Abstract: A beam scanning apparatus with arrayed rotating mirrors is provided. The beam scanning apparatus includes a motor, a worm, a wormgear, a mounting rack, and a rotating mirror, where the worm and the wormgear are located on the mounting rack, and engage with each other by using a gear for a linkage connection; the rotating mirror is located in the mounting rack, and is coaxially connected to the wormgear; and the motor is configured to drive the worm to rotate, to drive the wormgear and the rotating mirror to rotate coaxially. The rotating mirror may be replaced with another rotating mirror with a different structure and a different optical parameter, to adjust output performance of the beam scanning apparatus, thereby improving extensibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertising panel that consists in the use of an assembly of electric connections and electric and electronic components, toothed gears and timers, and to a system for displaying advertising segments in continuous or discontinuous sections which, during rotation, show a whole image, used to present an unlimited number of advertisements in a single system.

Abstract: A louver display panel system with a display panel for receiving printed or graphic material thereon, a support member to secure the display panel to a building or structure, and a louver movement control means. The display panel is rotationally secured to the support member and forms a louver structure. The louver movement control means maintains the display panel in a first position in a plane generally parallel to the exterior face of the building or structure until a wind load applied to the display panel exceeds a pre-determined value, after which the louver movement control means permits the display panel to rotate toward a second position generally parallel to the direction of the wind to reduce the wind load borne by the display panel. The louver movement control means returns the display panel to its first position when the wind load drops below said pre-determined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.

Abstract: A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.

Abstract: In the case of a stand for an information sign (2), the support (1) used for the information sign (2) is an L-shaped metal strip which is releasably connected to a base part, ensuring the stability of the stand, and, at its top end, has a pivot pin (14) and coupling discs (22, 23) which are provided with locking protrusions (20) and locking recesses (21), by means of which the information sign (2) can be arrested in different positions.

Abstract: A display system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable columns carried by the frame. Each of the plurality of rotatable columns may include a column connection member, at least one display engagement member carried by the column connection member, and a plurality of display members carried by the at least one display engagement member. The display system may also include a respective plurality of display guide members carried by the frame to engage each of the plurality of rotatable columns. Each of the respective plurality of display guide members may include an arcuate shaped guide. Each display guide member may have four imaginary quadrants and a portion of the arcuate shaped guide extends through each of the four imaginary quadrants. Each portion of the arcuate shaped guide extending through each of the imaginary quadrant preferably has a different shape.

Abstract: A rotatable display box comprising, a signage body and mount to engage this to a fixed structure in a manner to allow the signage body to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to said fixed structure. The signage body includes at least two display sides. A cam and the other is a cam follower are included. The cam has a surface including a number of cam surface depressions corresponding to the number of regions at or from which signage is or can be presented, said cam surface depressions located at intervals about said axis or rotation corresponding to the number of display sides of the signage box to which said rotation is to be biased to. The biasing to such locations is encouraged by the biasing of said cam follower towards the cam surface of said cam.

Abstract: A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.

Abstract: An image-changing signboard comprising an upper and a lower horizontal frame member (12, 14) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. A plurality of vertical bar-shaped display elements having a triangular cross-section are rotatably mounted in the upper and lower frame members. Individual gear units (26, 32) are mounted in one (12) of the horizontal frame members for rotating a respective display element (18). A drive motor (20) is connected to a common drive shaft (24) for simultaneously rotating respective gear units (26, 32). A plurality of gear units (26, 32) are mounted on a common mounting plate (22) so as to form a drive module, which is slidably mounted on tracks (40) in one (12) of the U-shaped horizontal frame members and which form a bottom plate bridging the gap between the legs of the frame member (12) and facing the signboard display.

Abstract: A billboard with rotating parts holding parts of ads to be displayed, includes motors (13) for switching between the two sides of the billboard by their rotation. Each side of the billboard includes three-sided panels (11), each side represents parts of an ad, so that each side of the billboard may present up to three ads. Each several adjacent panels and the same number of parallel panels behind them at the other side, belong to one two-sided part (10), which is capable of rotating by 180 degrees without bumping into adjacent parts, to switch between up to six different ads altogether. A motor (13) is used to rotate the billboard parts.

Abstract: The advertisement billboard includes at least one rotatable polyhedral column and a driving mechanism provided on a frame. The polyhedral column is consisted of a plurality of rotatable exhibiting boards having an obverse side and a reverse side. Each obverse side of the exhibiting boards outwardly displays an advertisement in sequence when the polyhedral column rotates for the first revolution, and each reverse side of the exhibiting boards outwardly displays an advertisement when the polyhedral column rotates for the second revolution, thereby enabling the advertisement billboard to display a multiple of planar advertisements.

Abstract: A display system may include a frame, column connection members connected to the frame, and four-sided column members positioned adjacent one another and rotatably connected to the column connection members. Each column member may include a connector and elongate display members positioned adjacent one another and pivotally connected to the connector. The display system may also include a drive assembly carried by the frame that engages the column connection members to rotate each column member so that selective display members pivot in a predetermined direction during rotation to change the shape of the column members allowing rotation thereof when positioned adjacent one another.

Abstract: A revolving billboard with LED holders has an outdoor frame, an LED frame and a vertical louvered blind. The LED frame is mounted inside the upper recess, and the vertical louvered blind is located in front of the LED holders inside the upper recess. The revolving billboard provides a clear image by the LED frame at night and also provides a good image due to the vertical louvered blind during the day.

Abstract: The advertisement billboard includes at least one rotatable polyhedral column and a driving mechanism provided on a frame. The polyhedral column is consisted of a plurality of rotatable exhibiting boards having an obverse side and a reverse side. Each obverse side of the exhibiting boards outwardly displays an advertisement in sequence when the polyhedral column rotates for the first revolution, and each reverse side of the exhibiting boards outwardly displays an advertisement when the polyhedral column rotates for the second revolution, thereby enabling the advertisement billboard to display a multiple of planar advertisements.

Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.

Abstract: An advertisement display device mainly made up a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a motor disposed in the upper chamber, multiple gears disposed in a bottom of the lower chamber, and multiple three-face hollow columns positioned in the lower chamber and rotatably connected with the multiple gears and the motor. The motor is actuated to drive the multiple three-face hollow columns to rotate, and when each column has rotated 120 degrees the motor and the columns then stop, and an advertisement display area is formed to demonstrate advertising for a short period until the motor is actuated again whereafter a different advertisement is displayed.

Abstract: A three-message sign having internal light source has an array of side-by-side triangular sign elements. Each of the triangular sign elements has three transparent display surfaces with three apices joining the three transparent display surfaces into the triangular sign element. The transparent display surfaces permit the array to display a discrete message when the array of triangular sign elements is simultaneously rotated to present the display surfaces for a single message. Each of the side-by-side triangular sign elements has a internal light source extending from at least one end of the triangular sign element across the transparent display surfaces of the triangular sign element. Transparent and opposed U-shaped holders are placed along edges of the transparent display surfaces, each transparent and opposed U-shaped element defining an indentation for trapping the edges of translucent message display strips.

Abstract: A convertible sign mechanism is provided which comprises a convertible sign member that is rotatable about an axis. The convertible sign member is capable of rotating at a variable velocity. A motor is operatively connected to a drive shaft, which is connected to a cam follower. The cam follower is slidably connected to a member receiving the cam follower, with the receiving member being connected to an output gear. The output gear is connected to a drive gear, which together provide a reduction ratio of at least 2:1.

Abstract: A prismatic advertising billboard having a body 1 elaborated as from a cardboard sheet 2 cut and bent in such a fashion as to show the shape of a box 3, in the interior of which are disposed profiles 4 and 5, also produced in cut and bent cardboard sheet, being that between the profiles 4 and 5 are mounted prismatic pieces 6 actuated in a synchronized manner by an electric motor 7; the electric motor 7 is connected to a long hexagonal axle 8 that crosses and is supported on the bearings 9 fixed to the profile 5, being that each one of the bearings 9 receives a pulley 10 through which the hexagonal axle passes 8; each one of the pulleys 10 incorporates a pin 11, elaborated so as to interfere in a connector 12, that is coupled by encasing in a triangular profile 13 elaborated in a cut and bent cardboard sheet 14.

Abstract: An art paper designed to facilitate the creation of kinetic art works. The term “kinetic art” refers to paintings or pictures, which have been designed to be shaped in a pleated manner and displayed in 3 dimensions to afford the viewer different images dependant upon the viewer's position in relation to the art. Kinetic art paper consists of a repeated pattern of long vertical strips of equal size separated by channels which define the precise location of where folds should be made to form a uniform pattern of pleats. The channels aid in the folding process. Image information is placed on the vertical strips, either through a manual painting or coloring process or through the use of a computer assisted printing program.

Abstract: In a device for operating display members (2) at signs for consecutive, repeated presentation of series of images, the members (2) are operated by a driving gear wheel (9) on a drive shaft (6) through a driven gear wheel (10) for each member (2). The drive shaft (6) has a lock (15) cooperating with a member (16) being non-rotatably connected with the driven gear wheel (10) for setting in a locking position for blocking the driven gear wheel (10) against rotation when no engagement between the gear wheels (9, 10) is present, and leaving its locking position for permitting rotation of the driven gear wheel (10) before engagement once again is present.

Abstract: A revolving signboard for conveying multiple messages, which comprises a housing having at least one window provided therein, a conveying system rotatably disposed within said housing, including means for rotating said conveying system in opposite directions, a plurality of pillars rotatably connected to said conveying signboard by connecting elements, each of said pillars containing a plurality of surfaces for selective exposure through the window of said housing, and a stopping pin mounted in said housing and an engaging member opratively associated with said pillars to engage with said stopping pin for rotating the pillar from one surface to an adjacent surface.

Abstract: A rotating sign assembly has a plurality of rotatable, multi-sided, sign segments and a drive mechanism for rotatably driving the sign segments. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft and one or more output shafts that each operate to rotate a multi-sided sign segment. A cam is fitted to each of the output shafts so that rotation of the cam causes rotation of the corresponding output shaft and sign segment. The cam has an outer perimeter and multiple equally spaced engagement slots which extend radially inwardly from the outer perimeter. Outwardly facing stabilizing portions are positioned between each of the engagement slots. The cam has multiple dwell positions, each corresponding to the display of one side of the multi-sided sign segment operated by the corresponding output shaft. A cam driver assembly is fitted to the drive shaft so that it rotates with the drive shaft. The cam driver assembly has a cam driver which extends outwardly from the axis of rotation and terminates in a knob.

Abstract: A rotating sign assembly has a plurality of rotatable, multi-sided, sign segments, a torque transmitting member which is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, a mechanism for rotatably driving the torque transmitting member, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a pair of engagement members, one of which is fitted on the torque transmitting member so that it rotates with the torque transmitting member about the first axis of rotation. This first engagement member has a first engagement surface. The second engagement member operates to rotate one of the multi-sided sign segments and is supported for rotation about the first axis of rotation. This engagement member has a second engagement surface which is configured to abut the first engagement surface on the first engagement member. The torque limiter also includes a coupling which includes a projection on one of the engagement surfaces and a recess defined in the other engagement surface.

Abstract: An indexing system for signs consisting of a plurality of indicia bearing vane faces wherein the vane faces are sequentially exposed to view in the manner of a "wave", such sequential revealing of the sign vane faces generating interest in the sign's message. Each sign vane is rotated by a transmission and the transmissions are interconnected in such a manner as to sequentially operate the vanes to produce the "wave" action and detents associated with each transmission lock the sign vane in the desired position.

Abstract: A traffic-control sign that automatically displays a primary message, such as "STOP", when electrical power is absent, and an optional secondary message, such as "We Arrest Drunk Drivers", when electrical power is present. The motorless sign is continually encompassed by an enclosure having a transparent facade. A plurality of pivotally-mounted louver panels arranged in a louvered fashion are viewable through the transparent facade. A linkage rod interconnecting the panels provides for unison rotation of the panels. The linkage rod communicates with a solenoid so that the panels assume two distinct positions dependent on the state of the solenoid. These distinct positions reveal primary and secondary viewing surfaces to which the respective messages are affixed. Panel travel approximating 180 degrees allows the messages to be displayed on the overall viewing surfaces formed by the combined individual panel surfaces.

Abstract: A transmission system for louver type signs wherein the signs consist of a plurality of multiple faced louvers having indicia defined thereon and the side-by-side relationship of the louvers permits pre-selected faces to define a completed image. The adjacent transmissions are operated by a constantly rotating drive shaft and the louvers may be simultaneously rotated or may sequentially operate in a delayed manner wherein the indicia on the louvers is progressively revealed in a "wave" manner. The drive shafts of adjacent transmissions are interconnected and a plurality of transmissions are operated by a single constantly operating motor drive source, and in the disclosed embodiment, a complete rotation of the transmission's drive shaft produces one-third of a rotation of the output shafts operating the louvers.

Abstract: A simplified gear box for intermittently displaying a number of displays on a display apparatus is comprised of a partial gear driven by a drive shaft, the partial gear cooperates with a number of pins on a rotatable pin wheel which is secured to a triangular shaped display element so as to intermittently rotate the display element upon rotation of the pin wheel. A number of gear boxes are connected to a number of triangular elements to intermittently synchronously rotate all of the triangular display elements, to display different images upon a face of the display apparatus.

Abstract: A decorative display device comprising figurines arranged in tiered first and second scenes, one scene being placed above the other. Each of the upper and lower tier scenes is coupled to a wind-up drive and music box mechanism and when rotated appears to be in synchronization with the music. The rotatable and music synchronized scenes are more noticeable and aesthetically pleasing and, thus, provide a more interesting display. The upper and lower tier scenes may rotate simultaneously, at different speeds (but in the same direction), in opposite directions, in opposite directions at different speeds, or one scene may rotate while the other scene remains stationary.

Abstract: A multiple image display device provides a seamless appearance while driving multiple rows of display panels arranged in adjacent columns. The display panels are driven through interconnection with a plurality of motor assemblies coupled to the bottom of the lower display panels and the top of the upper display panels. This enables the interconnection of multiple display panels in longitudinal alignment with minimum space therebetween to provide the seamless appearance. Intermediate support members carry the load of large display panels which would otherwise be impractical to assemble in a display device.

Abstract: The sign (10) includes a plurality of elongated louvers (170) arranged parallel to one another in a cylindrical array to form a carousel (30) of louvers rotatable about a central axis (15). Each louver (170) is rotatable about is own length to display different images, with the images of adjacent louvers being coherent to form a progressive coherent image about the carousel, and the louvers are turned on their own axes in timed relationship with respect to one another, either simultaneously or progressively, to change the images. Sign (10) has a circular frame (30) which is rotatably supported on a support base (20). Frame (30) has twelve panel frames (36) which are interconnected to form one rigid circular frame assembly (30) about central axis (15). Three drive wheel assemblies (70) are provided for rotating advertising sign (10) about central axis (15).

Abstract: A transmission system for louver type signs wherein the signs consist of a plurality of multiple faced louvers having indicia defined thereon and the side-by-side relationship of the louvers permits pre-selected faces to define a completed image and simultaneous partial rotation of the louvers presents a new visible image, and wherein, each louver is operated by a separate "T" drive bevel gear transmission having an output shaft upon which a louver is mounted operatively connected to a drive shaft perpendicularly related to the output shaft. The drive shafts of adjacent transmissions are interconnected and a plurality of transmissions are simultaneously operated by a single motor drive source. The cost of the transmissions is significantly reduced by the use of a unique bearing support system for the drive and output shafts eliminating the need for separate bearings in that the material of the transmission casing constitutes the shafts' bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A display device of the type having a plurality of parallel prisms that rotate intermittently and synchronously to present the surfaces of the different panels of each prism for view to provide different composite advertising designs. All the prisms are identical and each is formed with three identical panels that are rectangular and extend longitudinally of the prism. The panels have hinge sections formed integrally along their edges for meshing with hinge sections of adjacent panels in a piano-hinge-like arrangement. A removable hinge pin is disposed in at least one hinge connection so that upon removal of the hinge pin the adjacent panel can be swung open to allow access to the interior of the prism for changing a burned out illuminating device, such as a fluorescent or neon light.

Abstract: Rectangular transparency panels form the sides of triangular units that are lighted from within. A gear train drives the units in synchronism. A base housing has a plurality of parallel aligned round posts projecting upwardly from it. The posts have a bore in which the lower end of a tubular lamp resides. Annular recesses around the posts have ring bushings in them. Gears having axially upwardly and downwardly projecting hub portions rotate concentrically to but not directly on the posts. The downwardly projecting hub portion has an annular shoulder that imparts a thrust load to the bushing and the hub extends through the bushing to be journaled for rotation. A gear cover arranged above the posts contains similar bushings that journal the upper hub portions and accept upward thrust load. The upper hub portions of the gears have axial slots.

Abstract: A display apparatus for showing a number of different display images. The apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of triangular display elements mounted therein. Each of the display elements includes a first, second and third major sides, and is suspended for rotation about an axis, the axes of rotation of the elements arranged in a plane. Each of the first, second and third major sides each have a first and second edge, the first and second edge including a slide panel for inserting a display segment therein. The apparatus also includes a vertical blind track for mounting the plurality of elements, and a motor coupled to the vertical blind track for powering rotation of the elements. Also provided is a plurality of illumination sources, one of said plurality associated with each of said plurality of display elements, mounted at the base of each of said elements.

Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism (4) is disclosed for use in conjunction with multi-sided prismatic convertible sign elements (22). A drive gear (32) driven at constant speed causes a mounting gear (23) to rotate at an angular velocity both slower than the angular velocity of the drive gear (32) and at a varying angular velocity. An idler gear (38) guides a flexible tension supporting element (31) as it travels between an equalizer gear (35) and the drive gear (32). A series of the drive trains (21) may be mounted adjacent to each other so as to permit a plurality of prismatic sign elements (22, 47, 48) to create a convertible sign.

Abstract: A sign in which multiple scenes are presented in sequence is comprised of a plurality of juxtaposed rotationally driven display units that are assembled with triangularly-shaped hollow sleeves whose side panels are constituted by transparencies on each of which there is a portion of a different complete scene. There are adapters on the upper and lower ends of the display units which have bushings for allowing the juxtaposed display units to be journaled for rotation on a stationary light transmissive tubes that serves as axles. The tubes are retained at their lower ends in a row of equally spaced apart and colinear bores and they are retained at their upper ends by a plate which also has a corresponding row of bores that provide for stabilizing the upper ends of the tubes and for maintaining them in perfect alignment and spacing.

Abstract: A window blind covering arrangement including a set of window blind slat cover members that detachably fit over existing window blind slats for purposes of changing the associated existing decor. Each blind cover member including attachment features that facilitate a fast way of slip-over attachment to the structure associated with the existing window blind slats. Each blind slat cover member is provided with a code member that is associated with a panoramic scene portion of a larger composite panoramic scene which is depicted by the full set of slat cover members. The coded blind slat cover members facilitate selecting and installing a proper sequence of blind slat cover members to produce the composite panoramic scene of a preselected subject, such as a sports scene, a mountain scene, a seaside view, a city lights scene, or of an other subject. The displaying of the composite panoramic scene being controlled by selectively operating the window blind drawing mechanism.

Abstract: A rotating sign assembly includes a number of multi-sided, rotatable sign segments driven by an elongated drive shaft operably interconnected with each of the sign segments. The drive shaft includes at least one multi-armed driven cam fitted to the drive shaft. Each arm of the driven cam includes an outer sloped driving surface and a peaked extremity. The driven cam is rotatably driven by a driving arm assembly comprising a driving pin plate and a driven arm stop plate. The driving pin plate includes a pair of pins, one situated on each end of the plate. Each driving pin alternatingly interacts with the outer sloped surfaces of the cam for rotation thereof, this rotation being halted by interaction of the peaked extremities alternatingly with the ends of the stop plate.

Abstract: A multi-display sign assembly, which is particularly lightweight, may be hung in a variety of locations which could not normally support such a sign structure, and functions in smooth, quiet, and relatively low vibration movements, the sign assembly including a frame structure having a pair of support bars, and a plurality of elongate, lightweight triangular members rotatably held between the support bars by axle bars which extend longitudinally through the triangular members and protrude through the support bars. A motor is connected to a reducer which regulates the RPM's of a drive gear connected thereto, the drive gear including teeth only along 120 degrees of its exterior surface such that when the teeth engage a secondary gear which is connected to the axle bar of one of the triangle members, that triangle member will rotate resulting in a new display face of all of the triangle members rotating to form a new one of three distinct display surfaces containing advertising or like indicia thereon.

Abstract: A sign providing for the serial display of three discreet messages is disclosed. The disclosed sign has an array of discrete vertical three sided sign elements provided with an improved sign element mounts and bearings, improved detachable face plates for the display of the three sign messages, and an improved sign element drive for simultaneous rotation of the sign element array in 120.degree. increments for sequential display of the three discrete messages of the sign.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving device for driving or operating elongate display members at signs for consecutive, repeated presentation of series of images, whereby said elongate display members (2) are driven through pairs of gear wheels (15, 16) having conical teeth and whereby a driving gear wheel (15) in each pair of gear wheels is provided on a drive shaft (6) and a driven gear (16) wheel in each pair is operatively connected with the elongate display member (2) to be driven.

Abstract: An automatic and manually operated open-closed sign is provided that will include a timed motor to operate rotatable slats having the words "OPEN" and "CLOSED" printed on each side. A manual override is also provided so that the sign can be operated directly by a person.

Abstract: A flip-type display sign having a plurality of parallel louvers mounted in a frame utilizes flexible fabric louver covers to define the faces of the louvers, with the louver covers being supported on a plurality of cables, extending between a pair of end caps held in spaced relation by a lightweight tubular frame. The fabric covers may be independently removed or replaced or may be internally illuminated.

Abstract: A drive system for a display panel has a plurality of rotary, triangular columns positioned in parallel, juxtaposed relationship and whose corresponding side faces in the different positions of the columns can display a plurality of different images. The columns are supported for rotation at both ends and are each provided at one end with a substantially triangular rotation element. Displacement means driven by a common drive unit rotate the successive rotation elements consecutively through about 120.degree..

Abstract: An information display apparatus having a plurality of rotatable elements to create a changeable display of information is described. The display apparatus comprises a frame 1 in which are mounted a plurality of rotatable disc-shaped elements 4, each element having two display surfaces 5 and 6 and an array of activators 12. The frame of elements and the activators are moveable relative to one another. By selectively energising the activators 12, one or more of the elements 4 are rotated to alter the displayed information or image. The display apparatus may be arranged as a cylindrical of linear display. Sensors are positioned adjacent the activators (12) to sense the current position of the rotatable elements to decide if they need to be rotated.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a plurality of rotationally mounted display elements arranged into a matrix of rows and columns, the axes of rotation of said display elements being perpendicular to each associated column and parallel to each associated row, respectively, said display elements each including first and second display faces perpendicular to one another and joined along respective adjacent edges, for providing a desired arrangement of said display faces at the front of said display apparatus; first and second ramp surfaces are rigidly connected along inside edges of and extending substantially perpendicularly away from a back surface of said first and second faces, respectively, opposite the edges joining said first and second display faces, respectively; and an actuator assembly is mounted for bidirectional movement along a path perpendicular to the planes of rotation of said display elements at the rear of said display apparatus, for stroking selected ones of said first and second ramp surfaces w

Abstract: A logic control linear drive magnetic motor is used to reciprocate approximately 180.degree. flat panels which make a display board. Each panel of the display board is connected to a pulley which is in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the vane. A continuous drive cord is connected to each end of a shuttle cylinder of the motor and is wrapped around the pulley drum. The pulley drum is provided with self-alignment by providing slippage between a plate connected to the vane and the drum proper.