Patents Assigned to Daktronics, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120218753
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electronic display, a second electronic display generally parallel to and facing away from the first electronic display, and a bracket. The first electronic display is mounted to a first side of the bracket and the second electronic display is mounted to a second side of the bracket. The bracket is dimensioned to extend across a width of a top arm of a basketball hoop stanchion such that the first electronic display at least partially covers a first side of the top arm and the second electronic display at least partially covers a second side of the top arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Joffer, Matt Buisker, Jay deBlonk, Lane A. Munson, Douglas John Criddle, Tom Kreutner, Adam Howard
  • Patent number: 8194385
    Abstract: A precision alignment system for the alignment of modular frames of an electronic sign including a plurality of precision alignment mechanisms which are mounted to the outer panels of the modular frames and an alignment fixture having a plurality of configurable jig towers. The configurable jig towers include moveable components which are used to precisionally align the outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms for subsequent intimate contact between other like outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms of horizontally and vertically adjacent modular frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent S. Miller, Mark D. Dennis, Nathan L. Nearman
  • Publication number: 20120119980
    Abstract: Pixel interleaving configurations for use in high definition electronic sign displays where each and every scan line includes full red, green, and blue color representation to provide for high resolution electronic video sign displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Joffer, Brett D. Wendler, Glenn P. Luke, Nathan L. Nearman, Chad N. Gloege, Matthew R. Mueller, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Joseph G. Schulte, Eric S. Bravek, Ryan M. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120120033
    Abstract: A graphical display station of arbitrary shape such as channel letters or other shaped structures is populated with pixels which are components of flexible pixel strings which can be arranged to fit the arbitrary shape(s). The flexible pixel strings provide for straightforward and cost effective fabrication of channel letter or other shaped displays. The invention also includes pixel units which comprise lighting elements together with such control circuits as are needed to roperly drive the lighting elements to form a graphical image. Addressing of the particular pixels is provided to accommodate the arbitrary arrangement of pixels of the flexible pixel strings. Methods of fabricating a channel letter display are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mittan, Chad N. Gloege, Brett D. Wendler
  • Patent number: 8172097
    Abstract: An LED display module having features for improvement over prior art devices by providing novel features for improved LED visibility, improved weather and climatological sealing, improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression, improved heat dissipation, and improved airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Lane Nearman, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Matt Ray Mueller, Brett David Wendler, Eric Steven Bravek, Robert James Lutz, Ryan Mark Hansen, Nick Joeseph Fanning
  • Patent number: 8154864
    Abstract: The present invention is a robust LED display module for use in an electronic sign which display module includes a metallic housing, a heat conductive interface panel, an LED circuit board and LEDs, and a metallic mask arranged in intimate contact and association therewith, and which components operate synergistically in concert with each other in order to evenly distribute, reduce and dissipate heat along, about and within the structure of the present invention. Display uniformity is provided by the use of major metallic structures in order to prevent warpage and to protect the geometric integrity of the LED display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Matthew R. Mueller, Douglas P. Tvedt, Kent S. Miller, Mark D. Dennis, John L. Hage, Ryan J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8136279
    Abstract: An electronic sign module housing having an overmolded gasket seal including an elastomer overmolded gasket seal with an inner and an outer lip and a base overmolded to a rearwardly located contact surface of an electronic sign module housing. Grooves on the contact surface of the electronic sign module housing provide additional bonding surfaces with a greater surface area to enhance the chemically-bonded overmolding of the overmolded gasket seal. Truncated conical projections extending forwardly from the elastomer base extend into correspondingly shaped truncated conical cavities in the electronic sign module housing in order to provide additional chemical bonding and to provide a geometrically based frictional engagement arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Kory D. Kludt
  • Patent number: 8130175
    Abstract: Pixel interleaving configurations for use in high definition electronic sign displays where each and every scan line includes full red, green, and blue color representation to provide for high resolution electronic video sign displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Joffer, Brett D. Wendler, Glenn P. Luke, Nathan L. Nearman, Chad N. Gloege, Matthew R. Mueller, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Joseph G. Schulte, Eric S. Bravek, Ryan M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8122627
    Abstract: A ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an intake duct and an exhaust duct located along the front thereof. The ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure is geometrically configured to prevent or dissuade entry of fluid streams to the interior of the enclosure through the exhaust duct and through the intake duct. Combinations of vertically spaced vent tabs and vent spaces in the intake duct and the exhaust duct are incorporated to allow air flow freely therethrough and also provide through various relationships of structure to prevent or dissuade cleaning water streams from entry to the interior of the enclosure. An alternate embodiment provides a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure using formed components including formed full and partial width mid-panels supporting a protective shroud support and a plurality of angled protective shrouds having interchangeability accommodating features providing for rapid field installation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent S. Miller
  • Patent number: 8106923
    Abstract: A graphical display station of arbitrary shape such as channel letters or other shaped structures is populated with pixels which are components of flexible pixel strings which can be arranged to fit the arbitrary shape(s). The flexible pixel strings provide for straightforward and cost effective fabrication of channel letter or other shaped displays. The invention also includes pixel units which comprise lighting elements together with such control circuits as are needed to properly drive the lighting elements to form a graphical image. Addressing of the particular pixels is provided to accommodate the arbitrary arrangement of pixels of the flexible pixel strings. Methods of fabricating a channel letter display are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mittan, Chad Neal Gloege, Brett David Wendler
  • Patent number: 8104204
    Abstract: An electronic sign having vertically hinged face panel doors which open individually about offset hinge assemblies and which aid in minimizing distorted seal compression. Individual door stop assemblies allow an operator to manageably open the face panel doors and to lock the face panel doors. In the open position, the face panel doors are protected from damage due to wind currents or gusts. The use of face panel doors having a parallelogram cross section profile allows for closely spaced face panel doors with a minimum panel-to-panel gap for uniform spacing and viewing of lighted pixel displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Syrstad
  • Publication number: 20120005563
    Abstract: The present invention relates to image displays and signage, and more particularly, to displays of custom or arbitrary shape. Such shaped displays include channel letter displays, logo or design displays, multiple displays in an assembly, multiple display modules, curved or round displays, or other arbitrary shaped or unusual aspect ratio displays. The present invention further relates to software, apparatus, and methods for a translation table which maps graphical data from an initial shape to an arbitrary shape for use on such displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad N. Gloege, Matthew R. Mueller, Neil R. Burghardt, Joseph G. Schulte, Brett D. Wendler
  • Patent number: 8054174
    Abstract: A referee's wireless horn indicator system having sensory alerts for aiding a referee in accurately officiating a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes an official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by a control circuit for sending a radio signal including time information to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance, on the wrist and includes a radio receiver and a sensory alerting device, such as a piezoelectronic speaker and a vibrator, where such sensory receiver is battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy S. Uehran
  • Patent number: 8046942
    Abstract: An electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, wherein sliding rear access doors are utilized to provide for access to the inner regions of the electronic sign while maintaining a thin profile. One or more of a plurality of sliding rear access doors can be disengaged from a back panel and urged rearwardly a minimal distance and then positioned laterally and unobtrusively along the length of a top track opposing a bottom track allowing the electronic sign to maintain a thin and unobtrusive profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kory D. Kludt, Jonathan Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8006435
    Abstract: A safety gate system having an electronic display for seamless integration into a barrier with electronic display capabilities. The safety gate system includes a post and a gate hinged to the post. The gate face and post carry electronic display modules which appear when the gate is closed, as continuous with and seamlessly integrated into the display of the barrier. Preferably, the hinges are four-bar hinges, most preferably two sets of paired four-bar hinges. The safety gate also includes a lower chase or sill which allows both signal wiring and power to pass under the gate. Braced rear legs compensate for the cantilever forces of the gates when open. A latch, preferably an electromagnetic latch, auto-releases in response to a pre-set sufficient force level, such as arising crowd surge forces, being applied to the gate, as well as being remotely releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay C. DeBlonk, Kent Shane Miller, Douglas John Criddle
  • Patent number: 8001455
    Abstract: The present invention relates to image displays and signage, and more particularly, to displays of custom or arbitrary shape. Such shaped displays include channel letter displays, logo or design displays, multiple displays in an assembly, multiple display modules, curved or round displays, or other arbitrary shaped or unusual aspect ratio displays. The present invention further relates to software, apparatus, and methods for a translation table which maps graphical data from an initial shape to an arbitrary shape for use on such displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad N. Gloege, Matthew R. Mueller, Neil R. Burghardt, Joseph G. Schulte, Brett D. Wendler
  • Publication number: 20110175888
    Abstract: Pixel interleaving configurations for use in high definition electronic sign displays where each and every scan line includes full red, green, and blue color representation to provide for high resolution electronic video sign displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: DAKTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: BRENT A. JOFFER, BRETT D. WENDLER, GLENN P. LUKE, NATHAN L. NEARMAN, CHAD N. GLOEGE, MATT R. MUELLER, SHANNON LEE MUTSCHELKNAUS, JOSEPH G. SCHULTE, ERIC S. BRAVEK, RYAN M. HANSEN
  • Publication number: 20110163942
    Abstract: Pixel interleaving configurations for use in high definition electronic sign displays where each and every scan line includes full red, green, and blue color representation to provide for high resolution electronic video sign displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Joffer, Brett D. Wendler, Glenn P. Luke, Nathan L. Nearman, Chad N. Gloege, Matt R. Mueller, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Joseph G. Schulte, Eric S. Bravek, Ryan M. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20110141139
    Abstract: A graphical display station of arbitrary shape such as channel letters or other shaped structures is populated with pixels which are components of flexible pixel strings which can be arranged to fit the arbitrary shape(s). The flexible pixel strings provide for straightforward and cost effective fabrication of channel letter or other shaped displays. The invention also includes pixel units which comprise lighting elements together with such control circuits as are needed to roperly drive the lighting elements to form a graphical image. Addressing of the particular pixels is provided to accommodate the arbitrary arrangement of pixels of the flexible pixel strings. Methods of fabricating a channel letter display are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mittan, Chad N. Gloege, Brett D. Wendler
  • Patent number: D648803
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay DeBlonk, Lane A. Munson, Douglas John Criddle, Tom Kreutner, Adam Howard