Abstract: A back illuminated array of display elements each of which comprises a vane rotatable between two positions by interaction between an electromagnet and a permanent magnet attached to the vane. The electromagnet includes a monolithic member of soft magnetic material having a U-shaped portion and a flange portion end is configured in such a way as to reduce the reluctance of the magnetic circuit comprised by the electromagnet and permanent magnet. The monolithic member can be arranged to provide a bearing for the rotatable vane.

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: 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: In display comprising a display surface member with a plurality of display surfaces, and a permanent magnet type motor mechanism composed of a stator having magnetic members each forming a magnetic pole at one free end and excitation windings wound on the magnetic members and a rotor having a magnet member with a double-pole permanent magnet, the number of display surfaces of the display surface member is three or more odd number; the numbers of magnetic members and excitation windings of the rotor are also odd in accordance with the number of display surfaces and the magnet member of the rotor has a first magnetic pole opposed to the magnetic pole of one of the odd number of magnetic members and a second magnetic pole opposed to the magnetic poles of the other two adjacent magnetic members.

Abstract: A sign displaying characters in a manner emulating a digital display, in that the characters are formed using character elements to define parts of a particular font of characters. However, unlike a digital character that uses electrical control to activate character elements making up particular characters in the font, the present sign defines particular characters by covering the character elements not required for that character. The digital characters are formed on one or more sign inserts that removably fit within a sign body. The sign body includes a window exposing to view the character elements of each insert. The sign inserts may be of ferrous material and the cover members of magnetic material attachable to the inserts, so that the cover members are readily repositionable to change the message displayed by the digital characters.

Abstract: An electromagnetic display matrix includes easily replaceable modules mounted on a panel that is fitted with electromagnets, each module carrying an array of rotatable reflective vanes and a display sheet having an array of back-lit diffusers. The display sheet is removable by sliding it on the surface of the module, and the module is removable by sliding it on the surface of the panel. Tabs are provided by which the module can be released from the panel.

Abstract: A display device comprising a frame which is flexible along its length carrying at least one circuit board which can be flexed and which has electric circuit means for magnetically controlling electromagnetic display elements. By deliberately designing the frame so as to resiliently flex along its length, the display device can be resiliently flexed to conform to a curved transparent fronting screen, e.g. a vehicle windscreen.

Abstract: A changeable sign display has a supporting frame for an array of pixel elements including planar supports for the pixel elements perpendicular to the axes of rotation. Leaf springs extend from the supports toward the axis of rotation. Wires pass through aligned holes in the supports and leaf springs to serve as axles for the pixel elements. Upper and lower mountings for the planar supports are adjustable to correct bowing of the planar supports to assure sufficient coplanarity of the pixel elements to permit their selective rotation. The pixel elements have first and second ramp elements which are different from one another and facets which are different. The pixel element facets are supported from a hub which has flat outer faces which contact the leaf springs to restrain the pixel element from rotation and a slot extending along its length to permit the hub to be positioned over an axle support. A carriage supports a movable activator bank located rearward of the pixel elements.

Abstract: A new type of payment card includes a magnetically controlled display for visually reading magnetically recorded information such as current balance or available service value of the payment card. The required electronic and mechanical interface can be added to existing payment card handling equipment.

Abstract: A shutter is designed for use with an optic fibre which is designed to emit rays in a cone in a selected viewing direction. A mount carries the optic fibre to emit such cone. Associated with the mount is structure for rotatably mounting the shutter, or rotor to rotate between ON and OFF positions. The shutter is shaped to provide a panel which blocks the cone in the viewing direction in the OFF position. The shutter is shaped to define, in an ON position, a central opening for passage of the cone of light in the viewing direction. Rotation between the ON and OFF positions is about 90.degree.. An Electromagnetic drive is used to drive the shutter between the ON and OFF positions. The fibre is centrally located relative to the fibre mount. A plurality of shutters, each with its own drive may be arranged in line, in a single strip module.

Abstract: A display system using a matrix of rotatable display elements is provided in which the optical states of the display elements can be read back to confirm that the matrix is portraying information correctly. The display system is arranged to automatically ameliorate the effect of detected non-operating display elements on the intelligibility of the message displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus for levitating a magnetic body. The apparatus includes a structure (10) comprised of a material that is superconductive below a critical temperature. The structure includes at least one Josephson junction device (14) for passing a variable current therethrough for controlling an amount of magnetic flux penetration into the structure. At a first current flow magnetic flux generated by a magnetic body (12) is excluded from the structure and the magnetic body is levitated above a surface of the structure. At a second current flow the magnetic flux penetrates the structure, causing he levitating magnetic body to approach a surface of the structure. Controllably applying a current to an array (30) of superconductive tiles (34), forming Josephson tunnel junctions (38), is shown to provide a lateral motion of, or a rotation of, the magnetic body relative to the surface.

Abstract: A pictorial element display assembly adapted for mounting in a matrix of similar assemblies to present a character by transmitted and/or reflected light. The assembly has a rectangular opaque panel formed with a pocket defining a window in which is set a colored plate for displaying the illuminated pixel. A pair of light spot projecting caps set in keyhole shaped slots in the colored plate have parallel, coplanar axes aligned on a central axis midway between lateral edges of the panel. A D-shaped gate is rotatable through 180.degree. by an electromagnetic device, to open and closed positions on the window and on the panel for selectively uncovering and covering the covered plate. The caps engage ends of light transmitting fiber cords which carry light from a light source to project the light as light spots in intense beams out of central holes in ends of the caps. The axis of rotation of the gate is parallel to and spaced laterally from the central axis of the colored plate, away from the colored plate.

Abstract: A panel display having one or more magnetically responsive changeable indicia and magnetic controls for changing the display of each indicia, desired ones of the indicia being selected and stabilized by rotation or translation of control magnets. The indicia elements are pivotally supported and contain elongated magnets magnetized across their thickness rather than longitudinally, the elongated magnets being centered within the indicia elements along the pivotal axis. Each indicia element is paired with an adjacent movable control magnet which occupies at least two positions for purposes of exercising control of the display. The display is particularly intended for presenting pin fall information and cumulative frame-by-frame scores in the game of bowling.

Abstract: A magnetic display device having a case in which a magnetic display panel is fixedly mounted. To erase the magnetic display on the display panel, an eraser magnet mounted on a vertically elongated eraser mounting member is moved horizontally along the rear surface of the display panel, by means of a knob projecting forwardly from the mounting member. The case has a rear frame on the forward side of which are provided a pair of parallel horizontal racks. The eraser mounting member has on the rear surface thereof a pair of rotatable pinions which mesh with the racks, respectively. As the mounting member is manipulated horizontally by means of the knob, the pinions rotate along the respective racks and the mounting member is moved smoothly in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A rotatable display element has a reflective indicating vane comprising a thin sheet which is mounted so as to be in a substantially planar state. Such a thin and light sheet typically has little or no structural rigidity and preferably, according to this invention, the means for mounting the sheet are arranged to provide a tensioning force in the sheet. This causes the sheet to be held in a substantially planar state. The sheet according to this invention is also preferably arranged to be easily removed and replaced when it becomes faded or soiled.

Abstract: A display device including a plurality of pixel elements arranged in matrix form. Each of the pixel elements can be set to one of two alternative states. In the first state, each pixel element includes a portion that transmits light and an adjacent portion that reflects light. In the second, alternate state, each pixel element includes a single portion that is substantially non-reflective. The display device includes a substrate having a plurality of hole disposed therein for respectively receiving a plurality of pixel elements.

Abstract: A numeral display device having at least one visible face. Each segment of the device has a transparent outer pane and a spaced, parallel inner pane forming a pocket, a first portion of the pocket being aligned with and visible through an opening in the face. A flexible film is received in each pocket. A mechanism is provided to insert and withdraw each film from the first portion of each pocket so that each segment will either contrast with or match the face.

Abstract: A numeral display device having at least one visible face. Each segment of the device has a transparent outer pane and a spaced, parallel inner pane forming a pocket, a first portion of the pocket being aligned with and visible through an opening in the face. A flexible film is received in each pocket. A mechanism is provided to insert and withdraw each film from the first portion of each pocket so that each segment will either contrast with or match the face.

Abstract: Display device comprising an array of rotating display elements (4) which have at least two faces of different color and are arranged in rows and columns, means (8, 18) for actuating the said rotating elements in terms of rotation, intended to ensure the modification of the face of each rotating element appearing on the display, and means for controlling the actuating means (8, 18) so as to ensure the rotation of the said rotating elements in order to form an image to be displayed, characterized in that the rotating elements (4) of each row or column are arranged on a common shaft rotatably mounted in a frame of the device, each rotating element being connected to the shaft by a friction coupling, a device (8, 15) for driving in step-by-step rotation associated with each shaft and a retractable member (16) for blocking all the rotating elements (4) of each column or row in terms of rotation, one actuating device (18) being associated with each blocking member (16).

Abstract: A rotor presents bright and dark sides of a flat disk to a viewer. When the bright side is presented this side plus a stationary panel form a bright viewing area. When the dark side is presented the panel is occluded. The edges of the panel and of the disk in ON position define an aperture for light emission from an optic fibre end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device with a movable element. The movable element is driven between ON and OFF positions by switching the polarity of a first high remanence magnetic core. A reed switch is located in the flux path of the switchable magnetic core and of a second magnetic core such that the reed switch assumes open and closed states. The reed switch is connected so that one state turns on or exposes a light source and the other state turns off or masks the light source.

Abstract: A flexible electromagnet and a method for producing such are disclosed, the flexible electromagnet having a flexible magnetic core which permits directing the magnetic flux as desired. The core is constructed from a sufficiently flexible material such as cold rolled steel annealed to increase its flexiblity. A wire winding is wound on the core which is configured to be straight. Once the winding is complete, the core may be configured and reconfigured as desired. Particularly advantageous uses are in status indicators, especially miniature status indicators.

Abstract: A display device has a disk assembly with a SET position and a RESET position approximately perpendicular and approximately parallel to the intended viewing direction. The disk assembly shows a bright indication in the viewing direction in SET position and a dark indication at the same viewing area in the RESET position. An aperture in the disk allows radiation from an optic fibre to be seen from the viewing direction in SET position and a hood, mechanically attached to the disk assembly occludes such radiation in the reset position.

Abstract: A magnetically operated display element having contrasting opposite sides, is symmetrically mounted in a surrounding frame for pivoting about an axis. A permanent magnet within the display element has poles on opposite sides of the pivoting axis. A U-shaped electromagnet has its pole pieces positioned on opposite sides of the pivoting axis where they may interact with the poles of the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet has a asymmetrical magnetic construction relative to the pivoting axis. When the electromagnet is energized, the repulsion at one pole of the permanent magnet is always greater than at the other pole of the permanent magnet, causing rotation of the display element. The display element is statically and dynamically balanced.

Abstract: This matrix system and method for displaying graphic characters has a vertical panel with openings arranged in a rectangular array. At each opening is a display disk rotatable 180.degree. in a path between a non-reflective upright forward facing first position, and a light reflective upright forward facing second position. Each disk is turned on a horizontal axis and can be stopped in horizontal position midway in the path of disk rotation by an electromagnetically extensible and retractable stop member. The disks are turned by interaction between an electromagnetically energized magnetic core, and a permanent magnet rotatable with the disk. Lamps behind the disk can project back light through the openings when the disks are in midway positions to display graphic characters. Retraction of the stop members allows selected disks to turn to an upright light reflective position, to display graphic characters by ambient reflected light, while remaining disks provide a light blocking non-reflective background.

Abstract: A door sign device includes an actuator mounted on the inner door surface of a door that has inner and outer door surfaces so that a user can move the actuator between first and second actuator positions, and a follower mounted on the outer door surface so that the follower can be move between first and second follower positions that each correspond to a respective one of the first and second actuator positions. Coupling components are included for coupling the actuator to the follower magnetically so that the follower follows actuator movement, and indicator components responsive to the follower being in the first follower position indicate that a predetermined sign applies. Roller-type actuator and follower components may be employed that are mounted for rotation about axes that are parallel to the inner and outer door surfaces.

Abstract: An electromagnetic display device has a rotor rotatable between limiting positions and in said limiting positions to display contrasting faces in the viewing direction. The drive for the rotor uses a permanent magnet mounted on the rotor eccentrically of the rotary axis and a stator core mounted behind the rotor and on a line intersecting the rotor axis and parallel to the viewing direction.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated information display device is disclosed which includes a rigid, permanently magnetized display segment movably mounted in a non-magnetic chamber having a transparent viewing window and containing an opaque fluid whose color contrasts with the color of the display device. A core affixed to the rear of the chamber is capable of being selectively magnetized so as to repel or attract the display segment, according to the selected magnetic polarity of the core. Repulsion of the display segment by the core causes the display segment to move toward the transparent window through which the color of the display segment may be viewed as the opaque fluid is displaced away from the transparent window. Attraction of the display segment by the core causes the display segment to move away from the transparent window thereby allowing the opaque fluid to obstruct viewing of the display segment. In this position, the color of the opaque fluid is viewed through the transparent window.

Abstract: A changeable display unit for use in a sign device which comprises a case containing an electromagnet disposed therein and extending along the opposite sides thereof, the case including a case aperture disposed at the front side thereof, a fixed plate containing a plate aperture disposed at the center thereof, the fixed plate being bent at its center to form wing portions which extend therefrom, the fixed plate being attached to the case so that their respective apertures coincide, a movable plate rotably attached to the fixed plate at the center thereof, the movable plate containing a circular permanent magnet disposed therewithin whereby when the electromagnet is activated, the movable plate is selectively moved between the wing portions of the fixed plate whereby the opposite sides of the movable plate containing desired images are selectively displayed.

Abstract: Signal display element for the display of more than two informations by electromagnetically excited magnetic tilting plates, wherein at least two tilting plates in stable condition are arranged and supported in bearings on a baseplate for covering the surfaces of the baseplate carrying the information, the single tilting plates are supported in bearings preferably on two places and displaced in relation to each other, the distance between the common geometric axis of revolution of the tilting plates and the baseplate equals to, or is larger than the half of the total thickness of the tilting plates bearing up against one another.

Abstract: A display device of the matrix type utilizes coincident current selection of display elements by the provision of row conductors (R) activating row electromagnets (D) and column conductors (C) activating column electromagnets (H). Each display element includes a rotatable vane (S) which is stable in open and closed positions and a permanent magnet (M) co-operates with the electromagnet (D) to urge the vane (S) into the appropriate position.A clutch member in the form of a bar (L) extending from the vane (S) contacts the pole face of an electromagnetic (H) which, when activated, serves to inhibit movement of the vane irrespective of activation of the row electromagnet (D). Thus by pulsing the display row-by-row, the state of the display elements can be set by selective inhibiting of movement in coincident manner of the appropriate vanes (S) by pulsing the respective column conductors.

Abstract: Graphics information display panels made up of basic picture elements running to hundreds, or more, are useful for being viewed for advertising, transportation information, traffic control, news, weather, financial data and other information normally generated by computers. The system has capability in alphanumeric and also for color graphics designs in four colors through use of a basic display element with a transparent cylinder having four different color pigment enclosing compartments (or cavities) rotatable about a center rod mounting thereof. A six cavity transparent cylinder provides for design displays in six colors. Color pigments, either liquid or powder, are used to fill pixel cylinder cavities as fade resistant color medias where exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation otherwise tends to cause deterioration of color pigment.

Abstract: The device exhibits images of products to be advertised mounted continually rotatable about axes arranged in a space in any manner, consisting of a supporting framework provided, at least at one end thereof, with a fixed element having an extended surface in transparent material, adapted to support images to be exhibited and, in a position facing the image-bearing element, with at least one rotatable element, bearing colors and other images, associated with a pivot freely rotatable on a support rigidly associated with the framework. The rotatable element is subject to continuous rotations alternating in both directions according to present angles, with respect to said fixed image-bearing element, by means of a miniaturized electronic circuit, independently powered by a battery and adapted to cause said pivot to rotate by magnetic repulsion between an intermittently powered coil and a permanent magnet.

Abstract: This dot assembly has a three-position rotor carrying dot display means for use as a portion of a matrix of dots in a variable message sign. The assembly has a stator including a support carrying reversely magnetizable separate magnetic cores on which are separate electrically energizable coils. The rotor which is carried by the support has a shaft rotated axially perpendicular to the cores. A permanent magnet on the rotor is adjacent to the cores to interact magnetically with them and rotate the shaft selectively to any one of three rotor positions. A single display disk having a peripheral display edge and two opposite display sides, or a unit of three disks having three exposed display sides, is mounted on the shaft for selective display of said edge or any one of the display sides in a viewing position.

Abstract: The invention provides a display matrix system using display elements of the electromagnetic type. The system differs from others in that the currents applied to the display elements are unidirectional as there are no electrical switching components per element. This reduces the drive circuitry needed for the matrix. Selection of the display elements relies on current pulses of variable width.In accordance with an aspect of the invention each one of a row or column of coils are connected together by N conductors, such that it is only necessary to drive 1/N of the coils in a row or column at a time:In accordance with a further aspect of the invention means are provided which enable variation in the electrical pulse width applied to a display element in response to variation of one of ambient temperature and supply voltage.

Abstract: A signal display element for the display of more than two informations with electromagnetically excited magnetic tilting plates supported in bearings on a baseplate (1 ) and displaced axially in relation to one another, provided with at least one magnetic part each, and the magnetic axes of the magnetic parts (4) are normal to the plane of the tilting plates (3), bipolarly excitable electromagnets are provided for controlling the radiation of the tilting plates (3) about the axis of rotation and on the ends of electromagnetic cores (5) facing the baseplate (1) guide plates (6) are axially displaced, the number of the tilting plates (3) is larger at least by one, than the number of the guide plates (6), but their number is less at least by one, than the power of two with an exponent corresponding to the number of cores (5).

Abstract: Large scale information display panels made up of basic picture elements running to hundreds, even up several thousand color elements, are useful for being viewed for advertising, transportation information, traffic control, news, weather, finanical data and other information normally generated by computers. The system has capability in alphanumeric and also for color graphics designs in four colors with use of a basic display element with two intersecting planes rotational about an axis at the intersection of the two planes. A three plane element provides for designs in six colors. The basic two plane display has each face of each of the two plane surfaces coated or impregnated with a different color and a single permanent bar magnet is enclosed in one of the plane forms perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A signal display element for the display of more than two informations by electromagnetically excited tilting plates supported in bearings on a baseplate (1) and containing magnetic parts and adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation (3), wherein the magnetic axes of the parts of the tilting plates containing the magnets (5) run normal to the plane of the tilting plate, bipolarly excitable field coils are coupled to the tilting plate (4) for controlling the rotation thereof.

Abstract: Electromagnetically actuated rotatable display element uses low coercivity magnetic core drive through cores running parallel to the rotation axes and magnets on the element outside each end of the cores.

Abstract: A matrix display of the back-illiminated electromechanical type has enhanced picture display features by including display elements whose brightness is individually adjustable.In one arrangement, each display element has an aperture and an opaque shutter selectively settable to each one of at least three stable positions. In one position, the shutter covers the aperture completely, and in the other positions, it uncovers the aperture to a differing extent so as to pass light of differing intensity depending on the position.The activating mechanism for the matrix display is a moving head having two magnetic actuators arranged side-by-side for each row of display elements. One magnetic actuator serves to accelerate the shutter of a selected display element, and the other applies a braking force to halt the shutter in the desired position so as to control the brightness of the display element.By providing a group (e.g.

Abstract: A display element has a rotor designed to assume 3 or 4 angular positions to display corresponding panels on a viewing direction. The rotor has a permanent magnet at an angle to the axis. The position of the permanent magnet and rotor are controlled by stationary pairs of pole piece tips adjacent but spaced from each other, located adjacent the locus of the magnet at locations spaced by the angle between adjacent locations.

Abstract: An electromagnetic indicator capable of binary indication including a rotatably mounted semicircular flag assembly which can rotate between a first position ("set") and a second position ("fault") upon the receipt by the indicator of an electrical signal. A portion of the flag assembly is permanently magnetized and is magnetically latched in either the "set" or "fault" position by a magnetic latch which is preferably comprised of a bracket and core bar. The bracket has two ends which are positioned so that they are adjacent the magnetized portion of the flag assembly. The core bar is magnetically connected to an electromagnet and is also positioned adjacent a magnetized portion of the flag assembly. When the electromagnet is connected to the appropriate terminal of an electrical power source, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field, magnetizes the two ends of the bracket means and the core bar, and causes the flag assembly to flip from the "set" position to the "fault" position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A magnetophoresis type display suited to display characters, graphics and other patterns which are entered into a handwriting input device, and a graphic input/output device which, by utilizing such a display, in an input mode generates an electric signal (graphic signal) indicative of coordinates of an input point and, in a display mode, displays a pattern responsive to a graphic signal applied thereto. The display is provided with means for partially erasing a pattern which has been entered and displayed. The partial erase means comprises a carriage loaded with a magnet which is movable vertically and horizontally driven by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A display apparatus in the form of a container having display units mounted in subcontainers situated on the interior of the container bottom. Each of the display units has a display segment mounted for pivoting, and a motor for pivoting the segment. Each motor has male terminals extending through an orifice in the bottom of the subcontainer, two support elements which form flexible side plates and a reel for receiving a wire, a rotor mounted between the side plates, and an armature for the reel. The rotor includes a circular magnet mounted on end elements nestable in each other through the magnets central hollow space. Each end element nests in one of the side plates. The display apparatus also includes a plate mounted on the exterior of the container bottom. The plate has female receptors which receive the motor male terminals to form electrical connections, and a printed circuit which connects the electrical connections to a bayonnet connector.

Abstract: A display device for use in constructing remote controlling billboards, bus destination signs, and the like has a two-sided display disc which is carried on a pivoted support. The display disc is rotated by the application of force from a piezoelectric crystal drive to a point on the support which is off of the axis of rotation of the support. The crystal drive responds to DC voltage of one polarity or the other to rotate the display disc to expose a dark side or a light side to the viewer.

Abstract: A rotating display element which is provided with a display surface member having a plurality of display surfaces which are selected by rotating the display surface member, and a display unit which uses the display element. The display surface member of the rotating display element has incorporated therein a permanent magnet type motor mechanism and is driven by the permanent magnet type motor mechanism. The rotor of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism has first and second double-pole permanent magnet members, and its stator has first and second magnetic members having wound thereon first and second exciting windings, respectively. The display unit has first and second power supply means for supplying power to the first exciting winding of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism and third and fourth power supply means for supplying power to the second exciting winding.

Abstract: In a display sign including a plurality of rotatable display elements to be flipped between opposite extreme display positions, a bidirectional limit stop for stopping the motion of said display elements at said extreme positions is configured in the form of a bidirectional pendulum. The limit stop is preferably formed by an oversize sleeve coaxially disposed with respect to and depending from a smooth-surface horizontally disposed support member. The rotatable display element is preferably generally planar and configured to strike the opposite sides of the outer surface of the pendulum-forming sleeve along a line passing below the point of support thereof. The resulting pivoting and rotating movement of the pendulum serves to absorb a substantial portion of the angular kinetic energy of the rotating display element, thereby suppressing rebound.

Abstract: A changeable sign includes a flat magnetizable sheet metal sign board, and a plurality of trapezoidal segments of magnetic sheet material sized and arranged to form segmented alphanumeric characters magnetically adhered to the board. The board also includes space to apply a sheet of magnetic material containing printed information. Semi-invisible guidelines on the board, such as glossy lines on a flat background of the same color, guide the positioning of the segments to form the characters. The segments are formed with non-acute angle corners to maximize adherence at their corners. The segments are rearranged to form different characters and can be repositioned at will on the sign board over the guidelines to completely alter the sign format.

Abstract: A magnet operated display or indicator device selectably displays one of two faces of a disk. The disk is stopped in each limiting position by a stop contacting the disk inboard of its edge to another aspect the magnet is offset relative to the pivot axis of the disc to give better starting torques. In another aspect, where a plurality of disks are in columns, the pivot axes are stepped to be parallel but not coaxial.