Abstract: A lighting element configured to be mounted on a mounting surface. The lighting element comprises a base member, at least one forward member, and at least one base-illuminating light source. The base member is adjacent the mounting surface when mounted and has a base member front surface positioned to face away from the mounting surface when mounted. The at least one forward member has a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The rear surface is spaced from and in face-to-face relationship with the base member front surface. The at least one base-illuminating light source is adjacent the forward member rear surface, is adapted to emit light, and is positioned to project light toward the base member front surface and such that no portion of the at least one base-illuminating light source extends beyond the forward member front surface nor rearward beyond the forward member rear surface.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a magnetic fluid display in which a magnetic fluid moves in response to a magnetic field and which may display a unique visual image according to the meeting and parting of the magnetic fluid. A magnetic fluid display according to the present invention comprises: a display unit including a transparent liquid into which a magnetic fluid is injected; and a magnetic field generating unit for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic fluid at a rear surface of the display unit. When the magnetic field is applied, the magnetic fluid moves in the transparent liquid in a directional manner, so that an image may be displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A flip dot display apparatus for a vehicle includes a plurality of flip dot units disposed in a front grill disposed at a front bumper of the vehicle, and configured to transfer either one or both of notice information on a state of the vehicle and notice information on driving of the vehicle to an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian. Each flip dot unit among the plurality of flip dot units includes: a housing having an opening formed on one side thereof and a space formed therein; and a flip disk rotatably installed in the housing and configured to open or close the opening.

Abstract: A dynamic transaction card including: one or more light emitting elements; a transceiver; and an embedded microprocessor configured to: receive, from a transaction terminal, a location information corresponding to a current location of the transaction terminal; wirelessly transmit, via the transceiver and to a mobile device, the location information; receive an indication that a location-specific security concern exists; and in response to receiving the indication, control the one or more light emitting elements to display a visual indication corresponding to the location-specific security concern.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a magnetic fluid display in which a magnetic fluid moves in response to a magnetic field and which may display a unique visual image according to the meeting and parting of the magnetic fluid. A magnetic fluid display according to the present invention comprises: a display unit including a transparent liquid into which a magnetic fluid is injected; and a magnetic field generating unit for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic fluid at a rear surface of the display unit. When the magnetic field is applied, the magnetic fluid moves in the transparent liquid in a directional manner, so that an image may be displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A set of letter manipulatives and a board on which said letter manipulatives may be placed, where the board comprises an identification module that can identify the letter manipulatives placed on the board and communicate the identification to a computing device.

Abstract: An automotive display device on which an image may be displayed, the automotive display device being for a vehicle interior, the automotive display device including an automotive frame, at least part of the automotive frame being bendable; and a bending controller to control bending of the automotive frame.

Abstract: An automotive display device on which an image may be displayed, the automotive display device being for a vehicle interior, the automotive display device including an automotive frame, at least part of the automotive frame being bendable; and a bending controller to control bending of the automotive frame.

Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

Abstract: A smaller sized flip dot display utilizes a magnetically actuated pixel that rotates between two orientations. The orientations display two different optical states. A simulated dot matrix design improves the aesthetics and consumer appeal, and also permits a flip dot display capable of producing a positive contrast display image with darker colored “ON” pixels contrasting with brighter background and “OFF” pixels by reducing the visibility of the spacing gap between each rotating pixel and the surrounding background. An interwoven configuration of magnetic actuators with a coil around each arm of a U-shaped core may result in lower power consumption, low production cost, and small size required for use in consumer and small mobile devices such as watches and mobile phones.

Abstract: Composite magneto-optical elements with unique shapes and architectures comprising a magnetic component and a colored component. These magneto-optical elements can also be manufactured by a small variety of low-cost processes resulting in their use in a variety of applications including low-cost, large-format, reflective display devices.

Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

Abstract: Coatings with left-handed metamaterials (which are man-made materials comprising micro-structures having unusual electro-magnetic properties) are provided around an appliance, such as a hotplate or hob, incorporating induction heating coils that functions as an optical display. In one embodiment, operation of induction heating coils in the cook top alters the optical properties of the metamaterial. Thus, if the metamaterials were previously transparent, they can now become opaque. Doing so changes a display, which can be detected by an operator. This makes it possible to create an automatic operating display for an appliance, such as an induction based hob.

Abstract: Reconfigurable lighting fixtures, household apparatuses and household fixtures include fixed components and a plurality of removable and interchangeable decorative adornments. The adornments each include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the adornment to a portion of the fixture or apparatus. Some or all of the set of interchangeable adornments may be interchanged to provide the fixtures or apparatus with a different appearance. The adornments may be of different shapes, sizes, and colors and they may be coupled to various non-fixed locations. The adornments may include multiple pieces coupled together and to the magnet using wire, string, chain or metal links. The fixtures or apparatus may be easily disassembled and reassembled by removing and replacing the adornments for cleaning or to change the appearance thereof. The fixture/apparatus may be a chandelier, candle holder, sconce, lamp, bobeche, tract lighting, ceiling fan, curtain rod, lampshade and the like.

Abstract: A display unit that does not use any characters, but uses pieces (or chips) that are housed within prearranged slots on a base unit to form human recognizable characters. The slots are arranged into a group, with each group of slots forming a specific topography within a group that enables a variety of characters to be displayed.

Abstract: A visual display apparatus (1) is disclosed which finds particular use as a sign in retail advertising or as a toy whereby a child can arrange display elements (5) in an appealing pattern. The sign (1) includes a ferromagnetic support (2) upon which magnetic display elements (5) can be positioned. Each element (5) comprises a magnetic base (10), an axle (11) projecting up from the magnetic base (10) through the bore (30) of a peripherally-toothed disc-like gear (13) and through the bore (31) of a spacer (19), the spacer (19) being affixed to the toothed gear (13), and a disc-shaped display sheet (15) mounted on the spacer (19) and fast therewith. The toothed gears (13) of adjacent elements (5) engage so that rotational movement of one element (5) causes movement of the adjacent element (5). Adjacent elements (5) are placed on the support surface to spell out a word or other required advertising.

Abstract: Colored magnetic particles for magnetophoretic display capable of substantially preventing peeling of a pigment therefrom, to thereby prevent contamination of a dispersion medium during use of a magnetophoretic display panel, and a method for manufacturing the same. The colored magnetic particles include magnetic particle elements and a coloring layer formed on each of the magnetic particle elements from a first dispersion liquid using a coating apparatus of a tumbling, fluidizing and granulating type, to thereby color each of the magnetic particles. The first dispersion liquid is constituted of a coloring pigment, synthetic resin and water. The synthetic resin is in the form of an aqueous emulsion. The colored magnetic particles each include a protective layer formed on the coloring layer. The protective layer is formed from a second dispersion liquid constituted of synthetic resin dispersed in water.

Abstract: An electromagnetic display apparatus includes a panel having substantially square pixel, which are divided into two parts. Each pixel is provided with a rotatably-mounted, bistable tilting flap, which is asymmetrical in relation to its rotational axis. The tilting flap covers one of the two portions of the panel surface in the pixel zone when the flap lies in each of its two stable positions. The side of the tilting flap facing the front side of the panel and the portion of the panel in the pixel zone, which is covered by the tilting flap and the other portion of the panel in the pixel zone has a second color. A permanent magnet is fitted to the tilting flap in close proximity to the rotational axis. The tilting flap is displaced from a first position into a second position by an electromagnet, which is located on the reverse side of the panel and is allocated to the pixels and which has a coil body and core.

Abstract: A small dot or disk flip dot display element and a method of making a flip dot display formed of such elements is shown where the disks or dots (24) flip between an ON position showing a bright surface and an OFF position showing a dark surface. The dots are flipped by electromagnets (36, 38) having poles (32) with a first coil (36, 38) wound thereon for producing a reversible magnetic field operating the flip dots. A second coil (40, 42) is wound on the poles in series with the first coil. The second coil is dipped in molten solder to form an electrical contact for energizing the first coils, and for mounting the elements to a circuit board. Separate terminal pins are not required for electrical connections to the coils, thus allowing flip dots as small as 5 mm or less to be used.

Abstract: A small dot or disk flip dot display element and a method of making a flip dot display formed of such elements is shown where the disks or dots flip between an ON position showing a bright surface and an OFF position showing a dark surface. The dots are flipped by electromagnets having poles with a first coil wound thereon for producing a reversible magnetic field operating the flip dots. A second coil is wound on the poles in series with the first coil. The second coil is dipped in molten solder to form an electrical contact for energizing the first coils, and for mounting the elements to a circuit board. Separate terminal pins are not required for electrical connections to the coils, thus allowing flip dots as small as 5 mm or less to be used.

Abstract: A display system for displaying display members such as numbers, letter or other indicia, e.g., for use in signage for displaying the price of gasoline on the premises of a service station. The display system of the invention utilizes magnets to facilitate easy substitution of display elements. The display system has a support surface supporting at least one securing member, which is preferably a V-shaped member having an upwardly facing recess. A magnet is provided proximate the securing member. A display member is provided with at least one secured member, e.g., an inverted isosceles triangle having a downwardly facing apex for complementary engagement with said upwardly facing recess of the securing member. A metallic mass is located proximate to the secured member for magnetic engagement with the magnet proximate the securing member. An extendable arm is preferably provided for manipulating the display members when the display members are mounted high off of the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying paper, fabric, photographs or the like, comprises a long, narrow strip of thin ferromagnetic spring steel, and a number of small tacks embedded with rare earth magnets or other magnets. A tape-like dispenser stores unused tacks and a portion of the strip that has yet to be used. The strip of spring steel is covered on one face by a strong adhesive. The adhesive side, when the strip has not been used, is covered by a protective layer, such as wax paper. The spring steel is rolled up inside the dispenser. The strip may be divided at regular intervals by a cut through the protective paper and adhesive layer, the cut line scoring the spring steel.

Abstract: A magnetic writing board providing a thin, lightweight, durable writing board, which has an internal array of closely arranged magnet assemblies. The magnetic writing board is operated to contemporaneously create a display which may be transferred to a computer for the modification thereof. The image may then be redisplayed, printed, stored, and/or remotely displayed such as at a computer monitor. A portion or all of an image may be completely and immediately erased. The magnetic writing board includes a grid disposed behind a display surface and a plurality of display elements, one each disposed within each cell defined by the grid. Each grid cell receives a masking agent to obscure the contrasting color of at least the forward edge of the display element when the display element is in the back position. The magnet assemblies are each oriented with their magnetic poles in the same direction, with the positive and negative poles being oriented to face either the front or back of the magnetic writing board.

Abstract: A magnetically operated display unit includes a frame with a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame and including a first surface with a color different to that of the frame and a second surface with a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a pair of bobbins mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the pair of bobbins, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode mounted on the frame. The plate defines a cutout for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the bobbins. The light emitting diode includes a tip located on a level between the plate and the tips of the pair of bobbins. Opposite polarities are selectively induced in the pair of bobbins.

Abstract: Display element for an electromagnetic display device comprising a frame and a disc mounted to the frame for pivoting of the disc about a pivoting axis, the disc having two differently colored sides, an ON-side the color of which contrasts against the background color of the frame and an OFF-side having a non-contrasting color. An electromagnetic drive system drives the disc from a first operating position where its ON-side is directed towards the main viewing direction to a second operating position where its OFF-side is directed towards the viewing direction. The drive system comprises a permanent magnet attached to the disc and an electromagnet attached to the frame.

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 method of operating a magnetically operated display unit that includes a frame of a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame which includes a first surface of a color different from that of the frame and a second surface of a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a U-shaped ferromagnetic element mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode mounted on the frame. The plate contains a cutout designed for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The tip of the light emitting diode is located on a level between the plate and the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The light emitting diode is visible sufficiently above the surface of the plate so that its light can shine on that surface.

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 smart cross electronic traffic sign for the control of vehicle and pedestrian traffic with programming and control by infrared remote control. The device is lightweight and easily portable. Messages can be displayed in the color of the normal traffic sign for the condition displayed. An audible message duplicates the message displayed.

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 magnetically operated display unit includes a frame of a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame which includes a first surface of a color different from that of the frame and a second surface of a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a U-shaped ferromagnetic element mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode mounted on the frame. The plate contains a cutout designed for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The tip of the light emitting diode is located on a level between the plate and the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The light emitting diode is visible sufficiently above the surface of the plate so that its light can shine on that surface. Two opposite currents are selectively directed through the solenoid.

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: 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 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 magnetically operated display unit includes a frame of a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame which includes a first surface of a color different from that of the frame and a second surface of a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a U-shaped ferromagnetic element mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode mounted on the frame. The plate contains a cutout designed for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The tip of the light emitting diode is located on a level between the plate and the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The light emitting diode is visible sufficiently above the surface of the plate so that its light can shine on that surface. Two opposite currents are selectively directed through the solenoid.

Abstract: Display devices are disclosed using a display surface through which are seen a plurality of indicating elements. The indicating elements have an axis parallel to the display surface and are provided with at least two information display faces preferably of different colors. The indicating elements are provided with permanent magnets and are rotatable about axes which allow alternative faces of the indicating elements to be viewed through the display surface. Locking elements are provided so that the indicating elements are maintained with one of the information carrying faces aligned with the display surface. The arresting elements may include a permanent magnet. The arrangement is particularly applicable for manually-controlled signal display devices.

Abstract: A magnetic migration display panel including a dispersion liquid layer composed of a magnetic particle, a dispersion medium composed of an organic solvent, a thickening agent composed of fatty acid bis-amide with a hydroxyl group having a melting point of 120.degree. C. to 160.degree. C., and a coloring material as desired, on a substrate is provided.

Abstract: A signal display device with passive components is disclosed, in particular for displaying characters which consist of a plurality of matrix-arranged picture elements. The device has an information-carrying base plate, suitable in particular for color information. Display elements made of generally cylindrical bodies can preferably swivel around an axis that coincides with their centroidal axis. Said display elements are provided with at least one signal display surface which can swivel in the direction of the information display surface of the base plate and which is suitable for carrying information, preferably information that differs from the information carried by the base plate. The invention is characterized in that the display elements are provided with three such parts which are mutually offset in the direction of their axes and of which two front faces are arranged perpendicularly to the axis and are secured to each other forming a single piece with the signal display surface.

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 light shutter for selectively masking the light emitted from an optic fibre is combined with a transparent panel through which the emitted light will travel. The transparent panel may be lens shaped and used, for example, to reduce light divergence about a transverse axis or to expand light divergence about a transverse axis.

Abstract: A portable display signage for all weather and ambient lighting conditions has dual matrices of character generating elements. One matrix is provided by a multiplicity of passive display units arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each of the passive display elements comprises a flat disk having a reflective side and a non-reflective side. An electromagnet on each display element rotates the disk to display its reflective or non-reflective side to form an information display from the first matrix. The second matrix is formed from active display elements including light emitting diodes arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each active display element is co-located with a passive display element to form a set and are positioned to be visible between gaps in the first matrix. A display is built from a plurality of modules containing subsets of the two matrices.

Abstract: A magnetic display erasing apparatus is provided wherein the distance by which an erasing head is moved when an unerasing operation is to be performed can be made as short as possible, thereby allowing the apparatus to be miniaturized and various designs obtained. A magnetic stripe an a magnetic display sheet are formed on a magnetic card. An erasing head is disposed on the side of the back face of the magnetic card which is conveyed. During an erasing operation, a magnetic field which is substantially parallel is formed at the position where the magnetic display sheet passes. When the magnetic display sheet is not to be erased, the erasing head is retracted from a card conveying path and then housed in a magnetic shield so as to be hermetically sealed. Accordingly, the magnetic field from the erasing head is weakened and cannot reach the magnetic display sheet.

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.

Abstract: A large multicolor display apparatus displays pictures and animations of high quality with multiple colors. The apparatus is used for advertisement and information purposes. The apparatus comprises unit blocks, which are divided into a plurality of sections. In each of the sections, there is arranged a multicolor display element having a rotary color display member. The color of each unit block is determined by the multicolor display elements disposed in the unit block. Each of the unit blocks, therefore, can display multiple colors, to improve the quality of images displayed on the apparatus. Since the multicolor display elements can be prepared in small sizes, they operate at high speed to display animations and make the apparatus thinner and lighter.

Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically erasing and writing data stored in human readable displays of product label. The product label includes a display area with magnetic particles which can be oriented by external magnetic field in shapes including human readable figures and symbols. The so oriented magnetic particles retain their position when the external field ie removed, thereby storing the recorded information in the form of the figures and symbols. A portable apparatus includes electrically controllable write magnets for writing the figures and symbols, and an electrically controllable erase magnet for erasing previously recorded figures and symbols. The controllable magnets are mounted in a write/erase head which is self-adapting to the surface of the label.

Abstract: Magnetic paint additives are formulated from ferromagnetic particles having a mixed particle range of from about 0.01.mu. to about 74.mu., preferably from about 0.01.mu. to about 37 to 44.mu.. Iron powder is preferred. Preferred additives are formulated by blending the particles with a surfactant or surfactant mixture, or a surfactant and alcohol mixture, in amounts sufficient to suspend the particles. The additive may be blended with any oil-, latex-, or lacquer-based paint or coating to form a magnetic paint or coating having a viscosity substantially similar to the paint containing no particles and/or additive. Some embodiments employ from about 500 to about 2000 grams of particles per gallon of paint. One preferred additive embodiment comprises 2 to 3 parts 6 to 9 micron iron powder and 1 part surfactant. Surfaces such as wood, wall board, sheet rock, foam, plywood, plastic, fiberboard and the like so coated may be cut with conventional woodworking tools to form magnetic signs.

Abstract: A display element is adapted to be arranged together with other similar elements in rows and columns for displaying signs and comprises a housing (2), a surface element (6) connected to said housing and movable between two positions for displaying different surface information (4,5), as well as a coil (9) optionally magnetizable in opposite directions, connected to the housing and adapted to actuate the surface element to occupy one or the other of said positions depending upon the direction of said magnetizing. The display element is adapted to be selected to magnetize the coil thereof by activating the column or row to which it belongs through lines interconnecting all display elements arranged in a column and a row, respectively.