Abstract: Each element in an array of display elements has first and second limiting positions and in respective limiting positions selectively displays a bright and a dark surface in a viewing direction. A transparent sheet is intermediate the array and the viewer. Conductors on the sheet power light sources in the sheet to thereby direct light toward the array.

Abstract: An array of disks facing a viewing direction is composed of disks rotatable about an axis approximately perpendicular to the viewing direction between alternating orientations where light and dark surfaces are respectively displayed in the viewing direction. There is provided a row of LEDs located forwardly of the array and out of the normal viewing path located to illuminate the disks of said array. Masking means prevents direct illumination from said LED's being visible in the viewing direction. In a further variant the disks' light surfaces contain a fluorescent component and the LEDs are selected to provide radiation including UV spectra.

Abstract: A sign having a changeable array constituted by a plurality of pivotally mounted disks which have opposite bright and dark surfaces. The bright surface of each disk is illuminated by an adjacent light emitter when positioned in a direction of viewing. Light from each light emitter is blocked from illuminating disks other than the adjacent disk in the array.

Abstract: A display element includes a disk which rotates preferably through 160°-180° to display a bright or a dark side in a viewing direction in ON and OFF positions respectively. A constantly on LED is arranged to illuminate the disk in ON position for viewing in a first arc including the viewing direction. The disk masks the LED to viewers in the OFF position of the disk. In addition to light from the illuminated disks, the components may be arranged so that viewers over a second arc may view the LED directly when the disk is in ON position. The elements may be arranged in arrays to form a changeable sign. Thus the array may be made up of single elements, of columns of such elements or of a combination of elements and columns.

Abstract: A changeable display element is edgewise mounted on an insulating board and carries to rotate through about 180.degree. to show one color face or the other to a viewer. The board provides a similarly colored face for each face to form a pixel. The element carries a permanent magnet and is driven by a switchable magnetic field provided from the board. Soft iron pads on the board cooperate with the magnet on each position to retain the element against incidental displacement between application of the field. The board may support arrays of such elements.

Abstract: A display array including a board resembling a printed circuit board or printed wiring board to which are pivotally mounted a plurality of display elements whose appearance in a viewing direction is controlled by a sense of magnetization of a core which extends through a bore in the board. A conducting coil formed on the surface of the board is located so that current in the coil will magnetize the core.

Abstract: A changeable display element is edgewise mounted on an insulating board and carries to rotate through about 180.degree. to show one color face or the other to a viewer. The board provides a similarly colored face for each face to form a pixel. The element carries a permanent magnet and is driven by a switchable magnetic field provided from the board. Soft iron pads on the board cooperates with the magnet on each position to retain the element against incidental displacement between application of the field. The board may support arrays of such elements.

Abstract: An array of disks faces a viewing direction is composed of disk's rotatable about an axis approximately perpendicular to the viewing direction between alternating orientations where bright and dark sides are respectively displayed in the viewing direction. There is provided a row of LED's located forwardly of the array and out of the normal viewing path located to illuminate the disks of said array. Masking means prevents direct illumination from said LED's being visible in the viewing direction.

Abstract: Each element in an array of display elements has first and second limiting positions and in respective limiting positions selectively displays a bright and a dark surface in a viewing direction. A transparent sheet is intermediate the array and the viewer. Conductors on said sheet direct light toward said array.

Abstract: A display element has a disk which rotates on an axis to show its bright or dark side in the viewing direction. When the bright side is showing the disk allows passage of light from an LED. When the dark side is showing the disk masks the light from the LED. Preferably, an opaque shroud surrounds the LED and projects a short distance forwardly thereof to help define the cone in which light from the LED may be viewed in ON position. A side wall of said element projects forwardly of the rotation axis to mask the escape of light on that side transverse to the viewing direction. A second side wall may be placed on the other side for the same purpose or the adjacent element may provide the second wall.

Abstract: A display element includes a disk which rotates through 160.degree.-180.degree. to display a bright or a dark side in a viewing direction in ON and OFF positions respectively A constantly on LED is arranged to illuminate the disk in ON position for viewing in a first arc including the viewing direction. The disk masks the LED to viewers in the OFF position of the disk. In addition to light from the illuminated disks, the components may be arranged so that viewers over a second arc may view the LED directly when the disk is in ON position. The elements may be arranged in arrays to form a changeable sign. Thus the array may be made up of single elements, of columns of such elements or of a combination of elements and columns.

Abstract: A board usually resembling a PCB or a PWB mounts a display element, whose appearance in a viewing direction is controlled by the sense of magnetization of a core which extends through a bore in the board. A conducting coil formed on the surface of said board is located so that current in said coil will magnetize the core.

Abstract: A display element has a disk which rotates on an axis to show its bright or dark side in the viewing direction. When the bright side is showing the disk allows passage of light from an LED. When the dark side is showing the disk masks the light from the LED. Preferably, an opaque shroud surrounds the LED and projects a short distance forwardly thereof to help define the cone in which light from the LED may be viewed in ON position. A side wall or said element projects forwardly of the rotation axis to mask the escape of light on that side transverse to the viewing direction. A second side wall may be placed on the other side for the same purpose or the adjacent element may provide the second wall.