Patents by Inventor Mark D. Dennis

Mark D. Dennis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • 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
  • 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: 7869198
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Ryan J. Nielsen, Kent S. Miller, Mark D. Dennis, Bradley D. Rinschen, Douglas P. Tvedt, Lenny A. Sik, Kurt L. Peters, Brian W. Kroll, Derek J. Heronimus, David G. Philips
  • Patent number: 7774968
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Mark D. Dennis, Kent S. Miller, John Hage
  • Publication number: 20080263924
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan L. Nearman, Mark D. Dennis, Kent S. Miller, John Hage