Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable handheld transmitter device for passing data for posting on a sign display screen. The sign associated with the portable transmitter is of the type having a light reflective rear electrode and a transparent front electrode enclosing a cell which holds an electrically conductive bistable material that upon being electronically addressed creates a stable organized state of the bistable material which is displayed as an image on the sign and also upon application voltage creates a stable random state devoid of image wherein both the organized state and the random state are maintained after cessation of electrical power. The bistable material can alternatively comprise colored particles that are bistable and positioned in a support material; microcapsules containing colored microparticles; or a liquid crystal display material including a chiral nematic; or a cholesteric liquid crystal display material.

Abstract: A handheld programmable sign including a sign portion and a hand-grip portion mounted transverse to said sign portion and a keyboard/microprocessor mounted in the hand-grip portion for receiving input data and transmitting the input data to the microprocessor,. At least two display screen units are mounted as representing the sign portion including display screens for displaying the input data to observers, the screen units being foldable relative to one another between an operative open planar mode and an inoperative closed mode wherein the two screens are in parallel facing relationship. In the open mode the display screen units present input data electrically contained therein to an observer. In the inoperative closed mode the first and second display screen units are in a fully aligned parallel folded relationship and no data is transferred to an observer. A computer microprocessor/memory unit and a serial port wired thereto are optionally positioned in the hand-held portion.

Abstract: A hand-held programmable sign comprising a hand-grip portion and a sign portion having opposed front and rear sides and including an upper sign portion and a lower hand-held portion rotatably mounted to the sign portion midway transverse to the sign portion in the in-use mode. The hand-grip portion can be rotated between the in-use mode and a locked storage mode when the hand-grip portion is rotated into overlapping relationship with the sign portion. A keyboard system with a miniaturized keyboard processor including keys marked with indicia for letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other selected indicia is mounted on the hand grip portion for operator input. The sign includes a miniaturized computer microprocessor for processing input data received from the keyboard. A miniaturized light-emitting message display, preferably an LED display, is mounted on the front side of the sign portion for reading by an observer.

Abstract: A portable programmable sign comprising a unitary T-shaped housing having opposed front and rear sides and including an upper sign portion and a lower hand-held portion mounted midway transverse to the sign portion. A keyboard system with a miniaturized keyboard processor including keys marked with indicia for letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other selected indicia is mounted on the hand grip for operator input. Operating keys are also mounted on the keyboard. The sign includes a miniaturized computer microprocessor for processing input data received from the keyboard. A miniaturized light-emitting message display, preferably an LED display, is mounted on the front side of the sign portion for reading by an observer. An electrical circuit in the housing joins the keyboard system, computer microprocessor, and the light-emitting message display are joined by an electrical circuit in the housing and which can be internally or externally powered.