and a plurality of multi-segmented alphanumeric presentation display digit. Each of the display digits has at least seven bar segments so arranged as to form the digit "8". Various alphanumeric digits or letters can be formed by changing the colour of none or some of the bar segments of each display digit, so as to change its value, using a marker having an ink which is substantially the same colour as the colour of the background. The changed displays thereby present alphanumeric data, most usually pricing data, as desired. The card may be reused by wiping the changed display digits with a dampened wiping means which may carry water or a specific solvent, depending on the nature of the ink that has been used in the marker when the display digit was first changed.

Abstract: The relatively large size seven-segmented numerical display module consists of six peripheral segments having the same shape and size. Each segment is operated by a transmission mechanical gear assembly and a low voltage direct current motor. Only a low energy solar cell and/or battery is required to operate all the segments so as to provide a selected numerical display.

Abstract: An inexpensive, quick change pricing display on a sign board employs one or more basic numerical arabic figure eight digits of a segmented construction. Each basic numerical eight is made up of designator segments that may have contrasting color with respect to a viewing background of the display or sign. Numerical digits of zero through nine are selectively formed on each basic eight by applying or removing covering strip segments or elements which may be of the same or a different color as the viewing background to selective designator segments of each basic eight in such a manner as to leave exposed or to present color segments that represent the desired numerical digit.

Abstract: Electromagnetically actuated rotatable display element uses low coercivity magnetic core drive through cores running parallel to the rotation axes and magnets on the element outside each end of the cores.

Abstract: A manually changeable digital display device capable of displaying the numerals zero through 9 comprises a background panel having an optic or brightly colored face and a one-piece foreground panel adjacent to and parallel with the background panel. The one-piece foreground panel has seven elongated windows or openings which expose seven corresponding segments of the background panel. Each of the windows is covered by a flap which is integrally formed with the foreground panel and is hinged thereto. The desired numerals are formed by opening and closing the appropriate flaps to expose the appropriate corresponding segments thereby displaying the desired numerals. Two or more such digital display units can be arranged side by side to display the numerals 10 through any desired number.

Abstract: An illuminated display assembly fits into an opening in a display board such as a sports scoreboard. The display assembly includes an indicator module containing a front panel having a plurality of light transmitting data indicating areas arranged thereon with a plurality of chambers mounted behind the front panel. Each chamber is associated with one of the data indicating areas and encloses light sources therein which illuminate the data indicating areas when energized. A light source module includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of light sources mounted thereto. When the light source module and indicator modules are assembled together, the light sources from the former project into the chambers in the latter to form a finished display.

Abstract: Blocks of three different shapes can be detachably secured to a supporting surface such as a board and can form numbers from 0 to 9 inclusive in digital format.

Abstract: Digits of a multi digit alphanumeric display have eight segments, viz a conventional seven segment arrangement plus an eighth. The attitude/position of the eighth segment differs from digit to digit, the pattern of variation being selected so that a limited repertoire of words and phrases can be displayed without the provision of full alphanumeric capability on all digits.

Abstract: A display device for use in constructing remote controlling billboards, bus destination signs, and the like has a two-sided display disc which is carried on a pivoted support. The display disc is rotated by the application of force from a piezoelectric crystal drive to a point on the support which is off of the axis of rotation of the support. The crystal drive responds to DC voltage of one polarity or the other to rotate the display disc to expose a dark side or a light side to the viewer.

Abstract: A two dimensional illuminated display for forming on an expansive surface such as an airship envelope comprises (FIG. 3) a set of one dimensional display components 18 each formed by a multiconductor (ribbon) cable 19 having attached thereto by insulation piercing connectors 41 a plurality of display elements 20 containing illumination elements 20.sub.R and 20.sub.G formed by arrays of red and green high intensity l.e.d.'s. The display component cables hang from an attachment point at one end of the cable (21, FIG. 2) and are retained in channels 15, formed on the surface by raised vertically-extending ribs 16, by retaining members 24 extending across the channels by way of through-apertures 25 in the ribs. The retaining members are prevented from withdrawal by similar joining members 26 extending along the ribs. Each illumination element is fed from the cable 19 and the emission axes of the diodes may be tilted relative to the local channel base e.g.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed that is secured in a frame for holding the indicia forming material and is used to cover a housing that includes a light source which may be controlled through a photoelectric cell. The sheets making up the indicia are formed in such a manner that the characters are all created in a stylized "8" digital format with a centrally located "1" superimposed down the middle of the "8". The "8" characters with the "1" superimposed are diestampted in a separate sheet so that it alone may be changed to change the indicia to be displayed.The circuit is designed to produce a flashing light under normal conditions to attract an observer. When an emergency is created such as detected by a smoke detector, a red light flasher is seen giving an additional warning at the front of a house.

Abstract: A changeable sign includes a flat magnetizable sheet metal sign board, and a plurality of trapezoidal segments of magnetic sheet material sized and arranged to form segmented alphanumeric characters magnetically adhered to the board. The board also includes space to apply a sheet of magnetic material containing printed information. Semi-invisible guidelines on the board, such as glossy lines on a flat background of the same color, guide the positioning of the segments to form the characters. The segments are formed with non-acute angle corners to maximize adherence at their corners. The segments are rearranged to form different characters and can be repositioned at will on the sign board over the guidelines to completely alter the sign format.

Abstract: A sign for displaying prices and other information, in which at least one numeral character is changeable to display any numeral from zero through nine. A plurality of flap members are each pivotably attached to a flat foundation portion of the sign by resilient clips which hold a portion of each flap closely against a flat front side of the foundation member, thus holding the entire flap against the front side of the sign to prevent the flaps from being caught by wind. The flaps can be overturned by use of a tool including a spatula-like end, to display selectively a background colored face of the flap, covering a contrastingly colored portion of the foundation member, or to display the opposite face of the flap, which is of the contrasting color, and uncover the contrastingly colored portion of the foundation member. The spring clips are movable to permit the flap to be overturned, yet resiliently urge the flap against the front side of the foundation member at other times.

Abstract: The digital display apparatus comprises a board having one or more seven-element digital-type displays marked thereon. A flap is provided for each of the elements and is pivotable from a first position in which the associated element is exposed, to a second position in which it covers its associated element. Selective pivoting of the flaps enables each display to form any required digit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a display device that may be constructed from a single sheet of resilient material having a plurality of color contrasting portions that may be displayed in various combinations to form a desired character, e.g. numeral, or the like.

Abstract: A sign for displaying information including numerals, having a background member including ferromagnetic material and a plurality of substantially similar individual character elements which may be magnetically attached to the background member to cooperatively form individual digits. Seven or fewer individual character elements, each preferably having the identical elongated hexagonal shape, are combined to form each digit of a price being advertised. Each such character element is made of flexible sheet material including comminuted permanently magnetized material, and an outer surface of each character element may be coated with light-reflective or fluorescent paint of a color contrasting with the color of the background member. Alternative labels may be magnetically mounted on the background member to identify the product for which the price is advertised.

Abstract: A sign for displaying prices and other information, in which at least one numeral character is changeable to display any numeral from zero through nine. A plurality of flap members are each pivotably attached to a flat foundation portion of the sign by resilient clips which hold a portion of each flap closely against a flat front side of the foundation member, thus holding the entire flap against the front side of the sign to prevent the flaps from being caught by wind. The flaps can be overturned by use of a tool including a spatula-like end, to display selectively a background colored face of the flap, covering a contrastingly colored portion of the foundation member, or to display the opposite face of the flap, which is of the contrasting color, and uncover the contrastingly colored portion of the foundation member. The spring clips are movable to permit the flap to be overturned, yet resiliently urge the flap against the front side of the foundation member at other times.