With Character Display (e.g., Digits Or Letters) Patents (Class 313/513)
  • Patent number: 10748459
    Abstract: Reduced cost, illuminated displays for indicating the current jackpot values are disclosed. The illuminated display comprises a front panel assembly that rests on a base assembly. The base assembly includes a one-piece housing unit that may be formed in a cost-effective manufacturing process such as through injection molding. The base assembly also holds modular electronic devices such as a LED array formed on a single printed circuit board, a power and control board for energizing the LED array to indicate the current jackpot value, as well as other modular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Andy K. F. Kaoh
  • Patent number: 9738868
    Abstract: In the present invention, a photobioreactor and process for producing and harvesting microalgae involves a vessel for cultivating microalgae that is at least partially transparent to admit light into the vessel. At least a portion of the transparent part of the vessel is coated with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer. The TCO layer is transparent to visible light necessary for algae growth, but is opaque to infrared light thereby reducing thermal heating load in the photobioreactor. The TCO layer also acts as an electrode, which when combined with a counter-electrode can provide a potential difference across at least a portion of the interior of the vessel between the TCO layer and the counter-electrode. The electrode arrangement can be utilized in an electrochemical process (e.g. electrodeposition and/or electroflotation) to dewater and harvest the microalgae in the same apparatus as the microalgae was cultivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventor: Farid Bensebaa
  • Patent number: 9039476
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible display device includes: forming a soft substrate on a carrier substrate; forming a thin film layer comprising a display region on the soft substrate; removing a thin film layer excess portion of the thin film layer beyond an edge of the soft substrate; and separating the soft substrate and the carrier substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jung Song, Dong-Un Jin
  • Patent number: 8916855
    Abstract: An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a thin film transistor having an active layer, a gate electrode, and source and drain electrodes, an organic light-emitting device having a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor, an intermediate layer including an emissive layer, and an opposite electrode, and an opposite electrode contact portion having a joining region and an insulating region. The opposite electrode and a power interconnection line contact each other in the joining region. An insulating layer is interposed between the opposite electrode and the power interconnection line in the insulating region, and a portion of the insulating layer penetrates into the power interconnection line in the insulating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun Park, Yul-Kyu Lee, Kyu-Sik Cho, Ji-Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 8847487
    Abstract: A device for stimulable light emission that includes a fiber mat of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter in a range between 100 and 2000 nm, and includes plural stimulable particles disposed in association with the nanofibers. The stimulable particles produce secondary light emission upon receiving primary light at a wavelength ?. The average fiber diameter is comparable in size to the wavelength ? in order to provide scattering sites within the fiber mat for the primary light. Various methods for making suitable luminescent nanofiber mats include: electrospinning a polymer solution including or not including the stimulable particles and forming from the electrospun solution nanofibers having an average fiber diameter between 100 and 2000 nm. Methods, which electrospin without the stimulable particles, introduce the stimulable particles during electrospinning or after electrospinning to the fibers and therefore to the resultant fiber mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Research Triangle Insitute
    Inventors: James Lynn Davis, Anthony L. Andrady, David S. Ensor, Li Han, Howard J. Walls
  • Patent number: 8669703
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light emitting elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light emitting and self-organizing characteristics may be used during display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7944145
    Abstract: A character display module comprises a character organic light emitting diode panel, a printed circuit which is electrically connected to the character organic light emitting diode panel, a drive controller which is disposed on the printed circuit board to drive and control the character organic light emitting diode panel, and a frame which is used to position the character organic light emitting diode panel on the printed circuit board. Therefore, such an arrangement provides a lighter, thinner, high quality, cost-saving and energy-saving character display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Winstar Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Pin Liao, Ying-Ju Liu
  • Publication number: 20100213836
    Abstract: A character display module comprises a character organic light emitting diode panel, a printed circuit which is electrically connected to the character organic light emitting diode panel, a drive controller which is disposed on the printed circuit board to drive and control the character organic light emitting diode panel, and a frame which is used to position the character organic light emitting diode panel on the printed circuit board. Therefore, such an arrangement provides a lighter, thinner, high quality, cost-saving and energy-saving character display module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Yu-Pin LIAO, Ying-Ju LIU
  • Patent number: 7560858
    Abstract: A metal solder layer is formed on a sealing substrate through patterning. A pixel substrate is overlapped to the sealing substrate and the solder layer is irradiated with laser so that the sealing substrate and the pixel substrate are connected. Because the joining is achieved by the metal solder layer, intrusion of moisture into the inside space can be reduced. In addition, the solder layer can be very precisely formed through patterning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuji Nishikawa, Tetsuji Omura, Masaya Nakai
  • Patent number: 7336339
    Abstract: A LED display apparatus is disclosed, in which a LED array (7) arranged according to the shape of patterns or characters to be displayed is fixed on a PCB (3), the LED array is connected to a LED driving controller (6), optical conductive ink (5) is distributed around the LEDs on the PCB (3), above the LEDs and the optical conductive ink (5) is disposed an optical conductive bracket (2) having a cross section corresponding to the shape of the patterns or characters to be displayed, and a diffuser (1) is placed on the top of the optical conductive bracket (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Wai Ho
  • Patent number: 7285918
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays and fabrication methods thereof are provided. The OLED display comprises a substrate having a display area and a peripheral area. An array of pixels is disposed in the display area. Column and row control circuits are disposed in the peripheral area. At least one thermal dissipation element is disposed in the peripheral area connecting each pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yi-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 7271537
    Abstract: A display device having a light-emitting element which has a lower electrode, an upper electrode, a functional layer, and a cavity in which light generated in the functional layer is resonated wherein the optical distance of the cavity portion in a first light-emitting element is made equal with the optical distance of the cavity portion in a second light-emitting element, and the optical distance of the cavity portion in the first light-emitting element is different from the optical distance of the cavity portion in a third light-emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Eisuke Matsuda, Reo Asaki
  • Patent number: 7016264
    Abstract: A light emission and display device (for example, timepiece module) comprising an ultraviolet ray emitting element that emits ultraviolet rays, light emission areas that react to the ultraviolet rays to thereby emit the corresponding colored lights, and a pair of legs that connect in a stabilized manner the ultraviolet ray emitting element and a connection terminal of a circuit board in the light emission and display device. Each leg has a bend for adjusting the length and a bend angle of the leg between the ultraviolet ray emitting element and the connection terminal (FIG. 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Ueno, Tadao Hirano, Shyuichi Machida, Mitsunobu Yatabe
  • Patent number: 7012361
    Abstract: A fluorescent display device includes an envelop of which an inner space is in a vacuum state. The envelop has therein a plurality of filament-shaped cathodes supported by a pair of cathode supports; and anodes, each having a fluorescent material, fluorescent materials of the anodes radiating light by impaction of electrons emitted from the cathodes. Each of the cathode supports includes a base fixed to the envelop; one or more anchors, each having an arm serving as a resilient member and a tab for supporting one end of a cathode, the arm having two opposite end portions, one end portion being connected to the base and the tab being disposed at the other end portion; and one or more support members, each being connected to the base and separated from an arm of its adjacent anchor and supporting one end of another cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Futaba Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Kanesaka
  • Patent number: 6998774
    Abstract: An electroluminescent display has a transparent front-electrode, rear electrodes, and a layer of electroluminescent material located between the first and second electrodes. Conductive tracks are electrically connected to the rear electrodes and supply a driving voltage for the electroluminescent material to the rear electrodes. A backplane layer is provided between the electroluminescent material layer and the conductive tracks, and is electrically connected to the front electrode such that the potential difference across the electroluminescent material layer in the region of the conductive tracks is substantially zero. In this way, when the conductive track is supplying the driving voltage to the rear-electrodes, the electroluminescent material layer is not illuminated by an electric field between the conductive tracks and the front electrode. Gaps may be defined in the front electrode corresponding substantially to the location of the conductive tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cambridge Consultants Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Andrew Barnardo, Christopher James Newton Fryer
  • Patent number: 6975066
    Abstract: An object is to provide an organic EL element which can realize the improvement in the difference of an emission luminance due to the difference of an emission rise time in a plurality of light emitting portions. Segment portions S for determining an emission in a specific shape and wiring portions L for separately supplying electric currents to the segment portions S are formed. An area of the wiring portion L of the segment portion S is enlarged such that an emission luminance in the segment portion S falls within a range of from a minimum luminance to a luminance 30% higher than that.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Wakai, Jun-Ichi Maruyama, Hiroshi Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6965196
    Abstract: Signs including electroluminescent lamps are described. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a sign includes an electroluminescent lamp integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Lumimove, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Murasko, Patrick J. Kinlen, Kenneth Kurtz, Kevin Carroll, Michael B. Kiely
  • Patent number: 6927424
    Abstract: A light emitting diode is composed of a generally T-shaped body section (36) and a resin forming section (37) projected on a front surface of the body section (36). The body section (36) has an upright portion (32) inserted into a hole (51) provided in a motherboard (50) and base portions (31a and 31b) which extend from the upright portion and which are mounted on a peripheral edge of the hole (51). The resin forming section (37) includes a non-translucent frame (40) extending from a front surface of the upright portion (32) and an extension part (41) further projecting forwardly larger than the frame. The extension part (41) has a mounted portion (42) mounted on the peripheral edge of the hole (51) of the motherboard (50). Mounted in the concave portion (44) provided in the frame (40) is a light emitting diode element (34), which is sealed by a sealing body (45) of a translucent resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidemoto Uekusa
  • Patent number: 6874901
    Abstract: The light emitting diode display device of the present invention comprises a circuit module and a frame. An upper and a lower layer of circuit board, forming a protruded circuit board, constitute the circuit module. The protruded circuit board has at least two sides having differential length and thereby forming an indention. Each button flange of the frame is fit into the indention to enable the sidewall of the frame come in contact with the upper and the lower circuit board, thus the welding efficiency can be substantially increased. Further, conductive glue or a metallic pin is used to fit the frame onto the protruded circuit board, or a tin solder material is used to weld the elements for jointing elements thereof. Accordingly, the sidewall of the frame will not flit up or become loose easily. Thus, due to the steady assembly, the structure of the display device is not only reinforced but also resin-leakage problem can be resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Joinscan Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Tuan Li
  • Patent number: 6806644
    Abstract: An ultraviolet ray-emitting element is provided in a frame-like member disposed between an apparatus module and an apparatus case by corresponding to a peripheral portion of a protective glass. A light in an ultraviolet range from the ultraviolet ray-emitting element is irradiated between the module and the protective glass. A luminescent layer to which an ultraviolet ray is irradiated emits a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Ueno, Tadao Hirano, Shyuichi Machida, Norihisa Usui
  • Publication number: 20040189197
    Abstract: A plasma lighting bulb is disclosed. The plasma lighting bulb includes a bulb emitting light, being formed of a transparent material, and having a plurality of grooves having a predetermined depth formed on a surface of the bulb, and a metal formed in the grooves, wherein a cross-section of the grooves is formed of one of a semicircular shape, a V-shape, and a polygonal shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Min Lee, Byoung Chul Min, Young Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 6624573
    Abstract: A fluorescent display device capable of minimizing a variation in pitches between lead terminals and deformation thereof and attaining mounting of the device on a circuit board without soldering. The lead terminals each are bent at a distal end thereof so that the distal end is held in each of terminal holding holes of a mounting holder to hold the mounting holder therein, so that the fluorescent display device is mounted on the circuit board while keeping the mounting holder and circuit board fixed to each other through a fixing structure and keeping the lead terminals pressedly contacted with connections on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Futaba Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Shinya, Toshio Suzuki, Kazuhiko Tojo, Klaus Heynen
  • Patent number: 6607286
    Abstract: A lens mounted to a light emitting diode package internally redirects light within the lens so that a majority of light is emitted from the lens approximately perpendicular to a package axis of the light emitting diode package. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the light emitting diode package is refracted by a sawtooth portion of the lens and reflected by a total internal reflection portion of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Lumileds Lighting, U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. West, Gary D. Sasser, James W. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6605903
    Abstract: A light emitting display may include cathode columns with a folded arrangement so that each column includes two selectively activatable sections. Each column section may be selectively activated or deactivated depending on whether defects are associated with a given section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mary E. Swallow
  • Patent number: 6512607
    Abstract: A wireless communication device having a display screen with a holographic overlay. The holographic overlay includes an image that is visible when the display screen is viewed at predetermined angles. The holographic overlay may provide additional surface on the wireless communication device for marking and advertising, and may also provide security by preventing unintended viewers from seeing characters on the display screen. In one embodiment, the display screen includes a character screen, a lens, and a holographic overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry Clifton Windsor, Robert James Stanley
  • Patent number: 6501218
    Abstract: A device structure and method for outdoor signs utilizing organic light emitting device (OLED) technology. Exemplary embodiments of the device include an OLED that is patterned into a sign combined with an exterior layer consisting of a highly scattering, non-absorbing coating over the OLED emitting regions and a highly absorbing coating over the non-emitting regions. The result is a sign that can be viewed using organic electroluminescent (EL) light under low ambient light level conditions, and due to the exterior coating, can also be viewed under high ambient light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anil Raj Duggal, Larry Gene Turner
  • Patent number: 6452329
    Abstract: A vacuum fluorescent display includes first and second substrates spaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance. Each substrate has lateral sides in horizontal and vertical directions. A plurality of anode electrodes are arranged on the second substrate in a predetermined pattern. The anode electrodes are coated with phosphors. A plurality of filaments are mounted above the anode electrodes to emit thermal electrons for exciting the phosphors. A plurality of leads are arranged on one of the opposite lateral sides of the second substrate in one of the horizontal and vertical directions to apply voltages to the anode electrodes. Supports are arranged on both of the opposite sides of the second substrate in the direction of arrangement of the leads to support the filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chul-Hyun Jang
  • Publication number: 20020089280
    Abstract: A structure and a method of manufacturing the organic electroluminescent (EL) elements, patterns of icons on the display panel of organic EL elements are formed. Initially, ramparts are formed on a continuous surface of a transparent and conductive film, i.e. an indium-tin oxide (ITO) film, and ramparts determine patterns of icons, then organic function layers and electrodes are formed. Processes are compatible to a conventional method of manufacturing an array type display panel, to improve disadvantages of dividing processes of array type display panels and organic EL elements into two portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Chia-Tin Chung, Mao-Jung Chung, Yao-Hui Lee, Hong-Ru Guo
  • Patent number: 6323593
    Abstract: This discharge lighting device is directed to a high efficiency, long-life neon discharge lamp with a unique channel configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: James Gary Anderson, Edwin Quentin Giles, Albert Mijo Gossie, Gilbert Dominique Pujol, Jackson Phelps Trentelman
  • Patent number: 6208078
    Abstract: A display device for performing a display by turning on selected ones of a plurality of light sources is disclosed. This display device comprises a substrate having an upper surface disposed with the light sources, a reflecting case mounted to the substrate and provided with a plurality of window holes each corresponding to one of the light sources, and a lower surface terminal portions each provided in a lower surface of the substrate and electrically connected to one of the light sources. The lower surface terminal portions are disposed in a region inward of outer edges of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Fujii, Hiroki Ishinaga
  • Patent number: 6137224
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating one or more small electronic devices, including for example light-emitting diodes, mounted directly on a substrate by providing a three-dimensional formation on the substrate adjacent to the device and injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material to cover the device and extend over the three-dimensional formation on the substrate and wherein the encapsulating material mechanically bonds to the three-dimensional formation. A gate plate for use in injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material over a small electronic device mounted directly on a substrate including a cavity formed to enclose the device, and a short gate formed entirely within the gate plate having an input for receiving an encapsulating material and an output communicating with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 5614786
    Abstract: A fluorescent display device includes display sections with phosphor deposited anodes (19) wherein a grid (3) is disposed above a phosphor layer (6) and supported by an insulating layer (4) disposed on the phosphor layer (6), such that, a plurality of apertures (9) extend through the grid (3) and the insulating layer (4). The grid layer (3) is uniformly spaced from the phosphor layer (6) by the insulating layer (4) resulting in uniform luminance of the phosphor layer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yuzo Nakamura, Hiroaki Kawasaki, Tadashi Mizohata
  • Patent number: 5581148
    Abstract: A novel electrode unit includes a plurality of linear cathodes and a plurality of flat-shaped electrodes. Each of the electrodes has a plurality of identification holes. The relative positional relationship of the identification holes is uniform with regard to each of the electrodes. However, the positions of the identification holes are shifted from those of adjacent electrodes by a predetermined interval so that a line connecting centers of the ID holes is parallel or perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the linear cathodes when the electrodes are piled up and evenly aligned. The identification holes allow the electrodes to be accurately positioned with respect to each other when assembling the electrodes into the electrode unit. Each of the electrodes also includes a temporary fixing part at an area indented from an outer circumference of the electrode. During assembly of an electrode unit, the temporary fixing part is fixed to a temporary fixing part of an adjacent electrode via a spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Nakatani, Kanji Imai, Tomohiro Sekiguchi, Makoto Inada
  • Patent number: 5424607
    Abstract: A fluorescent display device includes a substrate having a pattern display thereon, at least one pair of conductive bases, the bases being separated by a predetermined interval and facing each other in parallel on the substrate, the conductive bases each having at least one pair of position-setting holes perpendicular to the substrate; and at least one pair of supporters, each of which includes a fixing portion having at least one pair of position-setting holes corresponding to the position-setting holes of one of the bases, and a supporting portion extending from said fixing portion, one of the position-setting holes in each of the supporters being a slot. The slots correspond to a hole in a supporter so that it is unnecessary for the base specifications to be changed even in the event of variation of the intervals between the position-setting holes in the supporters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Samsung Display Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-cheol Jeong
  • Patent number: 5214350
    Abstract: An image display such as a cathode ray tube or flat panel display has an envelope with an external surface and an interior or otherwise non-external surface. Encapsulated indicia may be located on an external surface, or in the preferred embodiment, on an internal surface readable from the external surface. The indicia, being encapsulated on the interior surface, are safe from degradation, thus allowing for easy formation of the indicia by simple printing means which utilize fluid inks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics
    Inventors: Thomas M. Remec, Ralph E. Clarke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5011582
    Abstract: A method for producing an electrochromic device, comprises the steps of:(a) preparing a 5-layered laminate structure consisting of:A: electrode layer;B: reductive coloring electrochromic layer;C: ionic conductive layer;D.sub.0 : dispersion layer consisting of metallic iridium and a dispersion medium; andE: electrode layer;wherein at least one of the electrode layers A, E is transparent; and(b) applying an AC voltage between the electrode layers A and E in a gas atmosphere containing oxygen or water vapor, thereby converting the metallic iridium in the layer D.sub.0 into oxide or hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Oshikawa, Tatsuo Niwa
  • Patent number: 4882659
    Abstract: A vacuum fluorescent (VF) display having integral graphic patterns backlit by an alternate light source to produce emissive graphic images in substantially the same plane as the VF graphic patterns. The backlit graphic patterns are defined by patterned openings in the anode insulation layer of a conventional VF display, and color of the backlit graphic images is determined by the color of the alternate source light, independent of the color of the light emitted from the VF phosphor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Gloudemans
  • Patent number: 4852285
    Abstract: A luminous gas-discharge sign panel devised so that the brightness of sign is made constant throughout the entire length of the gas-discharge path irrespective of the positional width variations of the luminous sign patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Kimoto Sign Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Kimoto
  • Patent number: 4734619
    Abstract: A variable color display device includes a plurality of variable color display areas arranged in a pattern and substantially surrounded by a variable color background area. The color of the background area is controlled to be substantially complementary to the color of the display areas to make the exhibited character clearly stand out against its background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Karel Havel
  • Patent number: 4661743
    Abstract: In a fluorescent display tube of the back luminescence type, a transparent colored film is formed on a transparent substrate. A mesh shaped anode segments are formed on the transparent colored film, and a fluorescent layer is formed to cover the anode segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Nec Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuoka, Yo Takasaki, Sadao Minamitsu, Katsumi Motoyama
  • Patent number: 4658186
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a fluorescent display tube controls selectively light emission of a plurality of display segments (7a to 7g) provided in a fluorescent display tube (1) so that desired data may be displayed. This apparatus is for example combined with a microwave oven, so as to display the cooking time or the remaining cooking time required for control of the microwave oven or to display the present time of day or other data. Among the display segments (7a to 7g), at least the display segments emitting light relatively less frequently are forced to emit light with predetermined timing, for example, each time cooking operation is ended, whereby irregularities in the frequency for light emission among the display segments (7a to 7g) can be avoided. As a result, no difference is caused in the display brightness in the respective display segments (7a to 7g) and accordingly, clearly visible display can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co.
    Inventor: Atsushi Horinouchi
  • Patent number: 4645970
    Abstract: A decorative panel assembly for vehicles, appliances or other applications including illuminated indicia, isignia or designs in registry with at least one transparent area in one of two panels. Illumination of the insignia/designs is made with a thin, composite electroluminescent lighting assembly which substantially avoids lamination problems between the supporting panels. Electrical connections are made through at least one transparent, electrically conductive coating on at least one of the panels such that the illuminated insignia, indicia or designs appear to "float" within the panel assembly without any electrical connections being visible around the illuminated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4623882
    Abstract: A display arrangement utilizes a fluorescent screen 3 to provide readily alterable bright displays. The arrangement can provide a fairly large display surface, but can be of very small thickness. It contains electron emissive cathodes 5, and field electrodes 7 positioned closely adjacent to the cathode to control the emission of free electrons. Electrons which are freely emitted are accelerated to a mesh electrode 4 which is held at a modest positive voltage. A fluorescent screen 3 having a positive potential of several thousand volts is positioned closely in front of the mesh electrode. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a number of separate cathodes and/or separate field electrodes are provided, so that selected regions of the screen can be illuminated to provide desired display patterns. Individual regions of the screen can be switched on and off (i.e. rendered bright or dark) by the application of very low switching potentials to the field electrodes and/or the cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: English Electric Valve Company Limited
    Inventor: Ralph D. Nixon
  • Patent number: 4563617
    Abstract: A bright, economical, flat panel television/display is fabricated by laser welding incandescent metal particles together to form light emitting micro-beads, the ends of which are simultaneously welded to driving electrodes. The small physical mass and dimensions of each bead permit it to be fired to an incandescent state at high rates, becoming a controllable, bright, point source of light suitable as a picture element to create moving images. The beads are suspended between a heat resistant substrate and faceplate, both of which contain depressions proximate to each bead to provide thermal spacing and optical and thermal reflectivity to direct visible light out of the panel, and heat back to the bead, conserving power. Color filters provide full color image display in a system operating at approximately five volts, and which can be built to any size and shape. Three dimensional display capability is inherent when a plurality of transparent display panels are laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Inventor: Allen S. Davidson
  • Patent number: 4542317
    Abstract: A fluorescent display tube of the type that luminous display is observed through a substrate is disclosed which is capable of accomplishing luminous display easily observable in a light environment as well and without any display defect, providing luminous display with a wide visual angle and simplifying the manufacturing process. The fluorescent display tube includes a substrate made of a light-permeable and light-scattering insulating material and a metal film deposited on the substrate which has a color similar to non-luminous color of anodes and also acts as feeder paths. The metal film is formed with openings corresponding to the shape of a display pattern in which transparent anode conductors each having a fluorescent layer deposited thereon are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Morimoto, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4455774
    Abstract: A composite fluorescent display apparatus which permits the luminous display to be observed through a transparent substrate on which various functional elements of the fluorescent display apparatus are formed. The composite fluorescent display apparatus includes pattern display portions which are divided into several groups each effecting different types of display, and each of the pattern display portions is contained in a separate vacuum casing hermetically sealed by a back cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4430598
    Abstract: A fluorescent display having improved readability in bright light and reduced visibility of internal connecting components and wiring is provided by placing the anode segments on a first background having a color similar to that of the unilluminated segments and the connecting components and wiring on a second background surrounding the first and having a color similar to that of said components and wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Okada, Katsumi Motoyama, Takashi Yoshii
  • Patent number: 4410830
    Abstract: The invention relates to vacuum fluorescent devices having substrates on which anodes coated with fluorescent material are disposed. According to the invention, the substrate comprises a relatively thin layer of insulation on a metal plate so that the acceleration potential in the vacuum fluorescent device may be increased for greater brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: Edison International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard DuBois, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4395654
    Abstract: There is disclosed a display pattern for fluorescent display apparatus which effects displays of several sorts of informations in different colors or different luminance brightness. The display pattern is composed of seven segmented anodes each of which is divided into a plurality sub-segments which are classified into at least two groups electrically connected in common and extended to external terminals so that the different informations may be displayed in the respective groups of the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Hattori, Satoru Makita
  • Patent number: 4243986
    Abstract: A display arrangement is provided with two opposite display surfaces so that a display can be seen from both directions. The display arrangement consists of an evacuated envelope and fluorescent screens are provided at both display surfaces which are irradiated by a common electron emissive cathode. This enables a display arrangement to be provided which is very thin, but which is capable of providing very bright displays in an economical manner. Segmented mesh electrodes are positioned adjacent to both fluorescent screens so as to selectively control the regions of the screen which fluoresce, and this enables the nature of the display to be readily altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: English Electric Valve Company Limited
    Inventor: Ralph D. Nixon