Abstract: Discrete flexible pixel assemblies can be hermetically sealed from the environment and can comprise unitary, self-contained replaceable modules which enable efficient, economical production of large scale, free-form electronic displays, signs and lighting effects for outdoor use. The method and means for producing hermetically sealed discrete flexible pixel assemblies can include encapsulation means, exterior encasement means, and cable connector means.

Abstract: An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels.

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.

Abstract: An LED panel assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs. An LED seal louver is coupled over the circuit board. The LED seal louver includes a substrate and a pliable seal membrane. The substrate includes one or more substrate cavities. The pliable seal membrane is coupled with the substrate, and the pliable seal membrane includes a pliable material partially extending across the one or more substrate cavities. One or more LED passages extends through the pliable material adjacent to the substrate cavities. Each of the LED passages is sized and shaped to receive a single LED. Bulbs for one or more of the plurality of LEDs are correspondingly received within the LED passages, and the pliable material seals around each bulb with an interference fit. The bulbs are directly visible through the LED seal louver while the pliable seal membrane is sealed around the bulbs, and the circuit board is concealed by the LED seal louver and isolated from an environment exterior to the LED panel assembly.

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.

Abstract: An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components, including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps, are aligned in, positioned along and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple seal electronic display module having displacement springs for distributed use as major components of an electronic sign. Displacement springs are provided to displace the electronic display module from the front of an electronic sign mounting panel until latching mechanisms are properly actuated in order to secure the electronic display module to the electronic sign mounting panel and thus provide a visual clue indicating proper or improper securing. A configured front edge seal provides for multiple surface sealing of multiple components consisting of, but not limited to, a louver panel, an LED circuit board, and a housing. A rear seal is also provided to seal the rear of the electronic display module to the electronic sign mounting panel. Input and output signal jack base seals and a power jack base seal provide effective seals between the housing and the signal and power jacks.

Abstract: Discrete flexible pixel elements are hermetically sealed from the environment and comprise unitary, self-contained replaceable modules which enable efficient, economical production of large scale, free-form electronic displays, signs and lighting effects for outdoor use. The method and means for producing hermetically sealed discrete flexible pixel elements include encapsulation means, exterior casement means, and cable connector means.

Abstract: An electronic sign having a formed metal cabinet where precise and close tolerance formed planar panels and formed channels are fastened together only by rivets, nut inserts, adhesive coated tapes, or the combination thereof for rapid assembly thereof.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and methodology are disclosed for a client-server based enterprise network system that provides network services and applications to administer, manage and control access to and use of a plurality of programmable electronic display systems. The enterprise network system of the present invention teaches application of client-server network system means and methods to create an enterprise body comprising an exclusive class of enterprise users having common purpose in performing shared work task burden to achieve shared objectives and goals.

Abstract: A transportable electronic sign display system having modular cabinets which support electronic display modules and electronics having male and female latching assemblies connecting adjacent electronic display modules. Robust male and female latching assemblies at the top and bottom of electronic display modules provide for forcible positive action latching between vertically situated electronic display modules to provide a minimally visible horizontally oriented seam therebetween. Side latches between horizontally situated electronic display modules assemblies provide for latching to provide a minimally visible vertically oriented seam therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic sign having a formed metal cabinet where precise and close tolerance formed planar panels and formed channels are fastened together only by rivets, nut inserts or the combination thereof for rapid assembly thereof.

Abstract: A video display system including an electronic sign, a electronic sign control system utilizing a general purpose personal computer, having a video interface card, controlled by clock and command signals from said personal computer, containing a plurality of video and digital input ports and a high speed output port, a transmitter link control card, also under the control of clock and command signals from said personal computer, for transmitting video display, clock, and command signals to a remote data receiver and distributor associated with the electronic sign, which converts said signals into device control signals for controlling individual sign display elements.

Abstract: An electronic display panel having a combination of aligned and connected forwardly located panels to which a plurality of rearwardly located LED modules easily and readily secure using three-point attachment to form an electronic display panel suitable for accommodation by and for securing to the structure and framework of a sign system. Configured spacer brackets offer mutual spaced support between the front and rear panels and are constructed using arcuate geometry for dimension minimalizing to prevent interference with the viewing of the LED pixels. Notches are located along the bottom edge of the electronic display panel for simple engagement, such as with an arcuate surface of a pivot bar incorporated in a lower structure of a sign system.

Abstract: A dual power supply switching system for use in an electronic sign where independent suitably sized power supplies each capable of independently powering an entire plurality of LED display modules supply power on an alternating distributed basis to the plurality of LED display modules. A microcontroller having an odd or even address on each LED display module controls the connection of the respective LED display module to a particular power supply by controlling onboard solid state switches and, upon sensing an inadequate power source supply, switches to the other power supply to re-establish power to the LED display module.

Abstract: A sign system having components promoting ease of construction and readily accomplished changeout. Unique geometrically configured top and bottom support channels and other related components readily accommodate and capture the top and bottom edges of electronic display panels. Top and bottom shrouds attach automatically to the unique geometrically configured top and bottom support channels and include weatherstrip seals which automatically seal against the upper and lower regions of the electronic display panels. Other automatic seals are also incorporated.

Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in a capacitive field above a sensing mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor.

Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in capacitance of a sensor mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor. The system includes automatic recalibration of sensing, such that presence of a swimmer is sensed and then system recalibrated so as to detect departure of the swimmer. The sensor mat includes an polycarbonate perimeter.

Abstract: Referee's wireless horn indicator system for aiding a referee in accurately officiating in a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes the official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by the control circuit for sending a radio signal 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 stimulating device such as a vibrator, both battery powered. Upon the official time clock reaching zero, a signal is sent by the transmitter to the radio receiver which then activates the sensory stimulating device to impart a tactual signal to the referee, thereby apprizing him of the expiration of the time period.

Abstract: Electronically programmed signs consist of any array of picture elements (pixels) that can be controlled independently to create an image. Varying the intensity of each pixel and adding multiple colors per pixel will enhance the image quality. It is currently common to have displays that use one, two or three separate colors in a pixel (monochrome, red-green, and red, green and blue) with intensity levels of two, four, eight up to 256 and beyond. Multiple colored pixels can combine colors at various intensity levels to expand the displayable color palette.