Abstract: Flat panel display device comprises a multiplicity of LED's arranged in parallel rows and parallel columns in accordance with a grid pattern. First bus conductors extend parallel to the rows and each of the LED's is electrically connected to one of the first bus conductors. Second bus conductors extend parallel to the columns and each LED is connected to one of the second bus conductors. The first and second bus conductors are on the oppositely facing surfaces of an insulating film and the LED's extend through openings in the film located on the grid pattern. Contact with the LED's is achieved by tap conductors which extend from the bus conductors to the LED's. A rigid grating is mounted against the film and has open cells which are located in accordance with the grid pattern. Each LED extends into one of the cells and the internal surfaces of the cells serve to reflect the light of the LED's towards the viewer.

Abstract: An improved and simplified connector scheme is disclosed for coupling the light output of a light emitting diode mounted in a flexible circuit to an optical fiber. The LED is mounted in flexible circuitry by a technique known as "poke in" which comprises forming a substantially H-shaped slot in a conductor portion of a circuit and the underlying flexible substrate on which the circuit is formed and inserting an LED into the slot in edgewise fashion. The optical fiber is placed in abutting position against one side edge of the LED and a suitable potting agent is applied thereto to make an integral unit. Preferably the potting agent also includes an outer layer of light reflecting material to prevent unwarranted loss of light from the remaining sides of the LED.

Abstract: An improved bimetal actuator is disclosed. A thin film resistor is fixed to the high expansion side of a bimetal element and, when energized, generates sufficient heat to actuate the bimetal. The resistor has a serpentine configuration formed by a continuous series of loops, each successive loop having a greater width from the fixed to the free end of the bimetal, to provide differential heating of the bimetal and thus a greater movement of its free end for the power dissipated in the resistor.

Abstract: An improved illuminated display system is disclosed which can be positively and accurately assembled with a plurality of low profiled illuminated indicator units to display a wide variety of input information. The illuminated indication is provided by a plurality of light emitting diodes inserted in edgewise fashion into slots in flat flexible circuitry with the remaining components attached thereto in conventional fashion. The circuit assembly is folded into containers to form the individual indicator units which are likewise, preferably, inserted into apertures in high current flat flexible circuitry to make wiping contact with the conductors thereof. The subject system obviates the prior art requirement for working in cramped spaces behind panels by providing the means to connect the indicator units of a display to associated circuitry from the front of the panel thereby producing a low profiled display panel.