Abstract: A large scale LED display has a number of display panels each having a cable and spacer support structure for a number of LED modules. Adjacent display panels are connected together by a number of seam links that snap onto one cable of one of the display panels and one cable of the adjacent display panel. The cables may include a number of seam link engagement members spaced along the length of the cable and onto which the seam links snap wherein each of the seam link engagement members locates an LED module on the support structure. The LED modules include top and bottom housing sections that snap together, wherein one of the housing sections includes a seat for an electrical connector. The seat locates the connector and a printed circuit assembly within the LED module.

Abstract: An outdoor display includes a net formed of intersecting cables and a number of pixel display units disposed on the net at the intersection of a pair of cables. Each pixel unit includes a number of different colored LEDs. The LEDs of the pixel units forming the display are selectively activated to form a still image or moving video images. The net display can be attached to, supported by or between existing structures.

Abstract: A fiber optic display sign has an optical system with enhanced light efficiency so that the display system is suitable for outdoor use. A number of fiber optics have light receiving ends arranged in a compact bundle for receiving an image from an image generator, the fiber optics coupling the image to the output ends thereof for display. An array of lenses is positioned adjacent the output ends of the fiber optics for directing or aiming the light from the fiber optics to control the viewing angle of the image displayed. The array of lenses may be fixed with respect to the output ends of the fiber optics or the lens array may be movable with respect thereto so as to vary the viewing angle. The image generator employs a light source formed of a densely packed array of white light emitting diodes to provide enhanced brightness.

Abstract: A light transfer apparatus for transferring an image from a relatively small projection surface to a relatively large display surface. The light transfer apparatus includes modules having a display surface, a light input surface and a connection surface. A plurality of modules are arranged so that their respective display surface combine to form the display screen. The modules are connected to a frame by snapping each module onto a support bar which is connected to the frame. Optical fibers, which terminate on the surface of each module and extend from the light input surface of each module, are positioned in a pigtail frame to form the projection surface. An image projected on the projection surface is viewed in magnified form on the display screen. The modular assembly design allows individual modules to be removed and replaced in the display screen without affecting any modules in addition to the replaced module.

Abstract: An improved image transfer device for transferring light images or the like is formed using "in-situ" optical waveguides or transfer elements rather than discrete optical fibers. In one embodiment, at least first and second tapered modular spacers are formed with grooves etched therein extending between first and second end surfaces thereof. Each of the grooves has a raised lip structure which enables the spacers to be interconnected in a rigid confronting relationship to produce a plurality of closed tapered channels. Each of the channels is then filled with a conductor to form an optical waveguide for transferring an elemental portion of an image between the first and second end surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making fiber optic light transfer devices has apparatus to continuously supply a selected number of optical fibers, apparatus to form those fibers into a ribbon and adjust to different wrapping radii of a wrapper. The wrapper is in the form of a rotary wheel on which there is mounted a matrix former and a spaced ribbon former. The end of the ribbon is clamped to the rotary wheel and as the wheel is rotated successive wraps of ribbon are made on aligned U-shaped support surfaces of the formers. A separator is positioned between each ribbon layer in the matrix former and a channel-shaped locator element is positioned on the spaced ribbon former before each ribbon layer is wrapped thereon. A reflective glue is added to the layers in both formers. A clamp clamps the wrapped layers in each former after which they are cured in an oven.

Abstract: A fiber optic light transfer device with variable resolution comprises a plurality of optical fibers arranged at one end thereof as a series of spaced, parallel fiber ribbons. The ribbons are supported in a locator body having a plurality of spaced, parallel slots therein each defined by first, second and third support surfaces and an end surface of the locator body. Each of the slots includes one or more projections selectively spaced along the first support surface for supporting the associated fiber ribbon in the slot such that one or more of the fibers therein are are in a spaced relationship. Preferably, the fiber optic light transfer device includes "n" parallel fiber ribbons each including "n" optical fibers.

Abstract: Light transfer apparatus and method and apparatus for making disclosed includes a screen row clamping assembly that clamps a row of screen units side by side in a straight row with uniform spacing of fiber ribbons between units. A matrix row clamping assembly clamps a row of matrix units side by side in a straight row with uniform spacing of fiber ribbons between units. A pair of alignment rods connect screen units side by side and also connect to alignment ribs on the back of the screen units that interfit end to end and are joined by connecting channels. The alignment rods fasten to terminator bars secured to a screen frame and the ribs are also secured to the screen frame. The rows of matrix units are placed in a matrix frame in which they are held together in a square configuration with uniform spacing between and alignment of fiber ribbons. The matrix ends are cut to a planar surface by a band saw.

Abstract: A fiber optic light transfer device has a plurality of optical fibers with first and second end surfaces. A locator body for the first end surface has parallel slots through which the fibers extend and by which the fibers are located and mechanically held against movement relative to one another in three mutually perpendicular planes. The locator body has ear projections along the back as well as a projection and socket for aligning and connecting two locator bodies side by side. The locator body has a series of ridges and grooves along opposite surfaces which enable them to be connected in a columnar arrangement. A separator is disposed between each ribbon for disposing the fibers forming the second end surface in substantially parallel planes. These separators and ribbons are integrally joined by glue to form a matrix body. The matrix body has a series of ridges and grooves which assist in aligning and connecting them side by side and end to end in an assembly.